Running from God: Jonah’s Story and Ours

Have you ever tried to wriggle out of something you didn’t want to do? My brother once faked being sick for school with talcum powder on his face to look pale—only it turned out to be glitter talc. He walked in pale as a ghost but sparkling like a unicorn.

We laugh, but we all dodge things: awkward conversations, unanswered emails, chores we’d rather ignore. Sometimes, though, it’s bigger than that. Sometimes, like Jonah, we try to dodge God.

Jonah’s Call and Jonah’s Flight

Jonah was a prophet in 8th century BC Israel. God called him to preach to Nineveh—the capital of Assyria, Israel’s sworn enemies. These people were infamous for cruelty and violence.

Instead of obeying, Jonah ran. Not northeast to Nineveh, but southwest to Tarshish—the furthest place he could imagine. The “son of faithfulness” tried to put as much distance between himself and God’s call as possible.

When Apathy Creeps In

God doesn’t let him off. He hurls a storm at the ship until it’s breaking apart. The sailors panic and pray. Jonah? He’s fast asleep below deck. Not the rest of trust—but the sleep of apathy.

That’s uncomfortably close to home. Where has apathy crept in for us? Prayer that once felt alive but now feels flat. A Bible gathering dust. A nudge to forgive, speak, or serve—met with a shrug: “Not today, Lord.”

The good news is that even when Jonah checked out, God didn’t. He sent a storm, then a sailor to shake him awake. The real danger isn’t outside—it’s when our hearts stop caring.

Words vs. Actions

Eventually Jonah admits: “I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” His theology was flawless. But his actions betrayed him—he was still running.

It’s possible to say the right things about God yet live as if He isn’t really Lord of our time, money, or relationships. God is after more than lip-service; He wants our lives.

Overboard and Grace

When Jonah tells the sailors to throw him overboard, they resist at first—showing him more mercy than he ever showed Nineveh. But when they finally do, the storm stops. And it’s the sailors—not Jonah—who end up worshipping God.

Then comes a twist of grace: “The Lord appointed a great fish.” Just when Jonah thought his story was over, God was already writing his rescue.

Pointing to Jesus

Jonah’s story points forward to Jesus. Jonah was thrown into the sea for his own rebellion. Jesus was thrown into the storm of God’s judgment for ours. Jonah spent three days in the fish. Jesus spent three days in the tomb—before rising to bring mercy not just to Nineveh, but to the whole world.

That’s the gospel of Jonah 1: even when we run, God runs after us.

Where Are You Running?

Jonah’s story isn’t just about him—it’s about us. Where are you running today? From God’s call? From forgiving someone? From believing His mercy is for you?

Here’s the hope: you can run from God, but His grace will still run after you.

Reflection Question: What would it look like this week to stop running and surrender to the God whose mercy is chasing you down?