Pity this prophet

And the Word of the Lord came to the prophet….

…except it wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

That wicked city ought to get what’s coming to it.

But the Lord is a gracious God, merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.

They would repent and be saved from the judgment that’s due them.

It would have been a day of joy –

To deliver God’s message, and to see your hearers do something with it and receive salvation.

It would have been a day to remember, but for this prophet, it wasn’t a day he was exactly looking forward to.

So he found transport, and headed another way.

Pity this prophet –

Because who can run from the Almighty God?

After we’ve received from God, how can we hide with the truth?

(Because we don’t like them, and they ought to get what’s coming to them).

It could be a day of joy; a day to remember, if we’d just trust and obey.

The prophet, of all people, should know this!

But he was carrying a message he didn’t want to deliver –

He was carrying truth he didn’t want to share.

And it’s not always that easy to see clearly when you’re in that state.
Still, God did not forsake His prophet.

“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction and He answered me…. Jonah 2:2.

When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You….” Jonah 2:7.

Yes, he delivered the message.

Yes, his hearers received his message – and salvation, much to the prophet’s chagrin.

But the Word of God was proclaimed.

The feet of them who bring good news are still beautiful (the reluctance of the prophet, despite!)

Truth would be told.

God’s Word would be proclaimed.

Pity the prophet then who would really rather not tell Truth that must be proclaimed.

Because –

No one can run from God.

God still hears. He still answers.

And He is a very present help for His prophets – especially those with truth they’d really rather not share.


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