I Am Jonah: Part 5 - Bonus Devotion

This is a continuation of previous devotions. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to read the previous devotions.

I Am Jonah: Part 1 - The Runner
I Am Jonah: Part 2 - The Prayer
I Am Jonah: Part 3 - The Message
I Am Jonah: Part 4 - The Reaction

During these past four weeks I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my personal life vs Jonah’s. I’ve looked at our similarities and differences to see how true the statement “I AM JONAH” is. As much as I’ve declared that statement I realize that I don’t want to be Jonah. Yes Jonah was amazing Prophet who did some great things, but when you think of Jonah you don’t think of the good, you think of the bad. I’ve asked myself this week, if we were still in Biblical times and someone was going to write a book of the Bible based on my life (The book of Austin) and my decisions how would I want it to read? What message would I want to leave readers with? How would I ultimately want my story to end.

I could end with a Question Mark (?)
Look at the final few verses in Jonah 4:

6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?” (Jonah 4:6-11 NKJV)

Jonah’s story ends with him angry and fighting with God. We as readers are left with no resolution to their conflict, Jonah’s heart condition is still in limbo. Although Jonah did great things, his story ends with uncertainty. If my life story were to come to an end now, would my relationship with the Lord best be described and punctuated with a question mark?

I could end with a Period (.)
If my story were to end right now would I peace in my heart knowing I was secure in Christ? Would people who read my story be able to tell my heart condition based off my actions and the life I lived? Ending a story with a period shows certainty, security, and a knowledge that all things have been resolved. Image how Jonah’s story could’ve ended:

1 And it pleased Jonah exceedingly, and he became filled with joy. 2 So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, I knew you were able to save them; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, I offer this sacrifice to You as an offering of praise, worship, and thanksgiving.” 4 Then the Lord said, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
*All underlined portions show where the story was changed.

If Jonah’s story had ended like this, how do you think people would remember Jonah? Probably as the guy who ran at first, but after a time of repentance turned back to God and served Him whole-heartedly. What an example and testimony that would be for all of us. Wouldn’t we all be pleased to have our story end on a positive note, with our relationship with God not in question, but for everyone to know our heart condition and want to model their lives after us, the “Biblical Hero.”

I could end with an Explanation Mark (!)
Most of you are probably thinking, “I’d be pleased with the Period, why go any further?” Because I don’t just want to “squeak by, or barely pass the test.” I want to leave this word having “Aced the Test!” No none of us are perfect, but if my story were to end now I’d want to be on such a Spiritual High that there’d be no other way to describe it than with an explanation mark! Instead of the story not truly ending (like with the question mark), or ending on a good note (with the period), I’d want to go out with a bang (like with an explanation mark)! To have that we must be on fire for God. Meaning we must cleanse ourselves of worldly things and ideals, by constantly filling ourselves with God’s Word. This isn’t a result you get by just choosing God, or just going to church. This isn’t even a one day, one week, one year decision. I’ve had some amazing revival week “explanation mark” experiences in my life…but that’s the problem. It was just one week. It’s not enough to get on fire for God when your local church declares “revival.” You must take it upon yourself to allow God to take control and constantly fan your spiritual flame. Is it easy? Of course not. Is it possible? Only with dedication, determination, and God’s help.

Let’s turn the tables. What would you do if today 2016 were still Biblical times and someone was going to record your life story for the Bible? How would your story end if you were to die today? Would your story end on fire for God with an explanation mark (!)? Or would your story conclude in a positive tone, reassuring readers that you lived a good life with a period (.)? Or are you like Jonah. Are you currently wrestling with God, attempting to push your will above God’s? Would readers see your lifestyle and choices and question your heart condition? Would your story end with an unsure question mark (?)?

Bro. Austin Chapman is the Youth Minister

at Sugar Creek Baptist in Murray, KY and founder

of Inflamed Church Ministries.