Theme: Avoiding Being Jonah
Text: The book of Jonah
Topic: Avoiding Excuses
Text: Jonah 1; 1 Samuel 10:20-22
Introduction
Jonah
is a perfect portrait of a reluctant leader. If ever God provided a
picture of our human nature- our inclination to run from duty in favour
of serving self; He did it through Jonah.
A
number of believers today have ready made excuses why they cannot do
God's work. They often abandon the business of God to serve self.
Jonah is not alone, God has called many reluctant leaders:
Jeremiah, Jeremiah 1:4-6
When
God called Jeremiah, he debated with God on the basis of his tender
age, as though God had forgotten how old he was. God basically
responded, " I have been preparing you since before you took shape in
your mother's womb.
Moses, Exodus :3:2-14
After
40 years of preparation, Moses expressed a total reluctance as he stood
before a burning bush, trying to excuse himself from leadership. He
wanted to have a reassurance that God indeed has sent him.
Saul, 1 Samuel 10: 20-22
Saul stood head and shoulders above everyone, yet he hid among equipments when Samuel came to anoint him king of Israel.
Gideon, Judges 6:11-22
God called Gideon to lead an attack against the Medianites. He argued with an angel, explaining why he should not do it.
Consequences of giving excuses
1. We miss the privilege of partnership with God (Jonah 1:1-3)
2. Our choice damages more people than we know
3. We become hardened and desensitize to the tragedies we cause, Jonah 1:5-8
4. We lose both integrity and trust, Jonah 1:9-10
Conclusion
It
is interesting to note that every major player in the story of Jonah:
the storm, the sailors, the fish, the king, the Ninevites, the vine, the
worm, and the east wind- all obeyed God except Jonah. If we are
sincere in avoiding being Jonah, we have to put an end to giving
excuses.
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