My friend Renée (she wants props!) told me recently that she realized that:
"Delayed obedience is the same as disobedience".
Got it, Jonah? Got it, Elom? (well, she wasn't talking about me... at least I hope she wasn't). Jonah's prayer in chapter 2 is so deep, so meaningful, so sincere, but in in the end he still doesn't get it! Jonah got angry four times in chapter 4 alone, God did not get angry once (probably a little impatient). God was as concerned about Nenevah as He was about teaching Jonah a lesson. Well, I shouldn't be so quick to judge Jonah, I am guilty of that sometimes: missing the big picture... Jonah didn't get it, and I don't a lot of times. I still get into certain situations trying to plan everything, including the outcome.
-"Hmm... I think I'll only do this, or that... nothing else!"
How about doing what God wants? How about doing what God wants and wait expectingly (not too impatiently) to see what happens next? How about doing what God wants without a set agenda? How about praying for the sake of praying... not asking for something, not complaining, not expecting anything... just praying for the sake of praying? I find that some of my most intimate moments with God happen in these circumstances... simply no agenda.
I am sorry Father, if like Jonah, I hide from you sometimes. I am sorry if I am hard of hearing, or (worse) if I have a case of selective hearing. I should know by now that You can see right through the excuses, and justifications. I never want to be inside a whale again, I never want to run away from you.
The story stops before hearing Jonah saying something like:
-"Oooooh! I get it now! Or at least, I think I do..."
Probably on purpose...
EED
"Delayed obedience is the same as disobedience".
Got it, Jonah? Got it, Elom? (well, she wasn't talking about me... at least I hope she wasn't). Jonah's prayer in chapter 2 is so deep, so meaningful, so sincere, but in in the end he still doesn't get it! Jonah got angry four times in chapter 4 alone, God did not get angry once (probably a little impatient). God was as concerned about Nenevah as He was about teaching Jonah a lesson. Well, I shouldn't be so quick to judge Jonah, I am guilty of that sometimes: missing the big picture... Jonah didn't get it, and I don't a lot of times. I still get into certain situations trying to plan everything, including the outcome.
-"Hmm... I think I'll only do this, or that... nothing else!"
How about doing what God wants? How about doing what God wants and wait expectingly (not too impatiently) to see what happens next? How about doing what God wants without a set agenda? How about praying for the sake of praying... not asking for something, not complaining, not expecting anything... just praying for the sake of praying? I find that some of my most intimate moments with God happen in these circumstances... simply no agenda.
I am sorry Father, if like Jonah, I hide from you sometimes. I am sorry if I am hard of hearing, or (worse) if I have a case of selective hearing. I should know by now that You can see right through the excuses, and justifications. I never want to be inside a whale again, I never want to run away from you.
The story stops before hearing Jonah saying something like:
-"Oooooh! I get it now! Or at least, I think I do..."
Probably on purpose...
EED
7 comments:
Totally feel you. That's one of the reasons why I started wearing the hijab. I had to follow how God wanted me to dress vs how I wanted the world to see me. I struggled with it for a while but eventually, I knew it was the right thing for me to do.
Oh and I meant to ask. Who is this Scott you keep talking about lol
Very good question. Scott Sliver is my friend and pastor. According to his blog, Scott is:
-"a thinker, a student of pop culture and presenting spiritual concepts in a way that can be understood by all. Married 22 years to Bonnie (aka Sparkle the Clown), 4 kids ages 16-21"
He records a weekly 10 minute-podcast, where he reflects on the week's sermon; hence me reflecting on his reflections (instead of writing him ridiculously long emails-LOL)
Link to the podcasts:
http://daytonvineyard.com/index.php?cat_id=29&page_id=176
Oh ok,well thanks for the explanation. I always though Scott's reflections was a book or something you were reflecting about, then I thought it was your friend, then I was perplexed lol. Thanks for clarifying :)
Who is this "Scott" of whom you speak? He sounds like a pretty cool guy! I would like to meet him someday!
Anonymous,
I have this strange feeling that you might actually know him...
Post a Comment