One person believed that he could build a huge cathedral, call himself a bishop and then have a mega church. His idea was that by having a huge building with infrastructure, people will flock in. Convincing many donors, he purchased a huge property outside the city and erected a mega building that looked like a mall. However, not even one hundred people turned up for his Sunday worship service. He tried all methods of business, propaganda, and public relations. Yet, the number of people did not increase.
Deputed to Go: The Great Commission is to go everywhere as a witness to make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) However, he thought he would go to a certain extent, build a structure, and invite people. Jonah also had this problem: “Why should I go?” His logic was: If Ninevites want to know more about the Living God Jehovah, they should travel to Jerusalem.
Domineering city: God sends his people like Jonah to places that seem intimidating. Nineveh was the capital of Assyrian Empire, was a large city, perhaps, the largest city in the world at that time of history.
Different people: Missions are going to different people; race, caste, economy, nationality, culture, language…etc. Jonah did not understand God as Sovereign Lord of all nations. Jonah thought his call was limited to teach, preach and prophesy only among Israelites.
Difficult people: Missions are going to minister among wicked and evil people. Lord said to Jonah that the sin of the city has multiplied. (Jonah 1:2)
Dangerous people: Missions are a risky endeavor. Jonah could be mocked, attacked, and even killed. Prophet Nahum had described the Ninevites. (Nahum 3:1-4)
Defiled Land: Jonah was reluctant as he had to leave the Promised Land and go to lands that were considered as unholy or pagan by Israelite.
Deserve mercy? Jonah was sure that God will be merciful and the city will not be destroyed, but his reputation as prophet would be destroyed. Hence, he did not want neither to destroy Nineveh nor his reputation.
Am I on a Go Mission?