The Choice Between Two Cities

"Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 
Jonah 1:2 (NIV)

In 1959, Alfred Dean caught a 2,664-pound great white shark, the largest fish in history. But the Bible tells an even more incredible story, but in reverse—the story of a fish that caught a man.

When God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, the prophet makes a choice that’s similar to the daily decision you face. To obey God and go to Nineveh, or to avoid God’s will and choose his own destination. Nineveh represented God's will: a difficult mission to a wicked city that deserved judgment. Tarshish represented Jonah's will: 2,500 miles in the opposite direction, toward comfort and familiarity. 

Jonah tried to run away from God by going to Tarshish. But God will always find you, even in unexpected ways. The good news is that when He finds you, He gives you another chance to do His will.

What was God's will for Jonah? To go to Nineveh and share God's message with people who needed to hear it. In other words, Jonah was called to be a missionary.

Here's the thing: while the word "missionary" never appears in the Bible, the concept is everywhere. From Abraham being called to bless all nations to Jesus telling His disciples to go and make disciples, God's people have always been sent to share His love. We're all missionaries in our own contexts.

You may not be called to cross an ocean, but you're called to cross the street, the office, or even your own living room.

Every day, you choose between Nineveh and Tarshish. Nineveh might be that difficult conversation with a neighbor, serving your family, or stepping out of your comfort zone to share God's love. Tarshish is always easier, but when you resist God's mission, everyone suffers, including those who miss the blessing of your obedience.

Embrace your Nineveh today. God's mission for your life brings blessing to others and fulfillment to you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the story of Jonah, teaching me to obey and follow your voice instead of my own comfort. Help me choose Your Nineveh over my Tarshish and embrace the mission You've given me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.