The book of Jonah has been described as a book about mission. There is the mission of God in bringing the message of repentance and salvation. But also, there is the mission of self-determined individuals to do what they believe is in their own best interest. And these missions are on a collision course. We will appreciate God’s initiative, His will, His sovereignty, and on the other hand, we will see the will of man, working against the will of God, blatant disregard for God’s command, the will of man in rejecting God’s command. And still God works his will, no one thwarts his will, and ultimately, man eventually chooses to submit to the LORD. For many of us, we will wan to see ourselves in the best light possible, and so we say to ourselves, that Jonah was a bonehead. If it were me, I would have gone, I would have obeyed. No need to throw me overboard, me and God, we’re good. And yet, if we were to examine our hearts closely, we may admit that we too are very much like Jonah. We want to do what’s best for ourselves. We even think we can know God’s heart and presume to know what He is going to do. So why study Jonah? Look at our land. Look at the divisiveness of our country. Look at the divisiveness of the church. Look at the divisiveness of our own families. The mission field is everywhere. Some feel more comfortable talking sports, talking politics, talking cars, talking golf, talking about anything else under the sun, but when will we ever get around to talking about God? The question arises, will we follow Jesus’ command? “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18–20) What’s our excuse? We have been authorized to share the gospel. The command has been made. The call has been issued. It’s not like he said to go to a foreign country and share the gospel, except, oh yeah, he did say all nations. But you might say, I feel more comfortable in my country. But it’s not like he said you would be all alone, in fact, Jesus said he would be with you. We partner with others in the gospel who serve in other countries. So I think as we study Jonah closely, we may find ourselves looking more and more like fish food. We might even say we’re more like fish vomit. God’s word is clear. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) I pray as God reveals your heart, that He also reveals his heart to you and you will love Him even more as we gain greater understanding of God’s mercy and kindness He freely bestows towards us.