Jonah, the marathon runner.

[Theja]

The prophet Jonah is a very interesting character. Each of the four brief chapters can be metaphorically characterised as Jonah running in different directions.

Chapter 1 --- RUNNING AWAY FROM GOD. Jonah is directed to go to Nineveh and preach to the Assyrians. Being their political enemy and having suffered under them, Jonah does not want these people to receive God's mercy, so he tries to run from the 'presence of the Lord'.

He gets into trouble and thrown into the sea, swallowed by a large fish, and finds plenty time to think over his motive in the solitary confinement of the fish's belly --- his Guantanamo.

A second chance. God is patient.

Chapter 2 --- RUNNING BACK TO GOD. In times of trouble most resort to the last and only choice: call upon God. (Very few atheists in fox holes).

Jonah SOS God in distress and humility. "Salvation is from the Lord" (2:9).

The fish had indigestion and puked Jonah on the shore of Nineveh. A free ride. God pays for all the expenses of His servants.

Chapter 3 --- RUNNING WITH GOD. Finally Jonah is doing what God ordered him to do: Preach to the Assyrians: "In 40 days Nineveh will be destroyed" (3:4).

(Oh yes, that would be wonderful as far as Jonah is concerned --- let God kill all His enemies).

But when a warning is given, God expects people to repent, so He can show mercy (Which is why Jonah refused to go in the first place). God is merciful!

The people of Nineveh repents (as Jonah suspected). God relents. Judgment withdrawn. (The dying thief on the cross -- he received mercy one minute before he dies and enters PARADISE.)

Someone is not happy. Jonah is not happy.

Chapter 4 --- RUNNING AHEAD OF GOD.

Jonah offers a piece of his mind to God: "you see, I knew this would happen, that is why I ran away in the first place --- now my enemies lives" (4:1-2).

God exposes Jonahs petulance and lack of mercy.

(The four chapters can be read under 10 minutes)

[Hattushil]

If he put turpentine oil in his certain hole, he could definatelly run faster...

(This operation can be completed under 5 minutes and tested on mules)

[Theja]

When I see your post the word "Obstructionist" comes to mind. Or Deviator.

[Theja]

Glad to see you enjoying some blessing --- you do need some calming factor and bring you down to earth.... hehehe... to your senses.

[Theja]

The name Jonah means 'dove'.

But in more ways than one, Jonah behaved like a stubborn donkey --- so God had to put bit and bridle on Jonah (Psalm 32:8-9).

[Theja]

I know you're trying to make Christianity irrelevant in your delusional mind, so you could erase the painful idea of going to hell someday.

In light of your great emotional need, I exercise patience toward you (even though you have made it a business of yours to disrupt and deviate my posts). Poor adonis! So although I expect to see you more often than not popping up where I show up, remember the patience I keep extending to you. Come kitty, get some water.
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Let me prophesy here: adonis will say something unrelated to the topic of the thread --- a true deviator. Or deviant? hehehehe.....

[Theja]

You can run, but you can't hide. Be sure your sin will find you out, says the Bible --- who can find this verse?