The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD.

Jonah 1:2-3

Ah, January—I love Januarys. Januarys beckon me to step back and consider the old year. I transpose my Canadian memories of crisp snowfalls to cover the muddy paths I’ve been over. I cry to the Lord: wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). But then Januarys urge me on to chase the new with vigor: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).  

But why Jonah as the prototype for January beginnings? What better starting point than the familiar. Who hasn’t heard about the man in the belly of the big fish! Jonah had a story about his relationship with God and was not afraid to write it down for the world to read, flaws and all. The times we enter are messy, the rights and wrongs of Jonah’s tale applicable. Welcome to 2023.

In my familiarity with Jonah I had overlooked the very nature of his calling. Jonah was a prophet. As Priscilla Shirer succinctly says in her Jonah study*, prophets:

1)hear from God;

2)declare God’s message to His people; 

3)what they prophesy comes true (the mark of a prophet).

Jonah’s prophet status had been verified in 2 Kings 14:25. Jonah was the real deal.

Right about then I wondered why in the world was a man, so close to God to be given the distinct privilege and honor of being called to speak God’s message to the people, on the run? He had to know God always got His way, one way or the other. Silly Jonah—did he really think he could hide!

Do I think I can run away from the calling of God on my life? Do you? I am not a prophet, but that does not let me off the hook. If we love Him we are called according to his purpose…to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (Romans 8:28-29). That requires time spent with the Lord. 

And while you’re there, search your story for the lessons God wants you to glorify Him with, write them down, and tell them to those who don’t know Him well.   

Nancy P

*JONAH…Living a Life Interrupted, Lifeway Press 2010, p.11.

All Scripture quotations are from the NIV 1973, 1978, 1984, unless otherwise noted.