“Where do you come from?”

In this sixth discussion on the series, we are going to consider the third question that Jonah was asked by his co-travelers on the troubled sea.  Recall that in the midst of the chaos and threat of the angry waves on the sea, they figured out that Jonah might likely be the cause of the problem.  They had already asked him two questions, which we examined in the last two episodes.  Then, one question came again from another person; “Where do you come from?” He asked, (Jonah 1:8 NRSV).

Some people would not find it easy to answer such a question as this, knowing fully well that they are fugitives.  They tend to consider it as a top secret and are not going to declare any truth about themselves.  This, of course, was not the case with Jonah.  He disclosed that he was a fugitive, running away from the presence of God (Jonah 1:10).

The case is similar to that of many people today who have left the presence of the living God.  They deserted the ministry to which God called them, and are now running after secular issues, contrary to the plan of God for them.  They think they can hide from God but “neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are named and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do”  Hebrew 4:13.

When God calls you, there is no where you can hide yourself.  It is just like a peacock which buries her head in the sand while the rest parts of the body are outside, and she starts whistling; “Nobody can see me, nobody can see me…”  Is she not fooling herself?  The best thing is when God calls you to His service, never run away.  Obey Him.  Gladly answer the call and do what God calls you to do.  The next question, sequel to this, and is coming soon, will reveal how Jonah almost lost his heavenly citizenship. Please, do not miss it.