You Can't Outrun Trouble

“The last great battle of the Civil War took place near the McLean Farm in Appomattox, Virginia. The McLean house was chosen to be the spot where Gen. Robert E. Lee would surrender to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. The McLeans were new to the area. They previously lived near a place called Bull Run, site of the first major battle of the Civil War. Later there was a second battle of Bull Run, and the McLeans finally gave up, not wanting to see any more war. That is why they moved. McLean used to say, “The war started in my front yard and ended in my parlor.” It just goes to show you, you can’t outrun trouble.”*

            The prophet Jonah thought that he could outrun his troubles.  You know the story -- God instructs Jonah to do something difficult and the first thing he does is attempt to run away.  He books passage on a ship headed to Tarshish instead of obediently heading for Nineveh.  But God isn’t so easily dissuaded.  Following an encounter with a divinely-appointed storm and great fish, Jonah rethinks his decision to try and outrun God.  I suppose being regurgitated alive from the belly of a fish would tend to cause anyone to reflect on their life choices.

            Jonah goes on to preach to the Ninevites, but he is still harboring some rebellion in his heart.  This is seen in his angry response to the repentance of the Ninevites.  There is a sense that, even though he was physically present, Jonah was still on the run.  But God still pursues him.  He confronts the petulant prophet’s “I told you so’s” with an up-close-and-personal lesson on compassion.

            It’s true.  We can’t out-run trouble.  But for the child of God, that can be a source of comfort.  Like Jonah, God loves us too much to let us keep running without attempting to turn us around.  The storm and big fishes of life just might be what’s needed to get us to consider the paths we have chosen.

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.preaching.com/sermon-illustrations/illustration-trouble-will-find-you/