Matt was only being true to who he was. He had grown up in a family that didn’t have to worry how big the next paycheck would be. He was able to afford new shoes at the beginning of each semester. He was even able to afford all of his own equipment so he wouldn’t have to wear hand-me-down or used uniform, pads or helmet. He didn’t intend to, but he did feel like he was just a little better than the rest. He tried not to ever let people see him as snobbish or aloof, but every once in a while it would surface; a cold remark about “faded colors reflecting one’s ability at football”, or something like that. He couldn’t hide who he was. He was special.
Sara had always been able to sing. She even prided herself on never having to audition for the Christmas pageant or the school musicals. She was always asked. She really struggled any time her vocal coach would ask her to help out with someone on their pitch or tuning. After all, if they could sing they wouldn’t need any help. She never did. Sara couldn’t hide who she was. She was special.
When I read Jonah 3:10 – 4:3, I often looked at Jonah as a spoiled rotten baby when he cries out that he’d be better off dead than to see the Ninevites live. How could he not recognize that God’s love and compassion are overwhelming for every living soul, not just the ones he liked? As I’ve grown I look back and see how much of Jonah has been in my life. I have, on occasion, chosen not to share Christ, food or drink with someone because I thought they weren’t worth it. The fact is none of us is worth what Christ has paid for us. Each of us deserves destruction, yet He forgives, loves, calls and empowers us to partner with Him in serving others.
Has reading this exposed a little Jonah in you? Can you live with that? I couldn’t and can’t. You can join me in asking God to stretch us and expose us to those who challenge us so we can partner with Him in serving them.
Recent Responses