Unlikely Converts (Jonah)

Welcome to this week’s Companion Thought on the Minor Prophet, Jonah.

Jonah is a prophet whose selfish, entitled attitude provides a sharp contrast to God’s compassion for those who do not know him. The book of Jonah is full of unexpected twists and turns that highlights some unlikely conversions.

 A friend of mine (I’ll call John) came to the Lord as a college student. He’d been a notorious partier known for his generous use of drugs and alcohol. Soon after his conversion, he began attending church. and one Sunday saw a friend from high school he’d known was a believer. It had been years since he’d seen him. His friend’s mouth dropped open when he saw John. After making their way through the crowded sanctuary they embraced and his friend asked, “What are you doing here?” John told him he’d recently come to Christ but as he shared his faith journey, the young man began to weep. 

Of course, John was puzzled. Then his friend explained “When we were in high school, my youth leader challenged us to write down the name of the person we thought most unlikely to come to the Lord and pray for them every day for a year. You were my pick.” 

He opened his Bible and showed John where he’d written John’s first and last name. “I prayed for you every day that year,” he said, “and I’ve prayed for you every day since.”

In Jonah, something similar happens. Pagans—people—we’d think would never be open to the gospel, receive it—first the crew who sails with Jonah as he runs away from the Lord, and then the Ninevites who are enemies of God’s people. 

So, what happened?

Well, God happened. He opened the eyes of the sailors and the Ninevites so that they understood they were in mortal danger and God was their only hope of salvation. Notice, their conversion had very little to do with the messenger—Jonah.

Jonah is probably the poorest excuse for a prophet found in the entire Bible. He’s called to be a missionary, but not once does he willingly share the gospel. 

Only when the ship is about to sink does he admit that his disobedience has caused the life-threatening storm.

And when he finally makes it to Nineveh, he does the bare minimum. He doesn’t talk about how God made the world, or how the Lord protects and blesses His people. There’s no compelling hook or (I’m guessing) no enthusiasm. He simply walks the city and says, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 

And yet, despite Jonah’s terrible attitude, he has amazing results. The sailors acknowledge God saved them and offer sacrifices and vows. The entire nation of Nineveh repents

On thing this story tells us, is that God will accomplish His work with or without our full cooperation. He can use us even if we’re reluctant or angry, but a bad attitude puts us on the sidelines. 

God is always revealing Himself but if we’re frumping around while God is working, we rob ourselves of the reward of our labors—the joy of welcoming new believers into God’s family.

Look around. Pay attention to the nonbelievers in our families, workplaces, and communities, especially those who seem most hostile to the gospel (and perhaps to us.) Join God in His work, don’t fight Him. And never think that someone is beyond God’s reach. 

You know what would be great? If you and I took the challenge that John’s friend took. 

Think of one person you believe is LEAST likely to come to the Lord and write their name down. Then pray for them every day for a year.

If you’ve done something like this before, would you leave a comment and let us know what happened? We’d love to hear your story.