God calls Jonah and tells him to "Go to Nineveh." Nineveh is the last place on earth an Israelite prophet would want to go. Jonah runs in the opposite direction; he hires a ship to take him to Tarshish. Jonah's chasing after a fresh start, perhaps to build a new life and make some money. He probably spent all he had on that ship to Tarshish. He now wants wealth so that he can control his own future and create his own destiny.

We like to think that these stories are ultimately about us. And they are. But they're primarily stories about God. This story isn't just about Nineveh. It's about Tarshish, too. God reveals himself in Tarshish. God's love and presence is more expansive than we ever thought possible. Even when we screw things up, God shows up and offers grace. Head for Nineveh and you can bet that God will meet you there.

ReNew Community Worship Service

Speaker: Aaron Vis

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17

https://my.bible.com/events/48841000