But.. But.. - Jonah 1:1-10
Jonah disobeyed even after he heard the voice of God. Even after hearing God’s word, Jonah responded with “but”. In spite of Jonah’s disobedience, God loves Jonah. So, God found Jonah once again through a “but” of God’s own. The “but” from God contains in it the love of God.
First, it is God’s love revealed in “almost”. Instead of completely destroying the ship that Jonah was on, he “almost” destroyed it.
Second, it is God’s love revealed through the ship captain. The captain spoke words similar to what God told Jonah. Third, it is God’s love revealed through lot casting. Jonah would’ve known why he was chosen by lot. Fourth, it is God’s love revealed through the questions thrown by the ship crew. The ship crew asked Jonah who he was, and in the process of answering them Jonah realized once again who he was. Finally, it is God’s love revealed through the rebuke given by the ship crew. God was saying to Jonah what he wanted to say.
There are times when we also say “but” to God by disobeying his word. But God can say “but”. We must become believers who long for the love of God revealed through “but”.