RUNNING AWAY

It is common logic, and often experience as well, to try and run away from unpleasant circumstances. This might be people, business, school, church, God or whatever. We somehow assume that getting away from a problem also solves the problem. It rarely does but it almost always seems like it will.

Jonah is the classic running away story in the Bible.
“But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.”

Many have paid the price and got on board to think they are getting away from the presence of the Lord. Getting on board and paying the fare is only the beginning of the misery and pain of disobedience. It is guilt and shame after we are loaded in the boat that gets us. Running away is one thing and getting back is another. There must be an easier way than a three- day ride in a whale’s belly. But the Lord will do for us what needs to be done. We may run away but we can’t stay away.

“You do not want to go away also, do you?” Jesus