This Week in Worship: Jonah, Go Change the World

Are you in it for yourself?

In our world, it is easy to come to the conclusion that people are out for themselves. There is no concern for the other. We see this attitude in parking lots, as people hunt for the best spots. We see it in our schools, as students are pitted against one another for the top grades. We see this attitude in our politics, as men and women squabble over who gets credit for successes (and blame for failures). Yet, when it comes to the church, we have to ask the sobering question, “Are we in it only for ourselves?” Is our pursuit of Christ merely about gaining our own happiness and our own security? In order to counter this attitude that causes us to be “in it for ourselves,” we are going to look at the book of Jonah.

Jonah was the reluctant prophet called to bring salvation to his enemies. Jonah, would rather die than to extend God’s mercy to his hated foes. Yet, that doesn’t stop God from using him. God used Jonah, the reluctant prophet, to change the world. If God can use Jonah, then God can certainly use people like you and me to change the world.

In order to prepare for this week, read Jonah 1.