The man Jonah has always had a less-than-desirable reputation that is, for the most part, well earned. He came into the world as a member of God's chosen and most favored people, the children of Israel. He also held an honorable office as a prophet of the Most High God. Because of this, Jonah was given considerable privileges and even greater responsibilities. He enjoyed the benefits, but on at least one occasion, he shied away from a duty that carried a heavy weight.

He should not have run from the Lord, but his trepidation (from sinful man's perspective) is somewhat understandable. In the end, this reluctant servant of God did as he was told, even if he wasn't altogether happy about it. And we do not want to miss the fact that Jonah's initial disobedience came at a price.

But the book of Jonah is not merely a story that captures a brief moment in the life of a rather cantankerous man of God. Are you a child of the King? Are you saved by the blood of the Lamb? If so, God has given you a number of assignments with eternal consequences. Let's face it. Some of these tasks are downright unpleasant.

Read this book in the shadow of the Scriptures. Then ask yourself this question: Am I joyfully obedient to my Savior, or am I a high-maintenance Christian in constant need of the rod of correction?

This is Ted Merritt's tenth book. Ted and his wife Debbie live in Oklahoma City.