Running Into The Fire
Jonah Chapter 3 | God’s Rescue Mission
How Disciples of Jesus Are Like Emergency Workers
The sermon opens with a reflection on September 11, 2001, highlighting the heroic actions of first responders during this national tragedy. Of the 2,996 lives lost that day, more than 400 were first responders who ran toward danger while others fled. They were unified by a common mission, knowing exactly why they existed and what they were called to do. This powerful imagery sets the stage for understanding our role in God's rescue mission.
How Are Christians Like Emergency Responders?
Pastor Bart draws a parallel between three types of emergency responders and our roles as Christians:
Firefighters - Those who create safe environments and remove obstacles that prevent people from exploring faith
Police Officers - Those who help people understand when they're in opposition to God
EMTs/Paramedics - Those with hearts of compassion who apply God's healing love to spiritually injured people
Unfortunately, many Christians take on a fourth role - the bystander. These are people who watch from the sidelines, waiting for "professionals" to step in. The sermon emphasizes that in God's rescue plan, there are no bystanders. All disciples of Jesus are called to active participation in His mission.
What Does Jonah Chapter 3 Teach About God's Second Chances?
Turning to Jonah chapter 3, the sermon reminds us that this book isn't primarily about Jonah or a big fish, but about God's heart for rescue and the lengths He will go to accomplish His mission. After Jonah's initial disobedience and subsequent discipline in the fish's belly, God gives him a second chance: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time."
The mission hadn't changed - Jonah had to change. After his surrender, Jonah finally enters Nineveh, an "extremely great city" requiring a three-day walk to cross. His message is brief but effective: "In 40 days Nineveh will be demolished." The Ninevites immediately believe God (not Jonah) and respond with genuine repentance, from the king down to the common people.
How Does God Respond to Genuine Repentance?
The king of Nineveh demonstrates remarkable humility, stepping down from his throne, removing his royal robes, and covering himself with sackcloth and ashes. He doesn't presume God's forgiveness but humbly acknowledges God's prerogative to show mercy: "Who knows? God may turn and relent."
God examines their hearts deeply and sees their genuine turning from evil ways. As a result, "God relented from the disaster He had threatened them with." This wasn't God changing His mind, but God acting upon His own character, where justice demands repentance and mercy responds to it.
Who Is Your Nineveh? How Can You Participate in God's Rescue Mission?
The sermon concludes with three practical applications:
God doesn't choose you because you're good; He chooses you because He's good. We often remain bystanders because we feel unqualified, but God drafts us into His emergency response plan not based on our qualifications but on His goodness.
You can't receive God's mercy while clinging to your own authority. Just as the king of Nineveh stepped off his throne, we must surrender our own authority to receive and participate in God's mercy. As citizens of God's kingdom, Jesus is our King with ultimate authority.
God's rescue workers run toward what others run from. Like the 9/11 first responders who ran up the stairs while others ran down, we're called to move toward spiritual danger zones - people and situations that need God's redemptive work.
Pastor Bart challenges us with a final question: "Who's the Nineveh that God is calling you to?" This might be individuals whose choices we disagree with, difficult neighbors, challenging coworkers, or estranged family members.
The sermon ends with a vision for community transformation, noting that many community problems stem from people lacking the same "North Star" that guides believers. Rather than complaining or expecting authorities to fix problems, the church is called to engage personally with those who need to experience God's mercy - running into the fire to make a difference.