Mission to the Community

March 7, 2010

Background Scripture: Jonah 1:1 – 3; 3:1 – 9
Lesson Passage: Jonah 1:1 – 3; 3:1 – 9

Today’s lesson opens this Quarter’s emphasis on “Teachings on Community” and this Unit’s theme of “Community with a Mission”. Both the Quarter’s emphasis and the Unit’s theme present relevant concerns for the local church today. Churches should not be socially isolated but rather an integral part of the surrounding community. Further, the church should clearly express itself through its mission to those in the community. This lesson opens up this three month study by considering the mission to be a spiritual voice to a sometimes wayward community. This is not a voice of condemnation but rather a clarion call to the community to change directions before disaster strikes. Ironically, or sometimes unfortunately, the story of Jonah bears much resemblance to the observed behavior of some local church congregations in general and some members of local churches more specifically. Many members want to engage in ministry, however, they do have their preferences as to when and who they are willing to serve. Undoubtedly, Christians have studied the book of Jonah many times. It is beneficial to remind ourselves of some very important facts related to this window of history. First and foremost, God selected the messenger to send to Nineveh. Had Jonah volunteered to go, he probably would have run towards the city rather than attempt to run away from it. God chooses whoever he wants to choose for mission work. Those who are unwilling to serve might still be God’s choice for the work. Secondly, God insisted on providing the message that was to be delivered. He told Jonah to preach the preaching that I bid thee. Jonah did not have to make up anything or try to figure out what needed to be said. His main responsibility was to listen to God’s voice and speak what God told him to say. Some shy away from ministry or mission work because they believe that they are inadequate. Jonah teaches us that through prayer, obedience, and patience we can see God obtain results through our obedient efforts. The third point is that God is the judge. Only God knows the hearts of men and is therefore the only one qualified to judge their character. Since the result of the judgment could have eternal consequences, it is best that one familiar with matters of eternity do the judging. Jonah’s responsibility was to be obedient to God’s calling. Too often we think we know what’s best and therefore believe that our plans deserve to be taken into consideration. As far as ministry is concerned, we are still learning and ever coming into new truths. It should therefore be assumed by the willing missionary that there is still much to be learned that we don’t know. Just as Jonah was sent by God on a mission to the city of Nineveh, local churches today have missions to their surrounding communities. We should gladly take up the call to serve that is embodied in the Great Commission and not be found guilty of ignoring the call or running in the opposite direction as Jonah did.


Robert C. Hudson
March 1, 2010