For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV)
Philip and Jonah are examples of two men who responded in opposite ways when God called them to do something. As you read, ask yourself if you’re more like Philip or Jonah.
Philip willingly obeyed
When “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza’” (Acts 8:26 NKJV), Philip “arose and went” (Acts 8:27 NKJV). God didn’t say how far to go or why he was going. Yet, Philip went anyway.
At some point, Philip saw an Ethiopian eunuch, a man with “great authority,” and the Holy Spirit told Philip to catch up with the chariot (Acts 8:27–29 NKJV). Again, Philip did what God wanted Him to do. Philip “ran to him” and then explained a Scripture that the man had been reading (Acts 8:30, 35 NKJV).
As a result of his obedience, Philip enjoyed the blessing of leading the man to Jesus and then baptizing him.
Jonah refused
On the other hand, when God told Jonah, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me” (Jonah 1:2 NKJV), Jonah refused. Jonah didn’t want to go to the Ninevites because they were evil and had done awful things to his people. Jonah knew that God was “a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm” (Jonah 4:2 NKJV). He didn’t want God to have mercy on the Ninevites if they repented.
Instead of going to Nineveh, Jonah got into a boat going in the opposite direction from Nineveh. If you haven’t read it, take some time to read the Book of Jonah. It’s not long. Suffice it to say, God didn’t let Jonah get away with his disobedience. As Pastor Greg Laurie put it: God said, “Go.” Jonah said, “No.” And God said, “Oh?” Isn’t that great?
How about you?
So, the question remains: Are you more like Philip or Jonah? Unlike Jonah, if you refuse, you probably won’t be swallowed by a big fish and barfed up close to the place you were supposed to go. But you will miss out on the opportunity to partner with God to do His work. You’ll miss out on the joy and the blessing that comes with it.
Take some time to examine your heart. Be honest with yourself. Ask God to show you who you’re more like. If you’re more like Jonah, ask God to help you be more like Philip. Then commit to having a willing heart as you walk by faith with Him.
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