Righteous Bubble

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“Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

Jonah 4:11

I confess that I am Jonah. Sometimes the problem is not that we are having trouble hearing God. We hear just fine. Sometimes the trouble is obedience.

I confess that I am Jonah. I believe that my wisdom and judgement of situations and others is truer that God’s. I’d prefer to run away than obey.

I confess that I am Jonah. Withholding the grace that saves me would be preferable to sharing it with people who will just squander it. I know the heart of mankind; its evil and self-serving. They’ll never change. That’s the reason for my silence I tell myself.

I confess that I am Jonah. I move into my safe bubble to watch what God will do to those who deserve his righteous punishment.

I am Jonah, and in this case, I think I have a pretty good reason for not letting people know that God is “gracious and compassionate”.

Action:

God has asked everyone who believes in him to love their neighbour and share the good news about Jesus. Ask God for an opportunity to share, and do it.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me when I have not been gracious or compassionate and have withheld your love from the people around me. Please give me your compassion and love for my neighbour

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About the author

Profile photo for John Hall

In 1997 John Hall, his wife Wei, and brother in-law started Eco Outdoor Sports in Metro Vancouver. In 2003 the business was sold, and his family entered a seven-year ‘desert experience’. During that time the Lord impressed on John and his family the importance of hearing and obeying Jesus every day, something that he tries to integrate into everything he does. In 2010 God changed the family’s direction and led him to finish his degree at Regent College in preparation for life as a full-time missionary overseas. That ministry opportunity didn’t develop as planned, as a whole new perspective and participation-in Christ’s mission was born at Missions Fest Vancouver. It’s now a daily occurrence for John’s business background and theological training to get a workout.

John served as the Executive Director at Mission Central (formerly Missions Fest Vancouver) from 2014 to April 2023.

John and Wei live in Richmond, BC. They have two wonderful adult girls. John completed his MA at Regent College in 2010.

Church
Church
The Tapestry Church (Richmond, BC)

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