Series: Simply Complex
Message: Complex Expectations
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Ask God for the understanding through the Holy Spirit.

Read: Jonah 1-4 (Message). Note 1–3 insights or questions that arise from the paraphrase. 

Reflect: I live in Boulder, Colorado, which likes to present itself as a very open-minded and accepting place. There are certainly a lot of cars proudly featuring “COEXIST” bumper stickers, and several interfaith groups. Interestingly, I have noticed that while many people are very gracious towards lots of different ideas and faiths, Christianity is much less acceptable. At a recent breakfast meeting of various faith groups, I was asked specifically not to mention the name of Jesus or God in my prayer. They said it could be offensive to some of the other faith groups in the room. They would prefer “power” or “energy” or something other word. I was quite disappointed, since at the last few meetings that involved “prayers” from other leaders, I did not require any adjustments to the things that were said that I did not believe in.

Many issues can be raised from this anecdote—not least how tragic it is that our God has become so offensive to this otherwise accepting group of people. Christians have a long journey ahead of us, to make certain that the name of God is not associated with negative memories but with wonderful and uplifting moments instead. When I call on the name of Jesus, I think hope. I look at my local church in Boulder and see the honest expression of hope in Jesus. By no means do we have it all together, but that in itself is part of what is so beautiful about our faith experience. We are a community that admits it has lots to learn every single day and longs to express more of Jesus every single day.

That desire to learn every single day is the reason we can exist with others. The moment we stop learn- ing, the moment we feel we are have all the truth, the moment we feel that we are the only solution, the moment that we feel that everyone else has to learn from us is the moment we oppress others. Friends do this. Parents do this. Partners do this. Companies do this. Cities do this. Countries do this. Faith communities can this. We all do this.

Our world history is full of stories of oppression and domination. The Assyrians at the time of Jonah were oppressing Israel. They had not yet captured the 10 northern tribes of Israel, but they were certainly moving in that direction. Jonah would not have been considered a friend. Yet he was sent with a clear message to ask these people to change their ways. I wonder if Jonah had an edge about him, that it was clear he felt he was better than the Ninevites. I wonder if their repentance was a total and unexpected shock to him.

Recalibrate: ​​​Who do you need to learn to accept in your life?

Respond: Pray for the spirit of grace towards others.

Research: What are the best techniques for defusing racism and hatred towards others?