Righteous Bubble

Decoration image for quotation

“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

Share this page

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)

More on Mission Central

Devotional

Brotherly Love

What unites us all is our shared faith in Jesus, so we are more than kin but brothers in Spirit as well. Read more Read more...

Article

Intimacy and Doing God's Will

Redefining mission, intimacy and doing God's will is the pillar to our identity and as people of mission. Read more Read more...

Article

Pray, Give, and Go

A look at how mission has changed (or hasn't) since the 1960s. What is needed for mission to thrive today? Read more Read more...

Article

When a Muslim Dreams of a Missionary

With crushing debt, a dying mother and a looming prison sentence, Murad was in desperate need of a miracle. Then, he dreamed of a missionary. Read more Read more...

Article

A Letter from BC Christian Leaders

Let us all join together asking for the grace and peace of our God, all who are sorely tried by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more Read more...

Article

A Powerful Ministry Tool

How significant are these moments? Only the Lord knows. I do know they have warmed my heart, given me fresh perspective. Read more Read more...

Devotional

Love Your Enemies

If you have an enemy in your life, if someone hates you, consider how Jesus is asking you to go to them? Hearing and obeying requires embodied action. Read more Read more...

Article

10 important ways church planting can help women

When we think of missions, church planting may be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet it is often not thought of as ministry to women. Read more Read more...