Jonah

So, for some reason the topic of free will and predestination is on my mind quite often. Ask my brother, Mike, and he'll confirm that. I call him every time a new idea in support of free will pops in my head. However, that doesn't mean I deny God's sovereignty.

Well, just last night, while I was in the shower of all places, I started to realize that, even though my ideas are logical, they were lacking some biblical support. Then I realized that there is an Old Testament story that shows how both free will and God's sovereignty exist. That story is of Jonah.

Most people know the story of the man who spent three days in the belly of a whale (or large fish, that detail doesn't really matter lol). Well, let's look at it a little more closely.

God was ready to destroy the Ninevites because of their sin. But He decided to give them a final warning through Jonah. Jonah was scared of the Ninevites so he runs away in the opposite direction to Tarshish instead. A few things have happened here. God had a road, destination and plan set for Jonah. He knew Jonah's fear, but God let him make his own decision (free will). However, Jonah wasn't let off very easy. God would get Jonah to where He wanted him eventually, but He also had to get Jonah's heart in the right place too. So, what does God do? He sends a storm Jonah's way to get his attention.

How many times do we do the same thing? God tells us to do one thing, we say no, crap blows up in our face and we end up doing what God wanted us to anyway (most of the time). Well, that's what happens to Jonah. God let's him board a ship, but sends a storm his way that nearly destroys the ship. Jonah knows it's God trying to get his attention, so he tells the crew that it's his fault and that the only way they can save their ship is to toss him overboard. I doubt the guys even hesitate. As soon as Jonah hits the water, the storm calms.

Now, Jonah's stranded in the sea, probably miles from any land. Then what happens? A freaking whale swallows him whole! Just one thing after another, right? He sacrifices himself to save those he put in danger because of his rebellion, but that's not enough. A whale has to make him a snack! Once he's inside the belly of this whale, he may be sitting there thinking, "Really, God? Was this necessary?" God probably responded with, "Well, there was a boat with food and water you could have taken, but you ran away instead. So, enjoy the ride!"

So, if you look at the whole story, it's a perfect example of free will and God's sovereign will coexisting. I'm not saying free will is always a blessing, because it's just as much a curse. Without it there is no sin, because if it didn't exist, it means someone else is controlling our actions. If it's Satan or his demons controlling us, then God would only punish Satan for forcing our hand. If it's God controlling our actions, then He is the author of sin. Plus, if sin is disobedience to God and He controls our actions, how is it sin?

Also, God provided a way for Jonah to get where He wanted him. God knows the choices we will make, He doesn't make them for us. So, if we get off course, He's got a plan to get us back on track. He also knows who will choose to answer His call to follow Him and those who will ignore/reject the call. On top of that, He knows who needs a little extra prodding, so He pursues them just a little harder than others who fall in love with Him right away. Look at Jonah! He needed a hurricane and a giant fish to follow God's plan. Others hear the call and just trust right away and receive all of the blessings God had planned along the way.

That said, God does know who will never turn to Him. For example Sodom and Gomorrah; King Saul; and Pharaoh. God knew they would never turn from their sin, so he hardened their hearts and made them the storms for the ones God knew would come to Him. Lot was saved from destruction, even though he didn't stay loyal to God completely; David was a man after God's own heart; and Moses was able to lead God's people out of Egypt.

So, I guess my point is that there is no "one or the other" as far as free will and God's sovereignty. They both exist.