Excuses to Avoid Mission

INTRODUCTION

This week, we’ll explore stories of people who faced their fears and trusted in God, just like Jonah. These tales show us that even when we’re afraid or things seem tough, we can trust God and help others. So, let’s dive into these adventures and learn how God’s love and bravery can change our lives!

SATURDAY – Introduction

Memory Text

Isaiah 6:8

KJV 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

CEV 8 After this, I heard the Lord ask, “Is there anyone I can send? Will someone speak for us?” “I'll go,” I answered. “Send me!”

A I H T V O T L S
W S I S
A W W G F U
T S I H A I S M

Lesson

Once upon a time, there was a man named Jonah who was given an important mission by God. But instead of being excited about this big adventure, Jonah got scared and tried to run away. We can learn many valuable lessons from Jonah’s story about courage, trust, and following God’s mission.

Ellen White Commentary

The story of Jonah is a timeless narrative that holds valuable lessons for all of us. Nineveh, a city filled with wickedness, was not entirely devoid of people seeking something better and holier. It is a reminder that God, who beholds all mankind looks upon the hearts and longs for souls to turn to Him, given the chance to learn about the living God – Psalm 33:13

KJV 13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

CEV 13 The Lord looks at the world

In His divine wisdom, God chose the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai, to be the instrument of this work. God said to Jonah, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me” – Jonah 1:1-2

KJV 1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

CEV 1 One day the Lord told Jonah, the son of Amittai, 2 to go to the great city of Nineveh and say to the people, “The Lord has seen your terrible sins. You are doomed!”

Conclusion

God chose a man named Jonah to teach people about Him. Jonah was scared, but God had a plan. We’ll learn about Jonah’s adventure this week.

Reflection

Have you ever felt scared to do something new or different?

How do you think Jonah felt when God asked him to go to Nineveh?

SUNDAY – Fearful Excuses

Lesson

Jonah’s story is a great example of how fear can make us want to avoid doing something important. God asked Jonah to go to a city called Nineveh and deliver a message, but Jonah was afraid because Nineveh was a powerful and not-so-friendly place – Jonah 1:1-3

KJV 1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

CEV 1 One day the Lord told Jonah, the son of Amittai, 2 to go to the great city of Nineveh and say to the people, “The Lord has seen your terrible sins. You are doomed!” 3 Instead, Jonah ran from the Lord. He went to the seaport of Joppa and found a ship that was going to Spain. So he paid his fare, then got on the ship and sailed away to escape.

He didn’t want to go, so he tried to escape in the opposite direction. Have you ever felt scared to do something you knew you should do?

Ellen White Commentary

Jonah’s initial reaction to God’s mission was dominated by fear. He viewed Nineveh as a powerful and unwelcoming city, doubting that anything positive could be achieved by delivering such a message to its inhabitants – Jonah 1:1-3

KJV 1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

CEV 1 One day the Lord told Jonah, the son of Amittai, 2 to go to the great city of Nineveh and say to the people, “The Lord has seen your terrible sins. You are doomed!” 3 Instead, Jonah ran from the Lord. He went to the seaport of Joppa and found a ship that was going to Spain. So he paid his fare, then got on the ship and sailed away to escape.

This fear drove Jonah to question the wisdom of the call, momentarily forgetting that the God he served was all-wise and all-powerful. In his moment of doubt, Satan seized the opportunity to overwhelm him with discouragement. As a result, Jonah fled from God’s command, embarking on a journey to Tarshish – Jonah 1:3

KJV 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

CEV 3 Instead, Jonah ran from the Lord. He went to the seaport of Joppa and found a ship that was going to Spain. So he paid his fare, then got on the ship and sailed away to escape.

Jonah’s story highlights how fear can lead us to avoid fulfilling our God-given missions, making excuses based on our own apprehensions.

Conclusion

Jonah was afraid to go to a big, bad city called Nineveh. Sometimes, we get scared to do things too. But God is always with us, even when we’re scared.

Reflection

Can you think of a time when you were scared to try something new?

How did you overcome your fear? What helped you?

MONDAY – False Views

Lesson

While Jonah was on a boat, a huge storm struck, and Jonah believed it was his fault. He thought he needed to be thrown overboard to calm the storm – Jonah 1:12

KJV 12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

CEV 12 Jonah told them, “Throw me into the sea, and it will calm down. I'm the cause of this terrible storm.”

Jonah had some wrong ideas about God and how He works. Sometimes, we can also have misunderstandings about God and what He expects from us. We might think that everything depends on us, just like Jonah believed he needed to be sacrificed to save the sailors – Jonah 1:14-16

KJV 14 Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee. 15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows.

CEV 14 So they prayed to the Lord, “Please don't let us drown for taking this man's life. Don't hold us guilty for killing an innocent man. All of this happened because you wanted it to.” 15 Then they threw Jonah overboard, and the sea calmed down. 16 The sailors were so terrified that they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made all kinds of promises.

How can we learn from Jonah’s experience and strive to understand God better?

Ellen White Commentary

Jonah’s journey is marked by misunderstanding God’s purposes. He initially questioned the mission, fearing its futility from a human perspective – Jonah 1:1-3

KJV 1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

CEV 1 One day the Lord told Jonah, the son of Amittai, 2 to go to the great city of Nineveh and say to the people, “The Lord has seen your terrible sins. You are doomed!” 3 Instead, Jonah ran from the Lord. He went to the seaport of Joppa and found a ship that was going to Spain. So he paid his fare, then got on the ship and sailed away to escape.

When he finally acted, the ship he boarded encountered a mighty tempest sent by God – Jonah 1:4

KJV 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

CEV 4 But the Lord made a strong wind blow, and such a bad storm came up that the ship was about to be broken to pieces.

Jonah’s fear and lack of faith in God’s wisdom led him to question the call. This series of misunderstandings reveals the danger of our false views of God’s plans and abilities. Sometimes, we, too, may doubt God’s intentions or question His wisdom, which can lead to excuses for avoiding His missions. Jonah’s story reminds us that we should strive to understand God better to overcome misconceptions and excuses in our service to Him.

Conclusion

Jonah didn’t understand God’s plan, so he tried to run away. It’s important to ask questions and learn about God’s plan to avoid misunderstandings.

Reflection

Have you ever misunderstood something? What did you do to clear up the confusion?

How do you think we can better understand what God wants from us?

TUESDAY – Inconvenience

Lesson

After being swallowed by a giant fish, Jonah prayed to God, and he finally decided to go to Nineveh – Jonah 2

KJV 1 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, 2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. 10 And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

CEV 1 From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord his God: 2 When I was in trouble, Lord, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer. 3 You threw me down to the bottom of the sea. The water was churning all around; I was completely covered by your mighty waves. 4 I thought I was swept away from your sight, never again to see your holy temple. 5 I was almost drowned by the swirling waters that surrounded me. Seaweed had wrapped around my head. 6 I had sunk down deep below the mountains beneath the sea. I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, Lord God, rescued me from that pit. 7 When my life was slipping away, I remembered you — and in your holy temple you heard my prayer. 8 All who worship worthless idols turn from the God who offers them mercy. 9 But with shouts of praise, I will offer a sacrifice to you, my Lord. I will keep my promise, because you are the one with power to save. 10 The Lord commanded the fish to vomit up Jonah on the shore. And it did. 2. 10 : 3 Macc 6. 8.

Sometimes, we hesitate to do things because they seem hard or inconvenient. But Jonah’s story shows us that even when something is tough, if it’s what God wants us to do, it’s worth it. Jonah faced a lot of difficulties and had to change his mindset, but he still chose to follow God’s plan. Have you ever done something challenging because you knew it was the right thing to do?

Ellen White Commentary

Jonah’s story also illustrates the tendency to make excuses based on inconvenience. Even after being swallowed by a great fish and brought to the point of prayer and submission, Jonah’s mission was still inconvenient and challenging – Jonah 2

KJV 1 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, 2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. 10 And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

CEV 1 From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord his God: 2 When I was in trouble, Lord, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer. 3 You threw me down to the bottom of the sea. The water was churning all around; I was completely covered by your mighty waves. 4 I thought I was swept away from your sight, never again to see your holy temple. 5 I was almost drowned by the swirling waters that surrounded me. Seaweed had wrapped around my head. 6 I had sunk down deep below the mountains beneath the sea. I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, Lord God, rescued me from that pit. 7 When my life was slipping away, I remembered you — and in your holy temple you heard my prayer. 8 All who worship worthless idols turn from the God who offers them mercy. 9 But with shouts of praise, I will offer a sacrifice to you, my Lord. I will keep my promise, because you are the one with power to save. 10 The Lord commanded the fish to vomit up Jonah on the shore. And it did. 2. 10 : 3 Macc 6. 8.

Yet, he ultimately chose to fulfill it. Similarly, we may find God’s missions difficult and inconvenient, leading us to make excuses. Jonah’s experience teaches us that, even when faced with challenging tasks, if it’s what God calls us to do, it’s worth the effort. Overcoming inconvenience should be our response to God’s call, just as Jonah did when he eventually went to Nineveh.

Conclusion

Jonah faced tough times, but he chose to listen to God. We should remember that helping others can be hard, but it’s always worth it.

Reflection

Can you think of a time when helping someone was hard or inconvenient?

Why do you think it’s still important to help others even when it’s not easy?

WEDNESDAY – Uncomfortable Confrontations

Lesson

When Jonah arrived in Nineveh, he didn’t like the people there, and he even wished bad things would happen to them – Jonah 4:2

KJV 2 And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

CEV 2 So he prayed: Our Lord, I knew from the very beginning that you wouldn't destroy Nineveh. That's why I left my own country and headed for Spain. You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don't like to punish anyone.

This made him very upset. Jonah’s story teaches us that we should show love and kindness to everyone, even if it’s hard. Sometimes we may not like certain people or find it uncomfortable to be around them, just like Jonah. But God wants us to treat everyone with love and respect. How can we learn from Jonah’s experience and be more loving and kind to others, even if they are different from us or we find them difficult?

Ellen White Commentary

Jonah’s discomfort with the people of Nineveh is another obstacle he faced in fulfilling his mission – Jonah 4:2

KJV 2 And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

CEV 2 So he prayed: Our Lord, I knew from the very beginning that you wouldn't destroy Nineveh. That's why I left my own country and headed for Spain. You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don't like to punish anyone.

He struggled with loving and accepting those who were different from him, causing him great distress. Jonah’s attitude reflects the challenge many of us encounter when confronted with uncomfortable confrontations. We might find it difficult to show love and kindness to people we dislike or find uncomfortable to be around. Nevertheless, God calls us to treat everyone with love and respect, regardless of our differences. Jonah’s story challenges us to be more loving and kind to others, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult.

Conclusion

Jonah didn’t like the people of Nineveh, but God wants us to be kind to everyone, even if it’s not easy. God’s love can help us do that.

Reflection

Have you ever found it hard to be kind to someone you didn’t like? What happened?

How can we try to be kind to everyone, even when it’s difficult?

THURSDAY – Ready to Serve

Lesson

Jonah’s story reminds us that God is looking for people who are willing to do His work. We should be prepared to listen to God’s guidance and follow His instructions, just like Jonah did when he finally went to Nineveh. In Isaiah 6:8

KJV 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

CEV 8 After this, I heard the Lord ask, “Is there anyone I can send? Will someone speak for us?” “I'll go,” I answered. “Send me!”

, we see the idea that God is always looking for willing volunteers: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Is there something you feel God wants you to do to help others? How can you prepare to follow His call?

Ellen White Commentary

Jonah’s journey ultimately leads to the conclusion that God is looking for individuals willing to fulfill His work. Just as Jonah finally obeyed God and went to Nineveh, we must be prepared to listen to God’s guidance and follow His instructions – Jonah 3:3

KJV 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.

CEV 3 Jonah obeyed the Lord and went to Nineveh. The city was so big that it took three days just to walk through it.

In Isaiah, we see the principle that God seeks willing volunteers, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Isaiah 6:8

KJV 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

CEV 8 After this, I heard the Lord ask, “Is there anyone I can send? Will someone speak for us?” “I'll go,” I answered. “Send me!”

This verse highlights the importance of our readiness to serve, to be God’s hands and feet in a world in need. Jonah’s experience encourages us to be courageous, trust in God, and follow His mission, wherever it may lead us.

Conclusion

Jonah learned to obey God and go where God sent him. We can be ready to help others too, just like Jonah did in the end. God will be with us every step of the way.

Reflection

What’s a way you can help someone today or in the future?

How do you feel when you help others?

FRIDAY – Final Thoughts

Ellen White Commentary

Ellen White says that Jonah’s adventure teaches us that even when we make excuses or feel scared, God can help us do amazing things. We should be willing to embark on our own adventures and extend our help to others, just as God desires. Remember, when God calls us, He also provides us with the strength and guidance we need. Jonah’s story encourages us to be courageous, trust in God, and follow His mission, no matter where it may lead.

Conclusion

Jonah’s story reminds us to trust God, be brave, and follow His mission, even when we feel unsure or scared. God will always help us do amazing things if we have faith.

Reflection

How did you feel?

Did you eventually decide to give it a try?

Jonah was scared too, but when he trusted God and followed His plan, he saw amazing things happen.

What can you learn from Jonah’s story about facing your fears and trusting in God?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What reasons have made you not want to help others or share good things like Jonah?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Think about how precious the truth is that we as Seventh-day Adventists have. Think about how blessed you are to have these truths. What’s stopping you from sharing what you love with others?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can God help you not be afraid to tell others about good things and helping them?

Reveal Suggested Answer

INSIDE STORY

Hope Amid Panic Attacks
By Andrew McChesney

When Grete was a girl, she had a lot of fear and panic attacks, and she didn’t know where to find help. She thought her fears were too big to talk about. But then she remembered her friend Annika, who had faith in God even when she was sick, and it made Grete curious about God.

Later in life, Grete met Nico, who believed in God. She visited his family, who were Seventh-day Adventists, and felt God’s love. It was the first time she felt safe. She decided to learn more about God and joined the Adventist church with Nico. Now they’re active members of a growing church and feel very happy.

So, Grete used to be really scared and lonely, but she found God and feels safe and happy now.

LESSON SUMMARY

Excuses to Avoid Mission

This week, we learned about courage, trust, and following God’s missions through the stories of Jonah and Grete. Jonah’s journey taught us to overcome fear and misunderstandings, be ready to serve, and trust in God’s guidance. Grete’s experience showed us how discovering God’s love can bring joy and faith. Both stories inspired us to face our fears, embrace God’s mission, and trust in His guidance to do amazing things.

Saturday (Introduction): Jonah’s story teaches us about courage, trust, and following God’s mission, even when we’re scared.

Sunday (Fearful Excuses): Jonah ran away from an important task because he was scared, just like we might avoid things when we’re scared.

Monday (False Views): Jonah had some wrong ideas about God, and we can learn not to misunderstand God’s plans.

Tuesday (Inconvenience): Even when things are tough, like they were for Jonah, it’s worth it to do what God wants us to do.

Wednesday (Uncomfortable Confrontations): Jonah had to learn to be kind to people he didn’t like, and we should try to be kind to everyone, even if they’re different.

Thursday (Ready to Serve): We should be ready to do God’s work, just like Jonah, and listen to His guidance.

Friday (Final Thoughts): Jonah’s adventure shows that we can do amazing things with God’s help, even when we’re scared, and we should be willing to help others.

Inside Story (Hope Amid Panic Attacks): Grete was once very scared, but she found God and now feels safe and happy.