Jonah's rebellion is so obvious when he physically heads off in the opposite direction. Our rebellion is just as real in God's eyes when we disobey Him. We might not pack up and run away, but it really is no different.
My notes point out that since Jonah was down sleeping below deck, his conscious apparently wasn't bothering him. Because we can deny reality, we cannot measure obedience by our feelings. Instead, we must compare what we do with God's standards for living. Good point!
Did you ever think that God's plan was not only to rescue the people of Ninevah through Jonah, but also to rescue the sailors through Jonah's disobedience? If he had obeyed and gone straight to Ninevah, there would be no need for a boat. Those sailors would not have seen God and worshiped like they did. God even uses our disobedience. (Not that we should intentionally go that route!)
I am amazed at how easily Ninevah repented! I think too often we don't share Jesus because we think it is hard and there is no way people are going to just say "Yes!" Of course I hope I wouldn't be angry at the "yes" like Jonah was.
To me, chapter 4 (one that is often omitted when people share the story of Jonah) speaks loudly of selfishness and bad priorities.
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