Where to run?

I taught a Sunday School lesson on the prophet Jonah yesterday. Most fascinating to those involved in this dialog was the concept of a man of God running from God. It's clear, though. It's right there in the text. Jonah even admits to the sailors that he is "fleeing the presence of God." What a concept. And this from a prophet who must have known David's Psalm 139, "...where can I go from Your Spirit, where can I flee from your presence?"

The sailors may have thought they could run from the revenge of a Baal or Dagon, but a prophet of Yahweh certainly should have known God is omnipresent. There must be something more here. As in, Jonah ran, knowing he would not evade God, but that he would physically demonstrate the rebellion of his heart.

Jonah hated the Ninevites. While God's mercy was directed to a merciless people, Jonah wanted none of that. His action spoke volumes. His action said to God, "I know what You want. I know what You've commanded. I know you will win. But, this is my ultimate act of defiance. Kill me, but don't send me with the message of Salvation to these hated people."

How much is my own flesh like Jonah's? I know the path of repentance. I know what obedience requires. Yet, I plot and plan my sin like a bank robber. Even as I make way for the lusts of the flesh, the original rebellion continues bubbling into the scene, stating my suicidal defiance in the face of a loving and compassionate God. As Solomon stated, "It is vanity. All is vanity...at end, fear God and keep His commandments." Why can't I get this?