The city of Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire. God had seen the wickedness of the Ninevites and was preparing to judge that great city. They Ninevites showed disregard for God. They worshiped false gods. The Assyrians were vicious and did terrible things to their enemies. This evil and barbaric society was about to come under God's judgment. Enter Jonah.
The prophet Jonah was called to announce the judgment of God to Nineveh. He'd have to travel a great distance to get there. The prospect of meeting evil and cruel people face to face didn't appeal to Jonah, so he hopped on a boat and headed in the opposite direction. Running from the call of God may not have been about fear; Jonah may have actually wanted God to destroy Nineveh - the capital city of one of Israel's potential enemies.
Jonah's disobedience led him into a storm at sea and a trip into the belly of a great fish. In the dark and surely believing he'd die, Jonah finally realized that salvation is from God; he had no right to choose who'd hear the Word of the Lord.
When the big fish spit Jonah out, he went to Nineveh and spoke these few simple words: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned" (Jonah 3:4). Those words created such a revival that even the king repented and called all his people to do the same.
Why did God call Jonah to go preach in Nineveh? God loves all people, and he desires that everyone should have an opportunity to hear about him and respond to him. It's not for us to choose who hears about God. We're simply to Obey God and run to - not away from - his call.
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