1657, from L., lit. "things to be done," from neut. pl. of agendum, gerundive of agere (see act). Originally theological (opposed to matters of belief), sense of "items of business to be done at a meeting" first attested 1882.
Because of our technological advances, our world travels at an even greater break-neck speed. We busy ourselves with work, studies, household chores, even church. The question is, "Where do we allow flexibility for God's instruction?" Moreover, "Do we heed to His instruction when we do remain flexible?" Many may already know the story of Jonah; the guy who ran from God and ended up in the belly of a whale only to be vomited out later. Okay, I know it's gross, but don't blame me, I didn't write the book. Another theological debate is whether he really was in a whale's belly. I am of the camp that ALL Scripture is true regardless of how extraordinary it may seem. I will not put God in a box, so if some would like to contest the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible, I look forward to your comments. After reading the book of Jonah several times (it's only 4 chapters) I realized that the reasoning of Jonah's disobedience was due to fear as I had originally believed. It was because of his dislike and hatred of the Ninevites. You see Jonah didn't want the town of Nineveh and its inhabitants spared. He knew if they repented, God would have mercy on them (4:1-2). Jonah went the complete opposite way of Assyria toward Tarshish. Out of fear, self-pity, depression or whatever else, upon embarking on the vessel, he went straight to lowest part of the ship. He wanted to seclude himself from not only God, but man as well. As the storm intensified the seas, the pagan sailors began praying to each of their gods with the hopes of saving themselves. When they realized who was to blame (by casting lots) Jonah 'fesses up. He tells them he is to blame for the storm and that the only way for them to be saved is by throwing him overboard. The sailors do all they can to keep from having to do this. What is interesting about these sailors is the fact they they, as pagans, exhibited more compassion than Jonah, a man and prophet of God. After reluctantly throwing Jonah overboard, the sailors not only prayed to God, but they began offering sacrifices to Him as well. You see, God is able to use even our mistakes and disobedience to bring others into a belief and possible relationship with Him. Jonah is eventually swallowed by a fish and for three days he has a heart-to-heart with God. God gives him a second chance and he is back on land. After preaching God's message to the Ninevites, they repent. This amazing obedience of Nineveh stood in stark contrast to Israel's stubbornness (Matthew 12:39-41). This would be short-lived. God destroys Nineveh a short-time later. In conclusion, Jonah is angry with God for sparing the Ninevites. It was his agenda that became more important than God's. We can learn much from Jonah. First we must remain flexible to God's instruction. Second, we must be faithful and willing to His instruction even if we do not agree or understand the reasoning behind it. Lastly, we must accept His will, because nothing we do will frustrate God's ultimate plan. People have been trying for millenia only to their own contravention.
Modern Language Association (MLA):
"Agenda." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 20 Mar. 2008.
