Rebellion is a strong word. In some cases, it can be positive. Without rebellion, we may not be free from British rule. Without rebellion, we may not enjoy the progress made in civil rights. By its very nature, rebellion can be positive if we are pushing against oppression and running toward freedom. On the flip side, rebellion can be damning if we are rebelling against the call to freedom and are running toward oppression. This is exactly what rebellion against God does.
He died for our sins so we can be free from the death penalty, but many rebel against God’s call to freedom or command to obey and run back to the oppression of sin and its bondage. When we do, He cannot allow that to continue without redemptive discipline. We see this demonstrated in the life of Jonah.
God gave him a clear mission and command. For reasons unclear, Jonah rebelled and went in the opposite direction. God could have let him go and raised up another prophet. This, however, was not simply about Nineveh getting the message. This was also about Jonah growing in faith and obedience. Out of love, God could not allow Jonah to run and go unnoticed. He pursued Him and intervened with sailors, a storm, and a great fish.
Perhaps you are running from God, and He is pursuing you. He loves you too much! He is calling you back to the relationship. He may be causing storms to get your attention. Will you run into His embrace like the prodigal son instead of continuing to run into the arms of oppression? Rather than leaving freedom and running to oppression, recognize redemptive discipline and run to God!