Chuck Smith discusses Jonah's reluctance to obey God's call to go to Nineveh, highlighting Jonah's mistaken belief that he could escape God's presence and calling. Jonah's desire for the destruction of Nineveh stemmed from his fear of their potential repentance and God's mercy. The sermon emphasizes that those who pursue their own desires over God's will ultimately forsake their own mercy, leading to unnecessary suffering. Smith illustrates how Jonah's attempts to evade God's command resulted in dire consequences, teaching that true peace comes from obedience to God.