I once studied the story of Jonah and it actually
became the first sermon I preached at a youth service. Jonah was a man who could hear the voice of
God but then when He heard what God had instructed him to do, Jonah chose to
run away from the presence of the Lord. The All Seeing God!
Jonah 1:3 (NLT)But Jonah got up and went in the opposite
direction to get away from the Lord.
He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish.
He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Don’t we also sometimes get to that point where we
choose the ‘easy’ way out? When we get our own fare and go to where we feel is
the right place and even get comfortable on the journey? When we believe all is okay because God isn't saying anything yet to show we are in the wrong? When His Mission, ceases to be our Mission? Thing is, much as we rebel
or become disobedient, deep down in our hearts we know and we know that that is
not what God requires of us. We may even find “rest” on our journey to wherever, just like how Jonah had the time to sleep and believe God is in it but then the “big
fish” is always waiting!
When we walk in disobedience, we tend to bring turbulence to
the people around us unknowingly. Have
you ever been thrown into the raging waters by the same people who helped you
on your “self appointed” journey? Child of God, don’t blame them! They are not
the problem, but you are! God’s mission has to manifest despite your disobedience. We are here for His pleasure and not for our own! One thing that Jonah did after being swallowed was to focus on God. No, he didn’t
blame anyone for being swallowed, but decided to speak to God alone who could
rescue him.
Jonah 2:7 (NLT) As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to You in Your holy
Temple.
Child of God, when you
know that the “belly” you’re in is because of your own doing, the best thing is
to go back to Him who sent you. To humble yourself and allow Him to use you as He pleases. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Unlike
Jonah, you can choose to obey and avoid that place where the waters compass you
to the soul: where the depth closes you round about, and weeds wrap about your head (Jonah 2:5)
See, in your sincerity to God,
and without putting the blame on others, that’s when you’ll have an experience with
Him. That’s when He will speak to that “fish” you’re in to vomit you. That's the place Divinity overtakes humanity and His Mission, becomes yours too. And like
Jonah, that’s when you’ll pay your vow to God and above all, acknowledge that Salvation
is of the Lord!
Jonah 2:9 (NLT)But I will offer sacrifices
to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation
comes from the Lord alone.”
Shalom…
