God's Call
This scripture passage does not specify exactly how the Lord spoke to Jonah but it is obvious that the message was clear and decisive. When asked by God to do something, no matter what it might be, your first response tends to be "I can't." Even though the Holy Spirit prods and calls (Rom. 8:13-14) and you know that God can supply everything you need (Phil. 4:19), you still tend to say "I can't". After God makes it clearer that you can through Him (Phil. 4:13), you are left with only two options - I will or I won't. Though you may try to run away, God will continue to involve Himself in your life, trying to get your attention, trying to turn you back on His course.
The Lord then commanded a storm which rose up suddenly and with greate force (Jonah 1:4-16). The entire ship was in danger. The sailors desparately called out to their "gods" but this did not work. Neither did lightening the load. They finally went to Jonah to see what "his God" could do; much to their surprise, Jonah told them to cast him into the sea. The crew tried to row back to shore and, failing at that too, cast Jonah into the sea. At that point, the sea became calm. One splash in the water and the waves were stilled, the wind stopped, and I quite imagine the sun might have come out. The crew recognized the hand of the Almighty God and worshipped Him.
You see, looking at the storms that come up in our life, we merely get confused. Looking through the storm, trying to see it from God's perspective, changes our own perspective. The sailors saw through the storm only after it was over. Their 20/20 hindsight was perfect. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you can have 20/20 foresight during any storm. Repeatedly, Jesus said "Follow me" (Matt. 4:19, 8:22, 9:9, 16:24, 19:21). You must learn to trust Jesus at His word and follow Him, not your feelings. In this way, you can look beyond the storm to see God's glory and purpose. Looking beyond the storm will bring clarity and comfort to us even in the midst of crisis.
Jonah was not yet "through the storm". Swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:17), Jonah spent three days and nights in the coldest, darkest, dampest, smelliest place on Earth. Instead of losing all hope, Jonah lifted up a prayer (Jonah 2:1-9) of praise, thanksgiving, and conviction in the Lord's deliverance. He saw through the storm through the eyes of our Lord. Jonah saw what God could do through him even though he was all but dead. Jonah realized that if he would just trust God and obediently carry out His command, God would yet provide for his escape and enable him to complete the mission. As a result of Jonah's repentance, God commanded the fish to spit him out on the beach (Jonah 2:10).
Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (Jonah 2:8-9b, NKJV)
Jonah found complete freedom in obeying God's call. That is God's way. Jesus said to you, to me, to all of us: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). Though it may be a heavy cross to bear alone, it will be an easy yoke and much, much safer to bear by sharing the load with the King of Glory. Turn your life over to the Lord - do not forfeit the grace that is waiting for you. Choose to live an abundant, productive life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Then go, share the Good News with someone you know!
Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.ComCopyright 7/25/2000, Randy Lariscy.
