I don’t know how many times I’ve heard or read the story of Jonah, yet saw it more as a humorous or amusing story, rather than a very real and significant depiction of human character. I’m not going to lie; sometimes Jonah still makes me laugh. I mean, God tells him to preach to the city of Nineveh to wake them up from all their immorality, and Jonah figures if he just starts sailing the sea God won’t be able to find him. Like, God is the one who created the whole world and can see all of Nineveh, but Oh no— He won’t be able to find little Jonah crossing the ocean! You’re a sneaky one Jonah!
But really, how can we point the finger? As the prophet Elijah cries, “I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). We are no better. No different.
How many of us take the time to tell God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart “(Psalm 139: 23). Or is there so much darkness? So much junk that we ourselves, don’t even want to look? Do we think that if we just ignore God we won't ever have to address the things that are hidden? Some of you may be thinking, “I haven’t talked with God in so long. I’ve done nothing good with my life. I don’t even know how to pray. I doubt that God would even want to hear from me. I have nothing to offer…”
Continue reading the story of Jonah.
God never abandons Jonah. Jonah is always in God’s sight. Despite the fact that Jonah runs from God and rejects him, God still pursues him passionately because He loves him. The calamities that occur, (being thrown off board, being swallowed by a large fish) all point Jonah to a place of self examination. God is most concerned about Jonah’s heart. If it takes a whale to bring you to face the truth, in God’s mercy he will allow it.
God’s love is not a pampering love, its a correcting love.
Guilt is not a bad thing. Guilt is God’s Grace that reminds you to change your direction. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 it says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Some people allow their guilt to consume them, leading to severe depression. Friend, let me remind you of the good news: Christ came to carry that guilt for you. It is no longer yours. All that is required from you is to surrender it. Believe that Christ is able to carry it for you, and he will!
Jonah came to himself while trapped in the belly of a whale he said, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you...Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:8-9).
We need to be honest with ourselves. Until we can accept the truth, we will never heal. It is the truth that sets us free. Don’t hide. Don’t be afraid. If you haven’t noticed by now, God is on YOUR side ;)
….Amy
But really, how can we point the finger? As the prophet Elijah cries, “I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). We are no better. No different.
How many of us take the time to tell God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart “(Psalm 139: 23). Or is there so much darkness? So much junk that we ourselves, don’t even want to look? Do we think that if we just ignore God we won't ever have to address the things that are hidden? Some of you may be thinking, “I haven’t talked with God in so long. I’ve done nothing good with my life. I don’t even know how to pray. I doubt that God would even want to hear from me. I have nothing to offer…”Continue reading the story of Jonah.
God never abandons Jonah. Jonah is always in God’s sight. Despite the fact that Jonah runs from God and rejects him, God still pursues him passionately because He loves him. The calamities that occur, (being thrown off board, being swallowed by a large fish) all point Jonah to a place of self examination. God is most concerned about Jonah’s heart. If it takes a whale to bring you to face the truth, in God’s mercy he will allow it.
God’s love is not a pampering love, its a correcting love.
Guilt is not a bad thing. Guilt is God’s Grace that reminds you to change your direction. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 it says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Some people allow their guilt to consume them, leading to severe depression. Friend, let me remind you of the good news: Christ came to carry that guilt for you. It is no longer yours. All that is required from you is to surrender it. Believe that Christ is able to carry it for you, and he will!
Jonah came to himself while trapped in the belly of a whale he said, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you...Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:8-9).
We need to be honest with ourselves. Until we can accept the truth, we will never heal. It is the truth that sets us free. Don’t hide. Don’t be afraid. If you haven’t noticed by now, God is on YOUR side ;)
….Amy
