Front Page Sunday 22nd October 2006

Jonah was an Israelite who was called by God to go and preach to the great Assyrian city of Nineveh. As we recall the story, Jonah not only refused to go but fled in the opposite direction. He boarded a ship to Tarshish hoping to hide from God. On his way a violent storm and wind nearly broke the ship up and the sailor’s fearful for their lives cast lots to see who was responsible for the calamity. The lot fell on Jonah. He admitted it was his fault and he believed in the God who made the heavens and the earth, but he was prepared to be thrown overboard for what he had done. (He would rather dies than do the will of God) Although they tried their best to save him, by rowing against the wind and rain, they had no choice in the end to throw him overboard. The storm subsided and God sent a great fish to swallow Jonah and for 3 days and 3 nights Jonah is in the depths! Finally crying out to God, in honesty and thanksgiving, the fish vomits Jonah up onto the shore and God again calls Jonah on the mission. Jonah went this time although reluctant. The city of Nineveh after hearing the word spoken through Jonah recognised their sins and repented and ultimately God saved the city from destruction.
Jonah again moves ‘out of town’, angry. God continues to challenge him about his attitude and how he feels about the salvation of ‘others’.
This story has many applications for us today….Is God calling you to do something? Is he challenging your heart about something? Are you running away from God for some reason?
Do you recognize the storm around you, may be God telling you something? Can you admit that you believe in God, yet fail to do his will? Do you recognize that God will never leave you nor forsake you?
………. and do you know that “He who has began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus ”? (Phil 1: 6)

Lets Praise God as He always wants the best for us and others!


Julie Davis