Now that the storm has passed
I am putting my bow in the clouds. It will be the sign of my covenant with the world. Whenever I cover the sky with clouds and the rainbow appears, I will remember my promise to you and to all the animals that a flood will never again destroy all living beings. When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between me and all living beings on earth. Genesis 9 : 13 - 16 (GNB) |
Our passage this week comes mid-action. Jonah has been travelling on a boat, and gets caught in a horrific storm. The upshot of this, as we see in the passage is that he is thrown overboard by the other crew members. He is then subsequently saved by a big fish (which many people commonly refer to as being a whale).
Let's add a little context to this passage, Jonah was on the boat because he was on the run from God. He was a passenger travelling to a distant land attempting to hide from Gods plans for him. The only problem was that Jonah massively underestimated God's power.
When God released the wild wind and ravenous waves the resulting storm was so strong that it threatened to destroy the entire ship. Jonah knew it was down to him, and wasn't prepared to see his innocent travelling companions drown because of his bad decision. He volunteered to be thrown off the ship to calm Gods anger and save the rest of the crew.
What happened next is important, God could have left Jonah to drown. After all Jonah had gone against him by running away. However this isn't God's style. God rescued Jonah, saving him from the fate that he deserved and giving him a second chance. God kept him safe and gave him a time to reflect and come to his senses. Once Jonah had realised where he had gone wrong and made peace with God he was released safe and sound on the beach. He was then free to clean up his act, and himself (he was probably smelling pretty fishy).
Are there things that you are running away from? This week have your Jonah moment, stop running, reconnect with God and get back on the course he has planned for you. Have a great week.
This week's song is Who can compare by Bethel Music. |
Header image by: MattysFlicks via Flickr