Monday, 30th October 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: OBEDIENCE OR ESCAPE?
THEME SCRIPTURE: “But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa, and he found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” – Jonah 1:3
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why did Jonah purposely flee from the presence of the Lord?
Jonah, a prophet of God with a nationalistic spirit, is to be admired. He saw around his nation enemy nations who would cease every chance to pounce on Israel and subjugate them. Then, what Jonah least expected happened. God sent him to go preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Something Jonah wouldn't do. Jonah's mind must have exploded, or his heart must have sunk. Then his strong will was resistantly stiffened.
Jonah, being a strong-willed man, engaged in a power struggle with God.
Jonah was a faithful servant of God as long as his assignment was defined for Israel (his nation), the nation he so cherished. However, the day God's marching orders went contrary to Jonah's, he refused to obey God's voice. "A Jonah lurks in every Christian heart, whimpering his insidious message of smug prejudice, empty traditionalism, and exclusive solidarity," writes Leslie Allen. Today, take a moment to consider the things you struggle with God about. Is there a command of God to which you struggle to adhere? Is there an instruction in Scripture you wish was not there? Is there a group, or persons you wouldn't want to associate with, including sharing the gospel with?
Instead of Nineveh, Jonah arose and fled towards Joppa, to proceed onwards to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). The question is, “Nineveh or Tarshish; obedience or escape?” Nineveh was a representation of Assyrian power and cruelty. It was a place where ruthless armies moved out to conquer and subdue nations. For Israel's safety and security, Nineveh must not exist. Did Jonah have the right to determine who lives or dies? Or is it the prerogative of God alone?
Beloved in the Lord, are there not people you pray every day of your life to die?
Mostly due to the fact that we see them as our spiritual enemies or that they hate us and have caused us pain over the years. Or, is there something God is calling you to do, and you feel that it is a diversion from your dreams and plans in life? Nineveh or Tarshish? Obedience or Escape? You may be one who has been prompted by the Holy Spirit to make a U-turn in the direction you're heading. As Jonah met a terrible storm on his way out of God’s presence, so shall a man who refuses to submit to the voice of God encounter the worst of the storms of life.
Precious one, choose to obey His voice, and He will honour you. You will eat the best of the land only if you are willing and obedient to the voice of God (Isa 1:19).
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Jonah 1:1-16
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Why do we resist God when it comes to submitting to the dictates of God’s word?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I submit to your will and bend to your dictates. Every strong will that resists the mind of God, I lay at your feet today. Today, I receive grace to be humble under the mighty hand of God. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 28; Daniel 8; Acts 8
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