Beech Tree News Network

            The book of Jonah is fascinating. Jonah was a prophet who lived during the divided kingdom (II Kings 14:25-ch. 15). We are probably most familiar with Jonah’s actions when he was told to go to Nineveh to cry against the city (Jonah 1). The book of Jonah follows him when he finally reached Nineveh and preached the truth to the people in the city (Jonah 4).

             As we study Jonah 1, we see Jonah attempting the impossible when he tried to “flee from the presence of the Lord” (1:3, 10). This was something that had been tried by Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8, 10. Yet, Jonah failed to his from God just as Adam and Eve failed! Why did he fail? It is because there is nowhere he could go that God did not see him! David recognized this in Psalm 139:7-12, and Jonah should have known it as well!

             In like manner, let us remember that there is nowhere on earth that we can go that God is not there (Jer. 23:24)! He is very much aware of what we do and say. Going “behind closed doors” (Matt. 6:4, 6) or trying to hide under the cover of night does not matter (Ps. 139:12). It is impossible to hide from God! We will answer to God for all that we do and say on this earth (Ecc. 12:13-14; Rom. 2:16; Matt. 12:36-37).

             Another thing I learn from Jonah is that my sins affect others. When Jonah fled Joppa and sailed to Tarshish, God sent a wind that produced a great storm on the sea and almost destroyed the ship (1:4). During this storm, the mariners tried to lighten the ship by throwing things overboard (1:5). Therefore, thanks to Jonah, these goods would never reach their destination. Further, Jonah would not reach Tarshish, for he would be thrown overboard so as to save the ship and sailors (1:11-15). Jonah’s selfishness and sin resulted in his being thrown overboard, as well as the goods belonging to others.

             Do we think that Jonah’s intention was to somehow do harm to the people of Tarshish? Of course, not! Perhaps he never thought about them at all! Is this not the case with men in sin today? When we commit sin, we hurt not only ourselves but family, friends, and even strangers at times. Our sins have affected God since Genesis 3! Let us not be so selfish as to think that what we do has no bearing on anyone else (Rom. 14:7)!

             Finally, we learn that “salvation is of the Lord” (Jon. 2:9). After being thrown from the ship, Jonah was swallowed by the fish the Lord had prepared (1:17). For three days and nights, Jonah prayed to God and repented of his wrongs. While in this fish, he came to understand that “salvation is of the Lord.” Yes, God is the author of this great salvation! In Jonah’s case, it is evident that both he and the Ninevites needed salvation from sins!

            Let us never forget that we need salvation from God! “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23)! I am in this category, just as you are! Jesus Christ came into this world to save all people (Lk. 19:10) because all are lost! Yes, I am thankful that “salvation is of the Lord” because I need salvation! What about you?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167