This chapter informs us that Jonah is called by God to prophesy in the city of Nineveh, but he tries to flee God’s presence by taking a ship in the opposite direction. As a consequence God send a terrible storm upon the ship.
“Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god… Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to [Jonah], ‘What is this that you have done!’ For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. …they called out to the Lord, ‘O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood…’ So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.” (v5a,10,14-16 abr)
This is a fantastic account of God working good through bad. Jonah sinned against God in attempting to flee from his calling, and that sin had dire consequences for those around him – they lost their cargo, and nearly lost their lives. Yet somehow through the chaos they realized that their gods could not save them, only “the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land” (v9) had the power to save them.
Ironically, in trying to flee God’s presence, Jonah brought God’s presence to these sailors in a powerful way – their eyes were opened, they “feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows” (v16). Vows made to God are often life-altering and not to be taken lightly – He will hold us accountable to our promises, such as our commitment to obey Him as our Lord and King.
These men were powerfully impacted by God’s presence in dire circumstances which were a direct consequence of Jonah’s sin. Accounts like this give me hope for our current global crisis – hope that in the midst of these terrible circumstances people will turn to “the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land”. Let’s continue praying for God’s work in the hearts and lives of those who would ‘call upon their own god to save them’.
Father God, Lord of heaven and creator of the sea and dry land, You are magnificent and wise beyond description. We thank You for continually reaching the hearts and minds of those who do not yet proclaim You as king – especially in the midst of our current dire circumstances. We ask for Your powerful presence to open the eyes of this world, and for Your name to be glorified in the mouths of those who worship false gods. May every knee bow and every person vow to follow You the rest of their days. In the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training