Jonah

Scripture

“I descended to the roots of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, But You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God.

I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.”

Jonah 2:6; 4:2b

Observation

Most of the books written by the prophets are about their visions, their audience, their message, the outcome. But Jonah is mostly about him, about Jonah.

Only about 6 verses are really about his message and the result (Jonah 3:5-10). The rest of the book deals with Jonah’s defiance, running away, repentance, prayers about himself, reassessing life from the belly of a fish, griping that the people actually listened to him, and throwing a pity party.

Made me think . . .

Application

How often does ministry minister more to those involved in leading it than those it is directed toward? I need to be and stay involved, God’s talking to ME!

God works in ways we never expect.

God’s not finished with me, and I hope I can learn the lessons He has without needing to swim in digestive juices to listen and obey.

I need to trust God with the outcomes — good or bad.

God sometimes needs to drag me down for me to be ready to listen. (Reminds me of Amos 3:6 from earlier this week — if there’s a calamity, didn’t God cause it? If we weren’t so desperately stubborn and deaf, He might not have to shout so loud).

Prayer

Lord, Forgive me for my selfishness that keeps me from sharing You. Help me listen more readily, and share more freely. I want to always run toward You. ~Amen

Erin (5intow)

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