Introduction
In today’s reading, a storm arrives and the shipmates immediately want to know who is causing this havoc. Casting lots, an old tradition, would point out the fact that Jonah’s the one God is upset. Jonah confesses who he is in verse nine of the first chapter,
And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. Jonah 1:9.
Reading and Assignment
Jonah 1: 7-12, 1 John 2: 4-6, SOAP 1 John 2: 4-6
Scripture
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2: 4-6.
Observation
If we know God, we will keep His commandments. If we are living in disobedience we need to repent. The truth of God found in our lives testifies that we are His children. When we keep His word, we testify that God’s love is perfected in us. We can live victoriously because of the Holy Spirit whom we received when we accepted Christ as Savior.
Application
How do you keep his commandments? How do you live by His Word? God’s love is perfect, we love Him because of Him loving us first, so how can you show God you love Him? Walking with God is a byproduct of obedience, walking with God includes praying and reading the bible. How are you doing with your walk? Is it daily?
Prayer
Father God, let me be known by my testimony. May I walk daily with you. May I be found faithful to praying and reading Your Bible. May I apply what I am learning. Lord, let me run the race before I filled with your love and grace. Father God, if there is anyone reading this that questions her salvation, let your peace surround her. Non-Christians do not doubt their salvation. If anyone is in the sin, confess cycle, let them stop the cycle by resisting the sin. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Conclusion
Jonah declares who he is and basically confesses that he is running away from God. We read this in Jonah 1: 7-8
And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?
As we read, the men terrified of the storm and their fate as long as Jonah’s on the boat. Have you ever ran away from God? We read in Psalm 139
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Oh Lord search me today…..
What are you running from today? Will you stop the sin-confess cycle? What storm do you need to be delivered?
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14.
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