11/17/2022
Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Jonah 1:13
The book of Jonah deals with obedience and disobedience. Jonah is the primary character, but throughout the book others were challenged to trust in God instead of their own devices. When Jonah fled from the LORD and secured passage aboard a ship sailing to Tarshish, he unwittingly involved the crew in his foolish plan to avoid God.
A storm was sent because of Jonah’s disobedience. As the storm became stronger and the sea grew more violent the sailors began to fear for their lives. After looking to their gods for help and finding none, the sailors turned to Jonah for answers. They were told what God demanded, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea”. That’s what God required and that would bring peace to the raging sea.
The sailors refused to follow God’s direction. Instead of throwing Jonah overboard they worked with all their might to reach land, with Jonah on board. Perhaps land was visible from the ship or maybe they knew where the land was located and believed they could reach it. Either way, they chose to work for their safety instead of following God’s direction. Notice, the sailors worked for a good cause, their lives and the life of Jonah. Life is precious and should be respected. Shame on those that claim Christianity but endorse abortion and euthanasia. The sailors diligently worked to save their lives, rowing until they could no longer row. These veteran sailors had a limit and it was eventually reached. The problem is that they worked against God. Their efforts may have been made with good intentions, faithfulness, diligence and sincerity; but they were done in disobedience to God. The LORD had provided a way to bring peace, but it was not by their strength or might. Peace would come with obedience to His direction.
Their hard work was not completely in vain. Three things were accomplished. First, they discovered that they could not save themselves. Their sincere hard work got them nowhere. The sailors found themselves exactly where they began; in the middle of a violent storm. Second, their work failed to bring peace to their lives. They managed to find exhaustion and hopelessness but safety and peace eluded them. Third, they realized their need for the LORD. Their decisions, which were contrary to God’s direction, failed to produce the peace they longed for.
The sailors did what should have been done to begin with, they cried out to God for mercy, followed God’s direction, and found peace.
Many are making the same mistake as the crew did that day, works instead of obedience. Only it concerns the salvation of their soul and not the sparing of their physical life. Eventually they will come to the same conclusion as the sailors did, peace is only found when God is obeyed. Hopefully that understanding will come while there is still time to turn to God through Jesus Christ. The LORD has provided the answer to your sinful condition and lack of peace; His Son Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jesus Himself said it best when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
You can have peace today, but not due to your efforts. Peace comes only by believing on the Son of God, Jesus Christ.