Bible Study February 20, 2024
Jonah 1:1 – 4 (ESV)
“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. 4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.”
Running away has its consequences. It’s always dangerous to go the wrong way, you may get lost or even worse be in an accident. Neither is a pleasant experience.
Jonah was that man who chose to try to get lost from the presence of God by going to Tarshish rather than where God had appointed for him to go. It has been said before but it so true “You cannot hide from God.”
What Jonah needed to do is what we need to go when we go against God’s plans for us. Repent. But it took Jonah some time and could have cost him his life had the fish that swallowed him not had a case of indigestion. Not everyone is so fortunate.
“Repentance is one of the most positive words in any language. It tells us when we can change direction. It assures us God will help us improve.” Robert J. Morgan. Repentance is the key to finding the perfect relationship with Jesus Christ. Repentance is needed and necessary for a fulfilling life.
We must seek forgiveness for what we think, what we do, what thoughts cross our minds, and what actions we take. We have heard the phrase the “the spirit is willing” that is where we need to take the next step and follow the Spirit.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 