At The Mercy Of The Sea Series

At the Mercy of the Sea

Jonah 1: 11-16

As we continue to move through the book of Jonah, I want to remind us of the powerful theme presented – the sovereignty of God in pursuing men unto Himself. Jonah had been called of God to preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites, and he chose to flee from the call instead of responding in obedient submission. Having decided foolishly to flee from the presence of God, Jonah would soon learn such an endeavor was impossible. God had called, and He would relentlessly pursue Jonah in order to pursue the Ninevites.

Jonah would soon learn that decisions bear consequences. He had chosen to flee from God, but would discover that God doesn’t give up easily. His decision to flee to Tarshish would result in a harrowing experience. It would have been much easier, and enjoyable, had Jonah submitted to God and went to Nineveh upon hearing the call.

We cannot overlook the significance of God’s sovereignty in the affairs of men, and our lives in particular. He has a plan for each of us. While the Lord desires us to be joyful in service to Him, I am concerned with some doctrine that is being taught today. Our pride doesn’t like it, but God is much more interested in our holiness and relationship with Him than He is our happiness. When the Lord calls, He expects us to follow in submissive obedience. Failure to do so can lead to dealing with consequences we would rather avoid. It is always easier to follow the Lord than run from His call and desire for our lives.

As we examine the promptings revealed in the text, let’s consider: At the Mercy of the Sea.

I. The Investigation of Jonah (11-12) – Having discovered that Jonah was the reason for their being in the midst of a raging storm, the crew began to question Jonah about a solution to their problem. Consider:

A. The Inquiry (11) – Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. We find nothing in the text that reveals these men believed in God. However, one must admire their gracious treatment of Jonah, even though they believed he was the reason for their turmoil. Rather than immediately throwing him over-board, they asked Jonah for his input. What would you recommend we do with you so the storm will cease and the sea become calm? Instead of a rush to judgment and an unwarranted callous act, they sought to treat Jonah with care and respect. (We can learn a genuine life lesson from these men. Much too often we rush to judgment and act of out of emotion instead of reason. God was gracious with us, and we need to be gracious dealing with others.)

B. The Honesty (12) – And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Although Jonah desired to escape the call to go to Nineveh, he now realized it was impossible to flee from the presence of God. Jonah knew without doubt that the storm had come upon them because of his disobedience. God was not seeking to punish these men; He was dealing with the rebellious prophet. Jonah revealed unto them that the Lord would cause the storm to cease if they threw him over-board. Although he was clearly out of God’s will, seeking to run away in disobedience, Jonah admitted that he was the problem. God had brought the storm upon them because of Jonah and his rebellion.

As you study the book, you discover that Jonah hit highs and lows in regard to his character. He clearly did not want to go to Nineveh, having no compassion for any of the residents within the city. He would continue to argue with God at times; but here we see a man who chose do the right thing, even at a great cost to him personally.

Genuine honesty is always right, but it isn’t always easy. It is often difficult to admit that we are wrong and have sinned before God. At times we would rather see others have to deal with the ramifications of our sin and error rather than admit we have failed. One thing is certain – if we have sinned, the Spirit will always let us know. When that time comes, we need to be willing to admit our sin, confess it before God, and seek restoration. Jonah proves there is no place to hide from the all-seeing, all-knowing God!

II. The Dedication of the Crew (13) – Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Bear in mind, we have nothing to reveal these men believed in God prior to this account. However, their dedication to Jonah, even though he was responsible for their turmoil, is to be admired. Consider: