Sermon # 17 - Stop Striving - Start Trusting Series

We read in Jonah 1:11-14, The storm was getting worse all the time, so the sailors asked him, “What should we do to you to stop the storm?” Jonah answered, “Throw me into the sea, and it will calm down. I know it is my fault that you are caught in this violent storm.” Instead, the sailors tried to get the ship to shore, rowing with all their might. But the storm was getting worse and worse, and they got nowhere. So they cried out to the LORD, “O LORD, we pray, don't punish us with death for taking this man's life! You, O LORD, are responsible for all this; it is your doing.” (GNB)

It is a fact that whenever someone chooses to walk in disobedience to God, those associated with them will also lose out on the security that God provides, and that’s exactly what happened to those on the ship that Jonah voyaged on.

Consequences of disobedience and obedience

Eve is an example of someone who chose to disobey God. Her act of disobedience had lasting consequences on her, on Adam, the serpent and all of creation. So also when there is one person who is willing to walk in obedience to God, there will protection over him, and all those who are connected with that person. Noah is the perfect example of a righteous man, who walked in total obedience to God. When God called Noah and instructed him to build an ark, Noah obeyed implicitly. The result of his obedience was that Noah, his wife, three sons and daughters in law were kept safe, while the floods devastated the entire world. It is therefore good to ask ourselves as to how obedient we are to God and His word.

Compassion for the lost

Jonah disobeyed God, and thereby put the lives of all the people on that ship in jeopardy. When questioned as to what should be done to calm the sea, Jonah himself gave the solution, and asked that he be thrown into the sea. The mariners on that ship were so kind, that they did not want to dump Jonah into the sea and therefore, strived and rowed hard to get the ship to shore. We see that these men were so compassionate towards Jonah. These men had such noble intentions that they did not wish anyone on their ship to be put in harm’s way.

We as a church know who Jesus is, have experienced the salvation that He offers us, but so often we don’t bother about those around us, who have not yet come into the fold. The men on that ship that Jonah voyaged on probably sensed that their casting Jonah into the sea would save all of them. Yet, they were hesitant, and did not consider their lives to be of greater value than that of Jonah’s. Instead they tried their best to tide over the storm to get the ship to safety.

It is good to ask ourselves if we have such a heart of compassion for those who are lost without Jesus. Those of us who are saved, have the assurance that our sins are forgiven, that there is hope beyond the grave, and that we will enjoy eternal life with the Lord Jesus. Sadly, we have failed to extend this concern for those around us. We have not prayed enough, and looked for opportunities to share this good news in every possible way, so that they too could enjoy this gift of salvation that Jesus offers to everyone.

In that ship that Jonah travelled, he was the only one who knew the Lord. However, Jonah did not care for the people on that ship, but the mariners on that ship who did not know the Lord, were more concerned about Jonah and his life.

The four men who made a difference

As I read this part of the story of Jonah, an incident came to my mind. This incident is recorded in Mark 2:1-12. Jesus was teaching in a house which was filled, and overflowing with people who had come to listen to Him. At this time four men carried on a mat a man who was paralyzed, and came to the house with the hope that Jesus would heal him. We have no idea as to how far they came from, or how long they had to carry this man to get him to that place where Jesus was. However, when they came to the place, there was no way they could enter the house because of the crowds. These men had faith to believe that if they could place this paralyzed man before Jesus, he would certainly be healed. When all their efforts to get to Jesus seemed futile, they carried the man to the roof, removed the tiles and let him down, right in front of Jesus. Jesus honored their faith and healed the paralyzed man, who walked out of that house with great rejoicing. Their faith and combined efforts brought healing to that man who was paralyzed and helpless.