Sermon # 7 - Throw-Off, Rebuild, Unite Series

We read in Jonah 1:5, Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. (ESV)

As we continue our study on the life of Jonah and the church, I believe that God is declaring His word to the church of today. It is only when we listen and walk in obedience to God’s word, can we be those who will fulfill God’s will in our lives. In the above mentioned verse, each man called on their god when they were challenged with a furious storm, and knew that they were in danger of losing their lives. Usually as human beings we call out to the Lord when our lives are in jeopardy.

Some may have experienced this when they took their loved ones for treatment to a hospital. When the doctors gave up hope, and told us that they was nothing more they could do, we sought the Lord fervently and desperately. In reality this should not be so, but we should be those who constantly look to the Lord for every single matter in our lives. These sailors on that ship did not know the true and living God, and so in desperation they cried out to their own gods. Their wails to their gods did not seem to bring any sort of relief or respite as the situation continued as it was.

The challenge at Mount Carmel

I was reminded of another incident the bible narrates in 1 Kings 18:21, And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. (ESV)

The people of Israel were of two opinions as to whether they should follow the living God whom they could not see or to follow Baal whom they had made and could see. A double minded person can never walk straight, but will surely stagger at every point, and that’s exactly what the people were doing. The challenge that Elijah placed before them was that they choose to either follow the living God or to follow after Baal.

There are many who when faced with any problem, are extremely confused as they tend to listen to every suggestion offered by any and everybody. The bible reminds us that a double-minded person will be unstable in all their ways. The church too has to decide whether they are going to follow after God or go after man made schemes and plans. There are lots of plans being drawn out by the church, but not all of them are from God. There are plans to advertise, raise funds, for festivals, celebrations, elections and in the process we have forgotten the very purpose of the existence of the church.

The prophets of Baal were challenged to prepare an altar and sacrifice to their gods, while Elijah also would build an altar and sacrifice to the God of Israel. The God who answered by fire from heaven would be declared the true and living God. Taking up the challenge the prophets of Baal built the altar, made the sacrifice and called out to Baal. They cried out aloud to Baal, cut themselves with knives and lancets, all to no avail. There was no answer to their cries and laments.

Sadly, this is the situation of many who are praying to God. There is much noise and commotion, but the answer is nowhere at hand. If we are disobedient to God and His word, but believe that God will give heed to our prayer, we are only deceiving ourselves. God is very clear that He will only answer those who tremble in His presence, and are obedient to His word.

Oftentimes, we take those verses from the bible that are convenient for us, and overlook all those that exhort us or admonish us in any way. We live in a time when the church must call on the Lord, letting go of all that is displeasing to God, and holding on to those things that God approves of. Of such a church the Lord assures us that the gates of hades will not prevail against it. The church building may be locked up, and we may face a crisis whereby we are prohibited to meet together, but let us be reminded that our bodies are the temple of the living God. No one can stop or hinder the worship that overflows from within each one of us. The purpose of the church and the gathering was perfectly modelled by the early church. Only when we come in line with God’s divine purposes, will our prayers be answered. As long as we are depending on our self, finances and popularity there will be no answer from God to our prayers.