Sermon # 8 - Time To Wake Up Series

We read in Jonah 1:5, “And the mariners were afraid, and cried every one unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to be lightened of them. But Jonah had gone down into the lower part of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.” (Darby)

This is the continuation of the series on the similarities that we can find between the life of Jonah and the church today. As we study the second half of this verse, we read that Jonah had gone to the lower part of the ship, laid himself down, and fallen into a deep sleep. The ship was in unimaginable peril, and was tossed by a furious storm, but in the midst of such a calamity there was Jonah oblivious to what was happening around him and fast asleep. If there was one person on that ship who could change the situation it should have been Jonah, for he was the only one who knew the living God, who had received God’s word, and had been in communion with God. Sadly, this one man was sleeping.

God is looking for that one person

If you observe, God is not looking for a crowd, but for one man who could make a difference. In the days of Noah, we see how Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. So also Abraham was chosen by God to be blessed, and be a blessing to all the nations. When the Midianites were plundering the Israelites, God found Gideon who was fearful and hiding in a winepress. Not only did God choose men, he also chose women like Deborah and Esther to do His work.

God does not need a huge crowd to do His will, but He needs those individuals who are obedient and willing to submit to Him and fulfill His purposes. With such people God can do the mighty wonders and even calm those raging storms. The blessing of being a believer in Jesus is the fact that the Lord has taught us everything pertaining to life in all its entirety.

The signs of the end of the age

The disciples of Jesus asked him in Matthew 24:3, “And as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be, and what is the sign of thy coming and the completion of the age?” (Darby)

Jesus did not refute the question of the disciples, but explained in great detail the signs of the end times. In other words, Jesus was reiterating that there would be an end of the world.

Generally there are many who live on earth as though their time here is unending. To such Jesus reminds us that there will surely come a time when this world will come to an end.

These are Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:7, For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. (Web)

These signs are evident for all to see. There are nations at war with nations, some of these openly and the others unobtrusively. Jesus also spoke about kingdoms rising against kingdoms, and we see kingdoms like these who have weapons of mass destruction, and are threatening the entire world. Also there will be famines said Jesus, and that too is found in many part of the world, where there is an acute shortage of food and starvation of thousands. Then Jesus spoke of plagues and we are at present enduring the effects of this global pandemic. There is also mention of earthquakes which too have become regular threat in many parts of the world.

All of these signs Jesus spoke about are being fulfilled, and we as a church have the responsibility to teach these to those outside who are confused and perplexed by these disasters. Our message to the world is that in the midst of all of these calamities, the Lord has promised us His presence and protection, and therefore there is no need to fear. We as the church have the responsibility to share the good news that Jesus brings to the world that is in turmoil. Sadly, the church has forgotten the purpose of our existence here on earth. The answer to these queries are all found with the church, but sadly the church on many occasions are in the same state that Jonah was in.

When Jesus came down to the earth, He abolished the enmity between God and man on the cross of Calvary. Not only did Jesus bring reconciliation between God and man, He also assured us of His divine protection to those who are in fellowship with Him. This is the good news every member of the church is expected to share with those who are outside of the church.