Jonah 1 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Jonah 1:15,16

Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the LORD’s great power, and they offered Him a sacrifice and vowed to serve Him.

In the story of Jonah, we tend to focus on Jonah, the fish, and the city of Nineveh. But as I read this, the Holy Spirit pointed out another truth that I had missed so many times before, and it went something like this: the LORD never intended for Jonah to be on that ship, but He didn’t waste the opportunity to show those sailors His power, which led them to worship Him! Our God doesn’t waste a thing! He didn’t waste this opportunity but embraced it and used it to get these sailors' attention to who He is! Praise God!

Let’s not get forget that this is still a sin Jonah committed, but the beauty of God’s mercy, power, and sovereignty can’t be denied. This doesn’t mean that we go around sinning and expecting the LORD to use it. We’re not “sinning for the Kingdom,” but rather, it gives us hope that even when we mess up, God can use it for His glory and to draw others to Himself. Let’s not forget that it was Jonah’s own idea to be thrown overboard. He didn’t hide in the shame but admitted his sin and was willing to face the consequences to save those around him. Can we be like Jonah today?

Jonah 1:9-12- He answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” This terrified them, and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the LORD because he had already told them so.) The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”

God bless! I love you all, but His love will breathe new life into you! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!