Week 24: Jonah and the Whale

The story of Jonah and the whale is a favorite Sunday School story. Jonah receives directions from God, Jonah runs from God, God has Jonah swallowed by whale, Jonah is in the whale for three days, Jonah prays to God, and Jonah finally goes to Nineveh to delivery God's message to the people there.

What I found interesting was the story after the story of how the people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways and toward God. In Jonah 4:1-11 it tells of Jonah's reaction to God's decision to not destroy Nineveh (Jonah 3:10). Basically Jonah pouted, and gets angry with God because God showed compassion and mercy toward the people of Nineveh. Jonah then sits and waits to see what will happen to the city, and the Lord has a plant grow to shade Jonah. Eventually the Lord has the plant die. The Lord asks Jonah if it is right for him to be angry about the plant dying, in Jonah's anger he believes he does. And the Lord responds with (I think this is great), "...'You feel sorry for the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?'"

How often do we get angry and upset with God for his decisions? I know that I can be that pouting whining child when life doesn't happen the way I think it should go. I think that this story of Jonah is reflective of much of our experiences in not wanting to accept God's plan or a change in what we thought was the plan. This story reminded me of how I often get upset at small things without understanding or considering that there is a bigger picture at work. I pray that I may accept and humbling walk in the path the Lord has laid out for me. I'm afraid of whales.

Week 23: Elisha's Army

I like the story of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings 6:8-23. In this story, Elisha has just warned the King of Israel about the King of Aram's intent to go to war. The King of Aram decides to take his frustration out on Elisha by sending an army to seize him. One morning, Elisha's servant went outside to find that they were surrounded by King Aram's army. The servant, understandably, panicked and cried out to Elisha asking him what they were to do. I imagine that Elisha calmly turned to the servant as he said, "'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For there are more on our side than on theirs!'" (2 Kings 6:16). Then Elisha prayed and asked God to reveal to the servant God's army that surrounded them.

Can you imagine what it would be like to feel as though you were in a hopeless situation, only to find that you have the exact support and care that you needed? I know I want to be more cognizant of how God is working in my life. I want to have my eyes opened to the glory, love, safety that is surrounding me.

Week 22: Israel's Many Kings

I can't say that I've ever read first or second Kings. And both Chronicles and Kings record Israel's many kings. Buried within the revolving door of kings in both Israel and Judah is the story of Elijah. Elijah is one of the remaining faithful to God. The continual misdirection of the kings has led the people of Israel to turn their backs on the God of Jacob. Elijah listens and goes where the Lord send him in order to work in the hearts and minds of the people.

In a very dramatic fashion Elisha challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest of who's god is stronger (1 Kings 18:1-40)? The challenge is to have the true god light a sacrifice on fire. Needless to say, God demonstrated his mighty power by not only sending fire to burn up the sacrifice, but the altar that it was offered on. Baal forgot to show up that day. While God's power was made unbelievably real that day, people still did not believe and Elijah ends up fleeing.

It continues to strike me how similar we are to the people in the old testament. We are hit over and over again with God's faithfulness and we continue to choose to put our faith and trust in false gods such as money, or the security of human relationships. I know that I struggle with this misplaced faith as well. I pray that I don't need to have a column of fire come from heaven for me to see that God is in control. I pray that I give thanks even for the things that I do not understand and give my control over to God.

"...Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you."
2 Chronicles 15:2 

Week 21: More Proverbs and Wise Thoughts

I really enjoy the book of Proverbs. I like all of the nuggets of truth and directions for life. There is just so much in those short 31 chapters. Here are some of my favorites from this week's reading

"Get all the advice and instruction you can,
so you will be wise the rest of your life."
Proverbs 19:20

"You can make many plans,
but the Lord's purpose will prevail."
Proverbs 19:21

"The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way."
Proverbs 20:24

"People may be right in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines the heart."
Proverbs 21:2

I find comfort in these words. My human struggle is not new that for centuries people have had to be reminded that the Lord is the one in control.