READ: Jon. 1:8–12: .… How have you done this? …
Jonah is exposed when the lot identifies him as the sinner. Though the lot was cast superstitiously, Jonah must have recognized the LORD’s hand in it. Under a barrage of questions he must confess who he is and who his God is.
He declares that he belongs to God’s people, that he is a Hebrew, and that he fears the LORD, the covenant God. He adds that this God is the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land. Jonah’s confession is magnificent, but his conduct contradicts it. To fear the LORD means to honour and obey Him. His lips confess the almighty Creator, but his life denies that confession.
We too may act in this way: speaking beautifully about God and our service to Him while following our own paths. We should also realize that we may not refuse the Lord when He calls us to office unless there is a genuine impossibility.
The LORD gives much to His office-bearers, but He also requires much of them. Moses and Aaron were not permitted to enter the Promised Land because they failed to sanctify the LORD at the waters of Meribah (Deut. 32:51).
The sailors are deeply affected by Jonah’s confession that he has fled from this almighty Creator. They become exceedingly afraid. Who can withstand such a God? Jonah needs these heathen men to ask him, “How could you do this?” How deeply he has fallen in his disobedience! Yet though they strongly disapprove, they do not seize him. Jonah himself proposes that he be cast into the sea.
What office or calling has the Lord entrusted to you, and what are you doing with it?
Sing: Ps. 95:3, 4.