Jonah and the Fish Named Grace
Today, under clear blue sunny skies and next to the Grand River, we heard the story of God's grace in the book of Jonah. (I almost wrote Noah :) ) We heard about how God provided for Jonah by sending a great fish to keep him alive when he was tossed overboard into the sea. God kept Jonah alive so he could go on to share His grace with the people of Ninevah. And we heard again how God provided a tree to shade him when the sun was hot. When the tree died and Jonah too was wanting to die because of the heat, God said,
You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and any cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
God wanted Jonah to keep sharing His grace, but Jonah was reluctant because he knew that God was gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and could stop from destroying the city of Niniveh with out his involvement. But the truth is, God uses His people to show His grace and compassion.
Question of the Week: When has God's grace reached you in a dark time?
I can remember times many years ago when I was in such physical suffering that I thought I would be better off dead. I thought of that time when Amy was reading Jonah's words in chapter 4. God and my friends were there during this time to show compassion so that I could keep trusting Him through it. And now I am still here to share His grace with others who need it and I bless God for that.
Question of the Week: When has God's grace reached you in a dark time?
I can remember times many years ago when I was in such physical suffering that I thought I would be better off dead. I thought of that time when Amy was reading Jonah's words in chapter 4. God and my friends were there during this time to show compassion so that I could keep trusting Him through it. And now I am still here to share His grace with others who need it and I bless God for that.
Labels: Old Testament
posted by Jewels @ 2:42 PM
1 Comments:
Good question. 12 years ago on a Labor Day Weekend my surgeon called to say that I had cancer. The same weekend our daughter who had been having infertility treatment told us she was pregnant. In church that weekend we sang "day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here." The strength was in the promises of God's grace and compassion that never left me alone. The strengh was in the grace of another grandchild wanted so dearly.
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