ERCC DEVOTIONAL (TEKAN) DAILY SPIRITUAL DIET; TUESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER, 2023.
TEXT: JONAH 1: 11 - 17.
SPIRITUAL FOCUS: PREACH TO THE WORLD THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
In yesterday's reading we heard how the prophet Jonah fled from the face of the Lord and hid in a ship because he thought God was not there.
He forgot that no one can hide from the Lord God and not be seen by Him (Jer. 23:24). Jonah unknowingly thought he would deceive God, but it was not true. In today's study, the storm arose, and the transporters realized that this was God's work.
When they cast lots to know the cause of the disaster, the lot fell on Jonah. When they questioned him, Jonah did not deny, but told them the truth (vs. 8- 10). Brethren, it is good to know that if we refuse to heed the word of God, then we are in danger of His judgment.
We should never think we can escape because we are His followers. In the reading, Jonah offers himself a sacrifice (vs. 12) before the wind ceased, and the workers and passengers were saved. So, the Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross for us.
The transporters' efforts to save themselves failed, and Jonah surrendered. Likewise, all human efforts to gain salvation will amount to nothing. Brethren, doing religion and all good deeds will not save us. Salvation is available only through faith in Christ Jesus.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Christ has redeemed us with His blood.
PRAYER: Lord God, I beseech You, help me to proclaim Your gospel with zeal in the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.
JONAH 1: 11 - 17 (AMP).
11 Then they said to him, What shall we do to you, that the sea may subside and be calm for us? For the sea became more and more [violently] tempestuous.
12 And [Jonah] said to them, Take me up and cast me into the sea; so shall the sea become calm for you, for I know that it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.
13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring the ship to the land, but they could not, for the sea became more and more violent against them.
14 Therefore they cried to the Lord, We beseech You, O Lord, we beseech You, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.
15 So they took up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.
16 Then the men [reverently and worshipfully] feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.
17 :Now the Lord had prepared and appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
