October 19 | Jonah 1:14-16

“Finally they called out to the Lord and said, “Please Lord, please don’t let us perish because of this man’s life and don’t put on us innocent blood, for you, Lord, have done just as you pleased.” Then they raised up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and it stopped from its raging. And the men surely feared exceedingly the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.” (Jonah 1:14–16)

Jonah was afraid the Ninevites would turn to the Lord, so he ran the other way. But the Lord chased him down with winds and a sea storm. No matter where Jonah went the Lord hounded him. Jonah wanted peace from the Lord’s pursuit.

He had to explain his story to get on the boat. But now that God was scaring professional sailors with storms he would have to come clean. They knew Jonah was running from the Lord.

But they had no idea how powerful Jonah’s God is. These don’t sound like bad Gentiles. They do everything they can to not throw Jonah overboard. But it comes to that. It’s either him or them. They picked Jonah. And the moment his body disappeared into the sea everything was calm.

They realized God’s power. And they were probably thinking, “I’m glad I’m not running from the Lord.” Seeing God’s power firsthand made every one of those Gentiles fear the Lord, offer a sacrifice to Him and make vows. Jonah’s life proved God’s existence and power.

Action Step: Take stock of your life. What about you exudes Jesus’ presence and power to others? How can you make Jesus more visible in your life?

Jesus, I want to be a witness to everyone around me. I want them to see Your love and power. Show me how to witness to others in powerful ways. I want You to receive the glory when they notice You in me.