What Do We Do? Jonah 1:11

The “mariners” aboard the ship traveling to Joppa were “exceedingly afraid” when they discovered that Jonah was the reason for the storm that was upon them. They knew “he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them”, and in chapter one and verse eleven of this prophesy, the “mariners” ask Jonah “what do we do unto you?” where we read:

Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto you, that the sea may be calm unto us?

for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

The verse began, “Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto you,...” The writer began with the words, “The said they” which refers to the “mariners uttering, speaking and declaring” “what do we do” or “fashion, accomplish, make, produce or attend to” “unto you” which means Jonah. We can imagine the fear that drove these men to discover a way by which they might escape from their troubles.

The verse goes on to say, “... that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.” The writer added, “that the sea” or “the large body of water in which the shipped sailed” “may be calm” which means “be quiet, silent, ceased and settled down” “unto us” which refers to the “the mariners and the shipmaster” “for the sea” or “the large body of water in which the shipped sailed” “wrought” which means “speedily spread and tossed up and down”, “and was tempestuous” which means “raging, tossing, was troubled and sore”. The “mariners” desired for the “sea” to “calm down” because it was “raging” and had the potential of destroying not only the ship but also the men themselves.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we can imagine the “mariners” desire to have their conditions altered. Their lives were in peril, and Jonah was the cause of it. Certainly they desired a solution to their troubles, and they longed for the seas to be “calm” again. Are there “raging” seas in our lives that have been caused by others? Are there storms occurring because we disobeyed God in some manner? Have we been the victim of another person's willful disobedience to Jesus Christ and now are experiencing “winds and waves” because of it? If so, we should go before the LORD Jesus in prayer, and ask Him by His Holy Spirit “what do we do?” so the seas may be “calm” once again. May the LORD lead us to seek His face while the seas are “raging” and the “winds” are blowing in our lives.

Next time we see the “mariners” ask Jonah what they should do with him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Mariners Ask Jonah Why Jonah 1:10

When Jonah revealed that he was “an Hebrew” and that he “feared the LORD, the God of heaven, which has made the sea and the dry land”, the “mariners” aboard the ship traveling to Joppa knew they were in deep trouble. In chapter one and verse ten of this prophecy, we see how the men were “exceedingly afraid” and asked Jonah “why have you done this?” where we read:

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why have you done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

The verse begins, “Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why have you done this?” The writer began with the words, “Then were the men” which refers to the “mariners on the ship” “exceedingly” or “greatly, intensely and loudly” “afraid” which means “in terror, fear, reverence and revered piety”, “and said” or “uttered, spoke, avowed and avouch” “unto him” which refers to Jonah, “Why have you done this” which means “fashioned, accomplished, made and produced this” and refers to Jonah bringing the storm upon them. We can imagine how “afraid” these men were as they thought they would lose their lives, and their reaction was to discover “Why” Jonah did this to them.

The verse goes on to say, “For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.” The writer continued, “For the men” which refers to the “men, persons, individuals and mariners” “knew” or “learned, perceived, see, found out and discerned” “that he fled” which means “ran away, put to flight, reached forth and hurried away” “from the presence” or “face and person”, “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the proper name of the one true God”, “because he had told” or “declared, showed, uttered, expounded and messaged” “them” which refers to the “mariners and shipmaster”. When Jonah declared how he “ran away from “the presence of the LORD”, it cause the men aboard the ship to “fear greatly” and ask him “why”.

When we consider these words the prophesy, we envision the men aboard this ship wondering why they were experiencing such troubles, and after they found Jonah to be responsible, they not only wanted to know “why” but also considered the power of the “LORD” who made the seas. They may have thought that God was ready to destroy them, and they knew He had power to do so. Jesus Christ desires a relationship with everyone, and should it take a “storm” to get the attention of them and those around, he may allow it. Let's think about this. These men were now observing God, and He had their attention. Jonah was at fault, and others paid the price. If others are “paying the price” for our “running” from God, may they call our attention to it and ask the question “why”.

Next time we see the “mariners” ask Jonah what they should do with him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Jonah the Hebrew Who Fears the LORD Jonah 1:9

Jonah attempted to “flee from the presence of the LORD” by boarding a ship and sailing to Joppa. As he left, he underestimated the omnipresence of God who sent a storm that was so fierce that the “ship was like to be broken”. The “mariners” aboard the ship began to cry out to their gods, and the shipmaster found Jonah asleep in the bottom of the boat. After waking, “casting lots” and questioning who Jonah was, in chapter one and verse nine of this prophecy, Jonah answered their questions by declaring he was a “Hebrew” who “fears the LORD”. We read:

And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD,

the God of heaven, which has made the sea and the dry land.

The verse begins, “And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD,...” The writer began with these words, “And he said” or “spake, uttered, answered, avowed and avouched” “unto them” which refers to the “mariners”, “I am an Hebrew” which means “one from beyond” and was a “designation of the patriarchs and Israelites”; “and I fear” or “am reverent, in awe of and afraid of” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah and Jehovah” and the proper name of the one true God”. Jonah identified himself with the “patriarchs and Israelites” who revered and were in awe of “Jehovah God”.

The verse continues, “...the God of heaven, which has made the sea and the dry land.” The writer added, “the God” which refers to “the one and true divine” “of heaven” or “the abode of God”, “which has made” which means “fashioned, accomplished and produced” “the sea” or “a large body of water; specifically the Mediterranean Sea” “and the dry land” or “dry earthly surfaces”. Jonah served the Heaven abiding Creator of both the “dry lands” and “the seas”.

When we meditate upon the words of this verse, we marvel at Jonah's admission as to whom he belonged and worshipped. The creator of the universe, “dry land” and “the sea” was the object of his worship, and the children of Israel were the people with whom he identified. This demonstrates how our affiliation with God's people and God Himself as our object of worship does not determine our obedience to Him. Jesus Christ desires a relationship with people who not only identify with Him and His people by name and thought, but also with actions, attitudes and words. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit help us examine our lives to discover whether our “walk” aligns with our “talk” concerning Jesus Christ.

Next time we see the “exceeding fear” of the “mariners” and them questioning why Jonah did this to them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Questions about Jonah Jonah 1:8

Because the fault for the storm could not be determine, the “mariners” of the ship going to Joppa “cast lots” and revealed that Jonah was the culprit of their troubles. In chapter one and verse eight of this prophesy, the “mariners” ask several questions of Jonah to find out who he was. We read:

Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray you, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is your occupation? and where do you come from? what is your country? and of what people are you?

The verse begins, “Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray you, for whose cause this evil is upon us;” The writer began with the words, “Then said they” which refers to the “mariners” “unto him” which means Jonah, “Tell us” or “be conspicuous, make known, declare, announce, report and expound to the mariners”, “we pray you, for whose cause this evil” which is all one Hebrew word “ra` “ and means “bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant, displeasing and wickedness” “is upon us” or “come upon the seamen in the ship”. When the “seamen” discovered Jonah was the source of their problems, they desired to know why he caused these troubles.

The verse goes on to say, “What is your occupation? and where do you come from? what is your country? and of what people are you?” The writer continued, “What is your occupation?” which means “work, business, property, workmanship, service and use” “and where do you come from?” or what is your place or origin and living “what is your country?” which means “territory, district and region” “and of what people are you?” which refers to Jonah's “nation, compatriots, country-men, kinsmen and kindred”. This riffling of questions to Jonah were the result of the terror these men were experiencing because of the storm.

When we think through these words, we can imagine the anxiety of these greatly distressed “mariners”. When they found Jonah to be the source of their troubles, it was quite natural to fire off questions to him concerning the reason for their them. When storms come into our lives, especially if they are caused by someone other than us, we may have questions as well. The key is to take our inquiries to the Lord Jesus who governs over and is in control of every situation we face. If a storm has come or is on the horizon, let us go to the Heavenly Father in Jesus' name and find the “source” and reasons for our “winds and waves”, and should we find ourselves as the “root” of the problem, let us turn toward Him in repentance and computation.

Next time we see how Jonah answers the “mariners'” questions, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Casting Lots to Find Jonah Jonah 1:7

Because Jonah fled from “the presence of the LORD”, God sent a “great wind” upon the ship he boarded whose destination was Joppa. Although the “mariners” and the “shipmaster” were afraid for their lives, Jonah was asleep in the bottom of the boat. The “shipmaster” came to Jonah and asked him how he could sleep in such conditions, and exhorted Jonah to call upon his God so they would not perish. In chapter one and verse seven of this prophesy, the mariners “cast lots” to determine the fault for the storm that had come upon them. We read:

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

The verse begins, “And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us.” The writer began with the words, “And they said” or “answered, appointed, avouched, bid, boasted self, called, certified, challenged and charged” “every one” or “each man or human” “to his fellow” which refers to “companion, friend and fellow citizen”, “Come” or “walk, proceed, carry, go and live”, “and let us cast” which means “throw down, assign and apportion” “lots” which means “pebbles used for systematically making decisions”, “that we may know” or “perceive, see, find out and discern, discriminate and distinguish” “for whose cause” which means “whosoever and whichsoever's sake” “this evil” or “bad, disagreeableness, malignancy, unpleasantness, unhappiness and misery” “is upon us” which refers to “the mariners and seamen”. The “mariners” purposed to throw down “pebbles” which were used determine the person responsible for this problem.

The verse continues, “So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.” The writer added, “So they cast lots” or “threw down, assigned and apportioned pebbles used for systematically making decisions”, “and the lot” which means “pebbles used for systematically making decisions” “fell” or “assigned and apportioned” “upon Jonah” which means “dove”. When the “mariners” threw the pebbles, they indicated that Jonah was the reason the “storm” came upon them.

When we consider thoroughly these words, we understand how the “mariners” had no idea it was Jonah who caused all their problems. They resorted to the only means they knew to determine who was to blame for their troubles, “the lot”, and when “the lots” were “cast”, Jonah was found as the culprit. The Lord Jesus may have us oblivious to the reason troubles have fallen upon us, our family or our friends, and although we are not to resort to “cast lots” to find out the cause, we should go to the Heavenly Father in prayer and seek His face concerning it. Perhaps we have “fled” from God's call, and the reason for the “storm” is us. In that case, let us turn to Jesus with all our heart, change our rebellious ways, and implore Him to calm the storm that prevails.

Next time we see how the “mariners” ask Jonah many questions, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Jonah Sleeping Jonah 1:6

As Jonah fled from “the presence of the LORD” and the commission God gave him, the LORD “sent out a great wind into the sea”, and although the ship was likely to be “broken” apart, Jonah had descended into the lower deck of the ship and fell asleep. “The mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god”, and they threw the “wares” of the ship “into the sea”, and yet, Jonah was fast asleep. In chapter one and verse six of this prophesy, the “shipmaster” asked Jonah what he means by “sleeping”. We read:

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What do you mean, O sleeper?

arise, call upon your God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

The verse begins, “So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What do you mean, O sleeper?” The writer began, “So the shipmaster” which refers to “the chief seaman, pilot or sailor” “came to him” or “Jonah”, “and said to him” which means “spoke, uttered, commanded, promised and intended”, “What do you mean O sleeper” which means “unconscious one, heavy in sleep, stupefied and stunned one”? We can almost imagine the vigor and puzzlement with which this “shipmaster” came to Jonah to ask him how he could be “sleeping” in the midst of this storm.

The verse goes on to say, “arise, call upon your God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.” The writer added, “arise” which means “rise, stand, persist, be set and fixed”, “call upon your God” or “proclaim, utter a loud sound and cry out to his ruler, judge and divine one”, “if so be that God” which refers to “your ruler, judge and divine one” “will think” which is the Hebrew word “`ashath” which literally means “to be smooth, shiny and gleam” and carries the idea to “excogitate as if forming in the mind and shine” “upon us that we perish not” which means “we do not vanish, go astray, be destroyed, be exterminated, lost and strayed”. The “shipmaster” called upon Jonah to “cry out” to his God so that he and the other mariners might not “perish”.

When we think through these words, we can hardly blame this “shipmaster” for seeking out Jonah and chastising him. From his perspective, the “shipmaster” saw Jonah as “indifferent, lazy and non-concerned” about the conditions of the ship. If we are not careful, we can be “asleep” and “indifferent” in the midst of the storm God brings into our lives. Perhaps the Lord Jesus has allowed conditions and circumstances that seem like a great wind teeming against us, and if so, our best response is to “arise”, “call upon” our “God”, and seek Him so we do not “perish” in the midst of our travail.

Next time we see how the “mariners” “cast lots” to discover their trouble came from Jonah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Mariners and Jonah Jonah 1:5

God Almighty gave Jonah the prophet a commission to “go to Nineveh” and “cry against it” because their “wickedness” had “come up before” the LORD. However, rather than obey the LORD, Jonah decided to catch a ship going to “Joppa” which was a great distance from Nineveh. As the ship sailed, “the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken”, and in chapter one and verse five of this prophesy, we discover the response of “the mariners” and “Jonah” to this storm where we read:

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

The verse began, “Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea,to lighten it of them.” The writer began with the words, “Then the mariners” which refers to “sailors and seamen” “were afraid” or “in awe, fear, reverence, honor and respect”, “and cried” which means “called, summoned, proclaimed and shrieked” “every man” or “male and person” “unto his god” which refers to “rulers, judges, divine ones and angels”, “and cast forth” or “hurl, throw, carry and hurl” “the wares” which means “articles, vessels, implements, utensils and objects” “that were in the ship” which means “in the merchant ship” “into the sea” or “the great basin of water wherein the ship sailed”, “to lighten it” or “make swift, of little account, trifling, insignificant and lightly esteemed” “of them” which refers to “the items on the ship”. The “seamen” of the merchant ship were terrified and “shrieked” unto their “gods” and threw the contents of the ship overboard in order to make the ship “lighter”.

The verse goes on to say, “But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.” The writer added the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “Jonah” or “dove” “was gone down” or “descended, declined, marched and sunk down” “into the sides” which means “the flank, extreme parts and recesses” “of the ship” which refers to the “mariner ship Jonah boarded”; “and he lay” or “lie down, rested and stayed”, “and was fast asleep” which means “in a heavy, fast and deep sleep like being stunned or stupefied”. Instead of being concerned or aware of the storm that surrounded the ship, Jonah went down into it and fell fast into a deep sleep.

When we think through these words, we might be amazed at Jonah's indifference and non-concern about the conditions surrounding him. There is a state of mind that goes against the ways of God to the degree that a person is oblivious to God's “storm” or trial. Jesus Christ never forces anyone to have a relationship with Him, however He may allow conditions to become a “storm” or a trial in their lives. The question is whether they will observe the storm like these “mariners” or fall fast asleep like Jonah. If there are “storms” in our lives, let us throw off any “wares” that will “lighten” our “ships”, and let us never be asleep to God's direction in our lives.

Next time we see what the “shipmaster” does to Jonah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD's Great Wind Jonah 1:4

Jonah the prophet had been commissioned by the LORD to cry out against “Nineveh” the “great city” because their “wickedness” had “come up before” Him. Rather than obey the LORD's word, Jonah caught a ship going to “Joppa” to “flee from the presence of the LORD”. As he boarded the ship, he descended into the lower part of it and fell asleep. In chapter one and verse four of this prophesy, we see how the LORD responded to Jonah's actions as He “sent out a great wind into the sea” where we read:

But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea,

and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

The verse begins, “But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea,...” The author began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “sent out” or “hurled, cast and threw out” “a great wind” which means “large, vivacious and vigorous wind” “into the sea” or “the great basin of water wherein the ship sailed.” Although Jonah desired to escape the presence of God, God was intimately present with him, and He sent a “great wind” to demonstrate it.

The verse goes on to say, “and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.” The author added, “and there was a mighty” which is all one Hebrew word “gadowl” and means “great, large and intense” “tempest” or “storm, whirlwind or hurricane” “in the sea” or “the great basin of water wherein the ship sailed”, “so that the ship” which means the “large merchant ship” “was like” or “planned, esteemed, calculated, invented, made a judgment, imagined and counted” “to be broken” which means “ruptured, maimed, crippled and wrecked”. The storm the LORD sent upon the merchant ship was so intense that it was likely that the ship would be broken into pieces.

When we think through the words of this verse, we discover firsthand there is no place for Jonah to “flee” from the “presence of the Lord”. Even when Jonah thought he could “run” from the LORD, God sent a “hurricane” to get his attention. We can imagine the fear within the “mariners” of the ship, yet at this point Jonah was oblivious to God's “storm”. When Jesus Christ desires to get a person's attention, He may send “a storm” into their lives, and the more they attempt to “flee” away from Him, the more intense that “storm” may be. The foremost decision for a person in a “storm” is to turn to Jesus Christ, listen to His words, and ask Him for the direction He desires for their lives. In other words, “surrender”.

Next time we see how the “mariners” and “Jonah” responded to God's great wind, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Jonah Fleeing from God's Call Jonah 1:3

God Almighty sent His “word” to Jonah to “arise, and go to Nineveh”. “Nineveh” was a “great city” and their “wickedness” had “come up before” God. In chapter one and verse three of his prophesy, we learn how Jonah responded to God's call by “fleeing” from Him where we read:

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

The verse begins, “But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa;” The writer began with the word “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “Jonah” or “dove” “rose up” which means “arose, stood, roused and erected himself” “to flee” or “run away, chase, put to flight, shoot and hurry away” “unto Tarshish” which means “yellow jasper” and was “a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea” “from the presence” or “face or person” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”, “and went down” or “descended, declined, marched or sunk down” “to Joppa” which means “beautiful” and was “a town on the southwest coast of Palestine in the territory of Dan which became the primary port of Jerusalem during reign of Solomon”. Instead of complying with and answering the commission of God, Paul “ran away” from it.

The verse continues, “and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it,...” The writer added, “and he found” which means “to attain, secure, acquire and get” “a ship” or “merchant ships” “going to Tarshish” which means “yellow jasper” and was “a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea”: “so he paid” or “gave, set forth and put” “the fare thereof” or “the hire, wages, reward, pay and fee”, “and went down into it” or “had gone down, descended, declined, marched or sunk down”. After Jonah found the merchant “ship” going to “Tarshish”, he paid the “fare” and went down into the inside of it.

Finally the word says, “...to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.” The writer continued with the words, “to go” or “enter, attain to and be enumerated” “with them unto Tarshish” or “yellow jasper” “from the presence” or “face or person” “of the LORD” who is “Yehovah or Jehovah “the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”. Jonah desired to “flee” from the face and “presence” of God, and as he boarded the “ship” he thought he accomplished and fulfilled his desire.

When we think through these words, we may think it laughable that Jonah actually thought he could go anywhere where God is not. Jonah had his plan, and he thought if he boarded a “merchant ship”, he could go as far away from the city of “Nineveh” as possible. Sometimes, we may think we can somehow “flee” from the “presence” of God, however, this is impossible. God Almighty is “omnipresent” which means “everywhere present”, and those who think they can go anywhere in this world where He is not, are greatly mistaken. Jesus Christ told His disciples, “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”, and we are challenged by the Psalmist “Where shall I go from your spirit? or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall your hand lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hides not from thee; but the night shines as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to you.” Let us know that God is “everywhere”, and should He “call us” to any particular task, let us not be deceived into believing we could every “hide” from Him.

Next time we see God send “a great wind” against Jonah's ship, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Arise, Go to Nineveh Jonah 1:2

As we began the book of Jonah, we read as “Yehovah” God brought His “word” to “Jonah” the prophet who was the “son of Amattai”. In chapter one and verse two of his writing, the author shared God's command to Jonah - “Arise, go to Nineveh” where we read:

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it;

for their wickedness is come up before me.

The verse begins, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it;” The writer began with the word, “Arise” which means “stand, rise up or stand up”, “go” or “walk, come, depart, proceed, move and go away” “to Nineveh” which means “abode of Ninus” and was “capital of the ancient kingdom of Assyria; located on the east bank of the Tigris river, 550 miles (880 kilometers) from its mouth and 250 miles (400 kilometers) north of Babylon”, “that great city” or “large in number and intensity”, “and cry” or “call out, recite, read and proclaim” “against it” which means “in opposition to and averse to”. Jonah's Godly commission was to “go to” the city of “Nineveh” and make a proclamation against it.

The verse goes on to say, “for their wickedness is come up before me.” The writer added, “for their wickedness” or “the people in the city's bad, evil, disagreeable behavior, malignant, unpleasing and misery” “is come up” which means “ascended, sprung up, shot forth and risen” “before me” which refers to “God Almighty”. Jonah was to “cry against” “Nineveh” because their “evil and despicable” ways were “ascended” up to God.

When we consider these words, we understand Jonah had a specific work he was to carry out for “the LORD”. “Nineveh” was a “wicked” city, and the time for their judgment had come. Jonah was to be the agent by which the announcement of their judgment would come. The return of Jesus will bring “judgment” upon the earth, and the time to hear His message is now. As we study the book of Jonah, let us keep in mind that “judgment” could be pronounced upon our “wickedness” as well, and let us hear and take heed to God's word as study it.

Next time we see how Jonah responded to God's commission, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Jonah the Son of Amittai Jonah 1:1

Although we are not certain of the authorship of the book of Jonah as to whether it was by Jonah himself or another writer, we will discover that it's inspiration is by none other than God Almighty. As we begin our study, we begin with “the word of the LORD” and how it “came” to “Jonah the son of Amittai” where we read:

Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

The verse begins, “Now the word of the LORD...” The writer began with the words, “Now the word” or “speech, utterance and saying” “of the LORD” which is the Hebrew word “Yehovah or Jehovah” and refers to “the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”. From the very beginning of this book, the “word of the LORD” is the focal point and origin of the directions given to Jonah.

The verse goes on to say, “...came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,” The writer continued, “came unto Jonah” whose name means “dove” and was “son of Amittai and a native of Gath-hepher; fifth of the minor prophets who prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II and whom God sent also to prophecy to Nineveh” “the son” or “male child” “of Amittai” whose name means “my truth” and was “the father of Jonah the prophet” “saying” or “uttering, being told, avowing and avouching”. The words that “Jonah the son of Amattai” was to hear were directly spoken or conveyed by “the One true God”.

When we think through these words, we understand that we are in the presence of “Almighty God's” words as we read through this prophetic book. Let us remember, as we study them, they are directly from “Yehovah”, and whenever He speaks to man, man should pay close attention. God Almighty would later speak to us about His Son Jesus and the sacrifice He would pay to redeem us from our sinful natures. As we study this book, may He through His Holy Spirit help us to recognize the precedence set by His “words” to Jonah and the precursor they are to His words concerning Jesus.

Next time we see God's commission to “Jonah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Grace to Those Who Love Jesus Ephesians 6:24

At the concluding of his words to the Ephesian church, Paul the apostle began closing his thoughts to them by including a desire for “peace” and “love with faith” to be upon them. In chapter six and verse twenty-four of his letter, Paul declared “grace” to “be with all them that love” Jesus as one final inclination for them. We read:

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen

The verse begins, “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ...” Paul began with the word, “Grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good will, loving-kindness and unmerited favor” “be with all them that love” which is the Greek word “agapaō” and means “to welcome, entertain, be fond of, love dearly, be well-pleased and contented with” “our Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul's final passion for the Ephesian church members was for “God's unmerited favor” and the “love of” the “Lord Jesus” upon them.

The verse goes on to say, “...in sincerity. Amen.” Paul ended with the words, “in sincerity” which literally means “firm” and metaphorically means “faithful” or “incorruption, perpetuity, purity, sincerity and incorruption”. “Amen” which means “so it is, surely, truly and of a truth”. Paul's desire was shared in all “faithfulness” and “truth” Paul could conscript.

When we consider these final words of Paul, we realize his deep devotion to the members of the church of Ephesus. God's “grace” and the “love of our Lord Jesus Christ” cannot be added to or improved upon, and those who are believers in Jesus as Savior and Lord enjoy the benefits extended by God upon them. As we close our study to this wonderful letter of Paul, may God's “grace” be upon us, and may “the Lord Jesus” pour out His unlimited and unconditional “love” upon us in all “faithfulness” and “perpetuity” world without end.

Next time we begin a new book in the Old Testament, The Book of Jonah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.