Observing Lying Vanities Jonah 2:8

As Jonah continued his prayer and description of what it was like to be inside the “belly of the great fish”, he finally “remembered the LORD” and his “prayer came in” to God, “into” His “holy temple”. In chapter two and verse eight of this prophesy, we learn a great principle about “observing lying vanities”. We read:

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

The verse begins, “They that observe lying vanities...” The writer began with the words, “They that observe” which means “those who keep, guard and give heed to” “lying” or “empty, false, nothing and worthless” “vanities” which means “vapor, breath or emptiness”. Jonah concluded that he had “given heed” to “worthless and empty” thoughts as he imagined that he could flee from the presence of God.

The verse continues, “... forsake their own mercy.” The writer added, “forsake” which means “leave, depart from, loose, let alone, neglect and apostatize” “their own mercies” which means “goodness, kindness and faithfulness”. Jonah discovered the principle that anyone who “observes” “empty” Godless ideas actually hurt their own opportunities for “kindness and goodness” from Him.

When we consider the words in this verse, we understand this as one of the most important principles found in the scriptures. When a person flees from the will of God, he or she actually hurt themselves by “forsaking” the mercy the LORD would extend to them. The LORD wasn't hurt by Jonah's fleeing, but Jonah suffered because of it. Jesus desires for everyone to follow after Him, and yet, so many do not. This only leads to their own destruction and eventually, their eternal separation from Him. If we are resisting the LORD's will for our lives, let us not “observe lying vanities” so we may experience the full mercy of God that is provided through Jesus Christ His Son.

Next time we see Jonah “they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy”, 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.