7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" 9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land." 10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" 12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. 17 But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
There are personal consequences; Jonah admitted his sin and was thrown overboard into the sea. For some their personal consequences for sin may result in addiction to drugs, sexual diseases, divorce, break up of family, financial loss, jail, or alcoholism, but praise God you can be released from that bondage and find spiritual freedom, but the effect of rebellion can often have long term effects. To rebel against God always has consequences. There may be times when we feel we can get our way going against God’s will. The Lord may allow that for a time, but we are not happy or satisfied in our souls.
Jonah planned to sail to Tarshish, but the consequence for his sin was he was thrown into the sea.
Our sin has consequences to others also. The storm rises. The sailors and other passengers are affected by the sin and rebellion of Jonah. They were planning a nice trip, but the storm aroused such suspicion that surely it had to be something supernatural and so they shook the dice and found the blame fell on Jonah. Jonah suggested to have them throw him overboard. They didn’t want to be charged with murder by God, so they tried to do everything according to their knowledge to keep the ship afloat. It didn’t work. Then they tried praying to their gods, but no gods were there to listen.
Many people, who are ignorant of God and His ways, keep trying with sincerity to solve sin consequences, but are failing. It is only confession and repentance that brings forgiveness. The consequences of rebellion affect others, affect family, friends, and acquaintances. Our sin often hurts loved ones with damage that we are unaware.
Due to his sin, Jonah knew he didn’t deserve any favor at all. The sailors are to be commended. They didn’t want to throw Jonah overboard, but when things got worse, they agreed this storm was punishment from God. Jonah was willing to be put to death by being thrown overboard. So, against their will, after trying one last time, they throw him overboard. See verse 16b. “The men greatly fear the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him."
God give Jonah another chance. We call this mercy. Undeserved but God brought Jonah back into His graces by providing a great fish to swallow him. Jonah was inside the fish three days and nights. God’s mercy was to be extended, not only to the prophet, but also the nation of Nineveh. They also did not deserve to be saved. They were a very wicked people. The same can be said about our cities in America. The only reason Nineveh was going to get a warning was because of God’s grace. We can even say that about ourselves.
It was through his disobedience that Jonah came into contact with the seamen, yet God so worked that the sailors were spared through Jonah’s testimony. They now turned to the Lord and offered their vows to the one true God.
When there is rebellion remember it is the heart of God to save not to punish. Jesus took punishment upon Himself in order for us to be made right with Him. The great fish was a means to mercy. We don’t know what kind or if it was especially created for this purpose, but even the animals of creation can be used of God for the good of mankind by God’s design and direction.
As G. Campbell Morgan said: “Men have been looking so hard at the great fish that they have failed to see the great God”.
Don’t forget Sin has spiritual consequences. All sin is against God, but by His mercy God provides a way of salvation as He did for Jonah. Rebellion against God is what brought Jesus Christ to the Cross. It costs Him something. He suffered and died for our sin.
Application: We are to remember that at each communion service.
Prayer: Again, I am reminded of Your Saving Grace. It’s not because I’m worthy, it’s all because of mercy. Praise God my debt is paid.
Dale
