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Words of Life
No 25, 2022, North Queensland
Jonah 1:12-13
Most of us have only ever contemplated the wild frontier of the oceans and the power they can produce in times of storm. Recent scientific research has shown that the gravitational effect of the moon, in causing the tides, can even impact the speed of the Earth’s rotation!
Fortunately, very few of us have personally had to face this life-threatening force. Lack of personal experience, however, does not hinder our ability to understand the above verses from the perspective of the experienced sailors. Even though they may try, the most skilful sailor invariably learns that they are unable to control the sea.
From these events in history, we are meant to learn about mankind’s capacity when relating to and interacting with the Almighty God. In Jonah’s case, God used the sea to teach him that God’s will MUST be done. He also learned of the mercy of God. Even though he had rejected the call to Him, God prepared a great fish and saved him from the sea.
Sometimes in our lives, the ocean of troubles around us and perils of self-doubt serve to cause us to fear for our lives or our souls. It is then we should grasp hold of the metaphorical lifeboat, which is our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
There is a final lesson to learn as we look back upon times when we have been guided through trouble and distress in our lives. In hindsight we can see when the love and mercy of God has pulled us through and the resilience through experience we have gained.
When we next find ourselves asking the Lord, “Why me?”, we should remember the nautical wisdom in the saying, “Calm seas do not skilful sailors make”.