SHINE THE LIGHT
JESUS STEPS INTO OUR TROUBLE…
Jonah runs from God’s call. Jesus does not.
That contrast matters. Where Jonah flees, Jesus obeys. Where Jonah sleeps through the danger. Jesus steps toward sinners in love. Where Jonah’s rebellion brings chaos, Jesus’ obedience brings peace.
The good news is not that Jesus stands at a distance shouting instructions into our storm. The good news is that Jesus comes near. He enters our mess. He does not recoil from broken people…He moves toward them.
That means our DEEPEST TROUBLE is not deeper than Jesus’ MERCY. Our mess is not more stubborn or complex than His amazing grace. Our running is not faster than His pursuit.
And here is the other beautiful thing: Jesus does not only rescue us from consequences. He rescues us from the deeper issue beneath them – hearts that resist God. Today’s memory verse (Romans 8:7-8) says the mind governed by the flesh (that is the mind that puts our wants, desires and needs ahead of God’s big plan) is hostile to God and does not submit to Him. That is not just Jonah’s issue…that is our issue too. But Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves: bear our sin, reconcile us to God, and give us new life.
LOOK TO JESUS…
- Jesus is the obedient Son Jonah never wa
- Jesus comes toward rebels instead of abandoning them
- Jesus is able to bring peace not just around us, but in us
- Jesus is the “BETTER JONAH”
PRAYER…
Jesus…thank You that you do not leave me alone in my DEEP TROUBLE.
Thank You that You can for people who run.
Wake me up, bring me back, and teach me to trust You.
HELPFUL EXTRAS [FOR TODAY AND THE REST OF THE WEEK AND BEYOND]…
The Gospel Coalition offers some great extra insight into The Book of Jonah and how Jesus is the better Jonah. Check them out here:
