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Be The Whale
This week's focus: Obedience
"Out of the mouth of babes" is what we say when a child says something unexpectedly wise. I got to experience this first-hand when I volunteered to read the story of Jonah and the whale to a group of preschoolers. When I finished, I put the book down and asked them what they had learned from the story.
One little boy raised his hand and said, "We need to be the whale." I asked him what he meant, and in a matter-of-fact tone, he continued, "The whale knows how to obey. When God said, 'Swallow Jonah,' he did. Then when God told the whale to throw up, he did that too. It's good that he instantly obeyed because it saved Jonah's life. The whale trusted God; Jonah didn't."
Unlike many adults, this little boy understood that obedience honors God and helps others. On the other hand, Jonah's decision to disobey and attempt to hide from God ushered in dangerous consequences. He soon found himself thrown into the sea, tangled in seaweed, drowning, and about to die (Jonah 2:5).
As our society mimics the same behavior by defying God, disregarding His laws, and trampling on His commands, the result is a nation drowning in debt, tangled in addiction, driven to depression, and sinking deep into dangerous territory.
Fortunately, we serve a compassionate God who longs to rescue His children. When all seemed lost, God saved Jonah, and He can do the same for us today. The former reluctant prophet repented and vowed to obey God and do the job he was entrusted with. God chose Jonah to speak on His behalf and warn the wicked city of Nineveh before judgment came. As followers of Christ, we, too, have been called to warn the lost and plead with them to be reconciled to God.
Jonah obeyed only after suffering terrible consequences. Let us not repeat history by being reluctant prophets. Instead, may we "be the whale."
A sinking nation is depending on it.
by: Jennifer McAlister, Communications, My Faith Votes
2 Corinthians 5:20
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
Prayer Points:
Pray: Dear Jesus, being Your ambassador is both a privilege and a responsibility. Help us to boldly speak the truth in love to a world that desperately needs You. We praise You for being mighty to save. You alone are worthy of all of our praise, trust, and obedience.
Think: "Trust and obey, For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey."
Act: Our nation will continue to suffer the consequences of disobedience as it ushers in godless laws and policies. We can combat this when we choose to do our part and vote for biblical values. Knowing how and who to vote for, especially at the state and local level, often seems too complicated and overwhelming. We’re here to help! My Voter Hub is the most comprehensive resource available for the Christian voter, covering elections in every zip code across the US. Get a personalized sample ballot & voter guide, register to vote, make a plan to cast your biblically informed vote, and more. All you have to do is enter your address and we help you get from the beginning of the process to the ballot box. Be sure to share this great resource with others.