Down in the Mouth

Good Wednesday to you,

Whether we are talking about Michael Packard or Jonah, son of Amittai, both had a "down in the mouth" experience. When he found himself in the mouth of a whale, Michael Packard assumed he would die there. Jonah, we are told, immediately cried out to God. Jonah wasn't running away from God, he was running away from God's will, from obedience. But, when he found himself "swallowed" by the consequences of his choices, he called and God answered. He called and God listened. When you look at Jonah's prayer, it is clear he understood that God was sovereign in all things and over all things, and he trusted in God's mercy and compassion giving him hope. It is also clear that Jonah knew his Scripture, as his prayers contain several quotes from Psalms.

What happens when we are "swallowed" by the consequences of our choices? Do we call out to God? Are we convinced of God's mercy and compassion? Do we find ourselves running from God's will, from faithful obedience?

On Sunday, I suggested that we, the Church, are being "swallowed" by our culture. As "woke" culture progresses, our desire to be liked creates a sort of self-censorship that is counter to God's will, exposing our disobedience. I referred to an article by Beri Weiss -- I would highly encourage you to read it.

Now is the time to find our voice, and that voice begins with prayer. We must stop clinging to worthless idols that cause us to forfeit the grace that could be ours. Let it begin with a song of thanksgiving and a sacrifice of praise to the Lord, our God, for salvation comes from the Lord.

Next week we will look at the third chapter of Jonah. I would encourage you to take time between now and Sunday to sit and read all of Jonah in one sitting. It shouldn't take you more than ten minutes. (It's a very short book!) You will get more out of the sermon if you are more familiar with the text. Also, if you are so inclined, join us for the Friday morning Pre-Sermon Bible Study at 11:00am. The "Bagel Boys" also discuss the text on Saturday morning at our 7:00am Men's Bible Study. Both studies are online.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Jody’s family. We will be traveling next Monday to Buffalo, Minnesota for his memorial service on Tuesday.

Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!