Friday, 3^rd November 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: GOD IS ALWAYS MERCIFUL

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” – Jonah 1:17

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. How successful was Jonah in his attempt to flee from God?

In a review session during a Bible study class, the question was asked, "What is the book of Jonah about?" "It is about a whale," someone quickly replied. But is that the case? Definitely not.

The book of Jonah is about a merciful God bent on saving a great city and a prophet from destruction.

From our theme scripture, one thing is clear: “It began with the Lord”. "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights" (Jonah 1:17). Jonah set out to flee from God. He met this same God on the high seas. Jonah came face to face with God's judgment yet he wouldn't submit to the Divine. Jonah chose to die rather than return to God.

In His judgment, God still showed mercy. So, He prepared a fish to swallow Jonah for safekeeping.

Beloved, one important fact remains, and it is worthy of all acceptance: "God is not interested in the death of the wicked or unrighteous" (Eze 33:11). "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?" declares the Lord God, "And not rather that he should turn from his way and live" (Eze 18:23). This is why the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and His mercies never come to an end. They (God's steadfast love and His mercies) are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness (Lam 3:22-23).

Precious one, what have you done so that you think God will reject you? What at all can make God disown you?

This is why the Apostle John admonished that if even we sin, (we should not continue in it nor remain under the guilt of it) but rather we should remember that we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2 emphasis mine). Are you breaking under the weight of guilt? Come boldly to God's throne of grace and find mercy for your situation. Are you a backslider? The Father has been looking through His window every day, waiting for your return. Come, and the Father will meet you on your way home, hug you, and kiss you. No matter what, beloved, you're the darling of Jehovah. You are the object of His love.  Turn to the merciful God; He has prepared a great fish to bring you His deliverance.  Remain blessed. 

 

FURTHER READING – Jonah 1:17

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How confident are you in God’s love and mercies every day when you wake up?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, thank you for your love. Where would I have been without your love? Every day of my life is a day of your renewed mercies. I express my gratitude to you, Lord, for the depth of your love for me. I am blessed not only because of your love but also because of your mercies. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 32; Daniel 12; Acts 13