Idolatry

When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to You, to Your Holy Temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of Thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.

Jonah 2:7-9

Those who worship worthless idols forfeit God's grace and abandon any hope for mercy from the Lord. Any object of our devotion that replaces God is going to cause us great trouble and consternation. We ultimately deceive ourselves with something that is empty and foolish. Make certain that nothing takes God's rightful place in your life. It took a miracle of deliverance to get Jonah to do as God had commanded. As a prophet, Jonah was obligated to obey God's word, but he had tried several times to escape his responsibilities. At this time, Jonah pledged to keep his vows. Jonah's story began with a tragedy, but a greater tragedy would have happened if God had allowed him to keep running. When you know God wants you to do something, do not run. God may not stop you as He did Jonah. In the end, Jonah simply thanked God for saving his life from the belly of the whale. Our troubles should cause us to cling tightly to God, and not attempt to bargain our way out of the pain. We can thank and praise God for what He has already done for us, and for His everlasting love and mercy.

God Bless you,

J.H