Daily Devotional for Monday, July 27

Jonah in Fellowship with God

“And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee,” Jonah 3:1, 2.
God is a God of second chances. And sometimes third, fourth and fifth chances as well. There are examples throughout God’s Word of men and women of great faith that did amazing things in service for the Lord. And yet, not one of them was perfect. As a matter of fact, some committed blatantly sinful acts in disobedience to God. Abraham and Sarah came up with their own plan to bear a child by using Sarah’s handmaid. Moses committed murder, fled from the consequences and argued with God when he was called to lead the people of Israel. David committed adultery and then murdered a loyal soldier to cover it up. Yet, all of these are listed as faithful servants in Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith.”
Jonah was also a faithful servant of God. He was used by the Lord during the reign of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25). But when it came to preaching to the people of Nineveh, Jonah blatantly disobeyed. God had to use extreme measures to get his attention! The Lord desired to use Jonah for a wonderful purpose and gave him another chance to be obedient to His call. The second time, Jonah obeyed.
I am so thankful God does not give up on us. He desires a sweet fellowship with His children and gives us many chances throughout our lives to repent, learn and grow. Are you walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ? We cannot honestly say we have fellowship with Christ but live in disobedience to Him. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). Abide in Christ and His Word and enjoy sweet fellowship with the Savior.

REFLECTION
“To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Darla Goodrum