Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,”
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has
passed away; behold, the new has come.”
How thankful I am that God doesn’t turn his back on anyone. If so, I most certainly would
have been left out long ago. I was that socially awkward, shy, didn’t fit in anywhere person. I still feel like that most of the time. I get the feeling I’m being tolerated in some
circles. But Got brings salvation, love, grace, and mercy to me…even me! We are all his
beloved.
It took me a very long time to internalize that no matter what, God loves me exactly the
way I am. Because you know what? He’s the one who made me the way I am. Do I still
need to allow him to work on me and make me more like him? Of course. But my quirkiness, and yours by the way, are who he made us to be.
Those Ninevites who were unlovable to Jonah, they were God’s beloved as well. Whatever it was that Jonah hated about them, God made them and had a purpose for them.
Jonah had been given a calling and he eventually did it but out of duty not love. Jesus had been given a calling, too. He carried out his calling in love, not duty. Right after
Jesus was baptized he went into the desert for 40 days and nights, fasting and praying.
He was intensely preparing himself for his calling. He wanted to be the best. What an
example! The best showing us how to be the best.
Jesus shows us that prayer is important. More than just asking for forgiveness and praying for certain requests. It is introduced as a simple act to most of us when we are little. But as we grow in faith, hopefully we begin to truly understand the power and purpose of prayer.
Continue exploring Jonah chapter 2 today. Read it and look for the characteristics Jonah exhibited to God. What promises did he make to God? What did he ask of God?
Our standard is Jesus. In Matthew 26:36-42, compare what you read about Jesus here to Jonah. What characteristics do you see Jesus exhibit? Is Jesus making promises? What does he ask of God?
As an application to your prayer life, I offer these.
First, Make time for regular prayer. God will listen when we pray. But we shouldn’t take advantage of his willingness. He deserves our faithfulness. Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Next, pray in faith, believing God will answer your prayers. Doubt leads us to bargaining with God. James 1:6, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Finally, know that God wants to hear about all of our ups and downs. Ephesians 6:18, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray continually.”
Continue to memorize John 13:34-35, “I give you a new command:…You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know you are my disciples if you love each other.”
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