play_arrow
Premier Christian Radio Your voice of hope!
Jonah 1:12 NLT
‘Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.’
There’s a popular story that GK Chesterton, in response to a Times newspaper competition inviting essays addressing the question, “What’s wrong with the world?”, allegedly wrote a succinct letter in response: “Dear sir, I am.” Sadly, many have searched the back copies of The Times in vain and, like the illusionists’ sleight of hand, another urban myth was birthed. However, Chesterton did write a book entitled, What’s Wrong with the World? in 1910, of significantly longer length.
In the belly of the boat, Jonah is woken to discover that he and the crew are in serious danger of being consumed by the sea. He quickly recognises that his disobedience is the source of the problem and promptly invites the crew to toss him to the waves to preserve their own lives. In reality, Jonah was the personification of Chesterton’s letter. He was the problem.
I have come to recognise that there are two distinct realities within which I live. One I have always known. The physical world that has boundaries, physical and social; conventions devised by humanity by which this world orders itself. It takes effort and courage to push against both.
The other reality was one I only stumbled upon once I discovered Jesus. It is a reality that pre- and post-dates the first reality, for it is eternal and beyond comprehension. So we taste elements and the degree to which it awakens our appetite, we pursue it to the degree we choose. We can never reach its end, for it is the very essence of God’s eternal mystery.
Jonah’s error was to attempt to apply the rules pertaining to the first reality, that of the natural world, to the second reality, God’s eternal purpose. However, he rationalised the voice of God, and his response was to run from it. I can empathise with this since learning to live in an eternal reality that lies beyond all knowledge takes courage.
QUESTION: Are you able to exchange the apparent substantial safety of the ship and offer yourself to the stormy waves of uncertainty in pursuit of obedience to God’s call?
PRAYER: God, you said faith was being certain of what we do not yet see. Lord, give me faith for life.
Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham It seems like barely a minute goes by without the newspapers reporting a new fad diet, celeb cleansing craze or something similar. However, what about cleansing our soul?Pastor Jo Naughton popped in to speak to Inspirational Breakfast about her '30 Day Detox for Your Soul'. Toxic mindsets, influences and attitudes all have an impact on our our self-esteem and our relationship with God. How can […]
