The Cost of Running!

When Jonah decided to go the opposite direction God had intended for him to go, what benefit did he receive? What did Jonah SAVE by running? Not a thing! In fact, once he paid the fare for the voyage to Tarshish the ticket became COSTLIER as he went.

“(3) But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So HE PAID THE FARE and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. (4) But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that THE SHIP THREATENED TO BREAK UP. (5) Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And THEY HURLED THE CARGO that was in the ship INTO THE SEA to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.” ( Jonah 1:3-5 ESV)

Jonah’s running COST HIM the initial fare, COST HIM time (since he would eventually go to Nineveh anyway), nearly COST HIM his life, and ended up being COSTLY to those who had taken him on board.

Sin is COSTLY. It has its wages ( Romans 6:23). We would do well to always keep this in mind. The sin of running from God not only COSTS us more than we imagined, it often affects those around us more than we may realize. And how can we possibly think we can lead others to God when we choose to go the other direction? Thus we suffer the COST to reputation, stability of example, and pride that must then be swallowed.

Following God and serving His Will is where the benefit is for our lives. It is true there are COSTS to discipleship, but the benefits of faithfully following God outweigh all else. Accept God’s warnings and avoid COSTLY blunders. May we continue to listen and choose His way!

Have a great day GOING GOD’S WAY!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Jonah