Called to ShineSample

Limiting the light from burning bright

Numerous individuals shined their lights in the darkness throughout the Bible. Some have been burning brilliantly from the beginning. Others hesitated before illuminating the darkness. I want us to look at how some of the men in the Bible responded to God's call. Today we will see the call of Jonah and the great fish well-known Old Testament story. Jonah was instructed by God to travel to Nineveh, a sizable city rife with evil, and preach there. God sent Jonah to warn the Ninevites that judgment was on the way and that they should repent. Jonah, sadly, declined. He knew what God wanted him to do and where to go. However, in rebellion, he chose a different path.

Jonah declined the call, choosing to ignore it rather than committing himself to the task at hand, locating a means of transportation, and traveling to the city that sorely needed his assistance. He purchased a ticket for a ship going the other way, left Nineveh behind, and set sail toward Tarshish. This didn't make God happy. Lord then delivered the ship under a tremendous storm. Jonah offered to be cast into the water after the sailors concluded he was to blame and surrounded him. The moment they threw Jonah into the sea, the storm subsided.

However, God's purpose went beyond just getting Jonah off that ship. To get Jonah back on track with his assignment and to demonstrate who was in charge. Jonah was carried to Nineveh by a fish after God stilled the wind. Although God's plan had not yet been carried out, he would not be discouraged by a man who refused to do what he said. Jonah received a call to preach. Despite his hesitation, he eventually permitted his light to shine in the foreboding city of Nineveh. And are you aware of what transpired there? The city felt regret. We should let our light shine so that people will worship God when they see our good deeds. It is not intended to elevate men and win their admiration but to hoist Christ up so that he may be exalted in us.