Jonah: Big Fish, Bigger GodIsampula

Joyful worship

How can you resist a sin that feels so good? How can you fight your critical nature or stay sober when everyone else isn’t or love that tough-to-love person in your family? How can you give more money away or be courageous enough to stand up to your friends when they gossip? In other words, how can you follow God with a joyful, willing heart?

Jonah knows. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord’” (Jonah 2:8,9). Why repent? Why obey?

First, so you don’t “turn away from God’s love.” God loves the world, but you can turn away from that love if you “cling to” anything besides God. Is any sin worth throwing away his eternal love? Is any temporary thing worth more than being with God forever?

Second, because the Lord saved you. Jonah is shouting (not mumbling), is grateful (not grumbling), and is ready to sacrifice to God. Why? Because “salvation comes from the Lord.” That’s the spiritual game changer! You made a mess, but God made you clean. You did the crime, but the cross did the time. You broke it, but your Father bought it. You were dead, but God made you alive. That salvation will change your heart and compel you to joyful worship.

Fix your eyes on the cost of sin and the cross of Jesus, and you will joyfully worship God, too.