05/03/08

Fleeing from the Lord?

Jonah 1:10 - For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them so.

One thematic of the story of Jonah is the question, "Can a man escape from God?" Psalm 139 addressed the same concern with "Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?" and remarks that "even the darkness is not dark to you." The answer is always a resounding "no." The ubiquitous God will not disappear or let you off the hook. You can run but you cannot hide.

With a little spiritual discernment, how would we evaluate the man who refuses to go to church with his family? Who does not find time to read the Word of God? Or says he is too busy to be a part of a prayer group? Or wants to abolish God in the school or workplace? Are his attitudes the result of extensive study and deep conviction about how human affairs should be conducted, or is he perhaps running scared from the Almighty; resisting the confrontation of the God who comes calling; getting desperate in the face of overwhelming spiritual realities?


[ Prayer Starter ]

Father, I confess that I have often tried to avoid you. Your holiness is embarrassing to my sinful life; Your demands are interrupting my plans; Your ways are not my way and they do not help me achieve my goals, for my goals are not Your goals. Father, I have been short sighted, blind and foolish help me see that You only have goodness for me. Forgive me and correct me, my Father. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)