How sailors were saved by Jonah’s disobedience.

Let’s dig into the minor prophet of Jonah; an amazing account of adventure! And a great account of God’s grace, even for the those who were considered wicked.

As I read through the first chapter of Jonah, I find myself drawn into one specific passage:

“The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, ‘What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?’ ‘Pick me up and throw me into the sea,’ he replied, ‘and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.’ Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before.” (Jonah 1:11-13)

“Then they cried to the LORD, ‘O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased.’ Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.” (1:14-16)

It’s important for us to understand that even in the gravest of situations, God is still working all things for His glory.

Let’s focus on these sailors for a moment.

These were pagan men, from a pagan land, worshiping pagan gods until this deadly storm hit them.

From the text, we can see that they must have had some good in them.

• In verse 14, they beg God to forgive them for killing an innocent man. Therefore, they had a belief in God.
• And from their request to God, they apparently had no desire to throw Jonah overboard.

Keep in mind, Jonah was the one who convinced them to get rid of him to save their own lives. They obviously felt that they had no choice in the matter.

Most of us know the rest of the story.

God provided a way out of danger for Jonah and taught him some valuable lessons. But consider these sailors who were left behind. Look at the faith and fear shift in these men’s hearts from this ordeal.

“…the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.” (Jonah 1:16)

This crazy situation had changed their lives forever. The sailors end up fearing God, making a sacrifice to Him and then, they make vows to Him! How incredible is that?

Not to bang the sovereignty of God drum too loud, but what if Jonah had gone straight to Nineveh? Would these sailors have made vows to God if Jonah had gone straight to the city he was called to? Perhaps, but it didn’t happen like that, did it?

These are the diverse layers of God’s plan.

Sometimes, it’s within God’s authority and fore-knowledge to use our sinful ways and disobedience (like Jonah’s) to fulfill a role that will ultimately bring more people unto Himself.

This week, as you interact with numerous people in a variety of situations, whether you’re following God’s leading or not, don’t underestimate God’s plan. Don’t underestimate the possibility that God may be working far greater intentions for someone else. Don’t underestimate the possibility that you are still a tool in God’s hands, being used for His Gospel and His glory!