From inside the fish Jonah prayed ... "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
Jonah was disobedient, rebellious, selfish, and racist. He had run from the Lord rather than seeing his hated enemies spared by God when they repented. He had shunned the Lord's command and commission to preach a saving message and call to repentance to the people of Nineveh whom he hated. He had endangered the lives of those on the ship where he had tried to hide and run away. Yet even in the middle of his rebellion, God heard his cry and delivered him. If you are in rebellion, in hiding because of some secret sin, or in shame for not answering the call of God in your life, please know this: The Lord wants to ransom, redeem, and reclaim you for your good, his glory, and others' salvation! Returning to the Lord means deliverance. He is longing to welcome you on your return. And as Jonah's life shows, your salvation is a blessing for you and all those God can reach through you!
My Prayer...
Holy and righteous Father, please forgive me for the times that I have been in rebellion to your will. Please help me recognize those times and give me the strength to avoid those temptations. In your grace, dear Father, please help me live as you want me to live and lead me to someone else who needs to know of your grace and redemption. Please use me to help them escape from their bondage to sin and shame. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"And Peter said to [the crowd on Pentecost], "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will...."
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