Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI-haF7EC7E
Or search YouTube for ‘The Story of Jonah & The Giant
Whale
(Biblical Stories Explained)
By Grace Digital Network (13 mins 6 sec)
“Then some of the scribes and
Pharisees said to Him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil
and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to
it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and
three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three
days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
"The men of Nineveh will stand
up with this generation at the judgment; and will condemn it because they
repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is
here. The Queen of the South will rise
up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from
the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something
greater than Solomon is here.’” Matthew 12:38-42
“He [Jonah] said to them, ‘Pick me up and throw me into the
sea. Then the sea will become calm for
you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you. However, the men rowed desperately to return
to land, but they could not, for the sea was becoming even stormier against
them.
“Then they called on the Lord
and said, ‘We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this
man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Lord have done as
You have pleased.’
“So they picked up Jonah,
threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and
they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. And the Lord appointed a great fish to
swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three
nights.” Jonah 1:12-17
I love the story of Jonah. I suppose because I have often endeavoured to run away from the Lord’s will…sometimes crawling, sometimes rushing – but, of course, God plans are for my good and His glory -- so things do work out.
The Jews (including the disciples) believed the Messiah would come as a great military ruler – a conquering hero, who would overcome the oppressive Roman rule. They just didn’t get the significance of the story of Jonah when He shared this comparison…but then neither would I.
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you daily)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where
you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily
find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay
Devotion’. (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read
them on your phone. Not sure about
Apple.). For the books, go Amazon books.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
· Floods in Kentucky - more than 25 people have died and no one can yet estimate how many remain missing. Pray for the rescue workers and those supporting those who now have lost everything.
·
Simon and Tamara
and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support
the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way. Help them prepare throughout this year for
the new challenges that await them. And
when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion
and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks. Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with
them and their decision.
·
Christine – give her strength as she journeys to
heart-healing.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his
47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord comforts the family through
this time of mourning. Pray for their
wisdom and for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to support them.
· Peyton and Carter - Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael. Payton is eldest granddaughter and now in her
third year at college. Carter is a
senior in high school. Both are
exceptional students and love the Lord. Please pray they are not distracted by worldly
things, that they continue do well in their studies and that their love of the
Lord increases with each day.
·
Sophie – four-year old daughter of a friend is
chronically unwell and frail. Please
pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms
and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, has lung cancer and unable to work. Pray for his financial situation and that his
new social worker will be able to help him through this difficult time. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good
memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never
compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity,
strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile
health. Pray God takes special care with
them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on
them during this challenging time.
No comments:
Post a Comment