Listen. Submit. Repent. Obey

God is still in the business of speaking. All across the land God has spoken in devotion times this morning. He will speak in Bible study classes in churches of every size today, and the word of the Lord will be delivered through pastors, evangelists, and worship pastors.

We may not always like what the word of the Lord is. We like it when God speaks words of encouragement but do not like it so much when God speaks word of conviction. We also do not like it when God calls us to a new task that will require faith and courage.

This is the word that Jonah received and he rebelled. Jonah was given the assignment to call out a rebellious city. Jonah chose rebellion rather than obedience. Many of God's children are living in open rebellion against what He has spoken. There are consequences. Our rebellion not only affects us personally but it also affects others corporately. Rebellion can impact a family, a church congregation, and a community. The rebellion of many definitely has impacted our country negatively.

While God sends chastisement many are asleep, apathetic, and hard hearted. They are not even phased by God's reproof. Even more alarming some are willing to die before they repent and submit to God. Such was the case with Jonah.

I don't know where you are in your walk with God. You may be in compliance with all you understand God has revealed for you at this time. On the other hand, you may be living in open defiance and rebellion against God. If you are in rebellion I have a word of caution and a word of hope.

First, the word of caution. Honestly, where do you think you can run and hide from God. [Ps 139:7-12] reminds us God is EVERYWHERE! There is no place you can run away from Him. Wherever you go you will find yourself running right into Him for God is already there. His chastisement will not stop because He loves you. [Heb 12:4-11] It is in your best interest to come to repentance and to submit to God.

Now the word of hope. You may be so defiant you are willing to die rather than to comply to God's wishes. Jonah wanted to be tossed into the stormy sea rather than go to Nineveh. The word of hope is that God is a God of mercy. God appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah rather than let him drown. God rescued Jonah from his foolishness. God still does the same today.

It is time to repent, submit, and obey. I spent the better part of this morning seeking to make sure I am doing just that. I seek to repent of any known sin. I seek to submit to God and His leadership in my life. I also desire to obey even when obedience is costly and may not be something I necessarily want to do.