“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy
[forfeit the grace that could be theirs]." (Jonah 2:8)
There are always risks associated with fully following Christ—the risk of the unknown or of what He will demand. There are instances when there is a risk to one’s own safety or of consistency and comfort. As the author of a well-known worship song puts it, “Set your sail and risk the ocean,” that’s not an easy thing to do. However, as the song also declares, “there’s only grace” amid the sea of following Christ.
The Old Testament account of a man named Jonah is probably well known to most of us. Jonah decided to take a different kind of risk and literally set sail. He took a risk to flee from God rather than to follow him. Nevertheless, he discovered God’s grace in the midst of his disobedience. Jonah had direct experience with what it means to hold on to the transient while sacrificing the eternal. He held fast to the comfort idol. He held onto the control idol tightly. He made considerable efforts to evade God’s purpose. He understood what it meant to forfeit God’s grace when the winds and waves slammed around his escape plan.
But even there, Jonah discovered that God was faithful—dependable enough to discipline, save, and guide. It is dangerous to follow Christ, but maybe it’s even riskier not to follow Him, as Jonah found out. Life is turbulent in any case. Wouldn’t it be better to stand with the One the wind yields to, the One who has the power to stop the waves when He pleases?
Are you giving up the opportunity to make God’s grace yours today? Are you clinging to this world’s transient possessions more than Christ’s everlasting riches? If so, go ahead and take a risk; there's just grace left.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I admit there are moments when I am afraid to obey You. What You ask is very difficult at times. Please give me the confidence to think that following You will never result in failure. I want to be willing to give up anything since you are so much more valuable than what this world has to offer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
