Jonah 2:4 But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken.

How many of you know that when a storm breaks out on the ocean it becomes pretty dark? Now imagine being Jonah in which the storm looks dark, and angry. Most likely the sun is obscured from his view. Now multiply that darkness by being throwing into the ocean depths in which you begin sinking down out of what little light was available to you. Finally, let’s add to your darkness a fish that engulfs you – whole. But wait. It becomes worse. You are alone without God because you have been fleeing from His Presence. That’s a tangible darkness – thick and unending (like being in a cavern when they turn out the light).

What do you do? Psalm 119:130 The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. That word simple can mean foolish or open-minded. Our culture has been engulfed in darkness by being so open-minded their brains are falling out. Sadly, many have yet to recognize they are drowning in destruction, sinking into a hell that will never spit them out. What’s greater than a lost person’s darkness? The darkness of being a so-called follower of Jesus, and not living up to who He created you to be. The good news is Psalm 119:130. Jesus’ Light comes through the entrance of His Word. His word can enter any situation when you break agreement with what has plunged you into spiritual darkness. Simply by confessing where you have missed His Way and His Word – His Vision for mankind – you come back in to alignment harmonizing with the One Who (according to the rabbis) sung you into existence.

How did Jonah loose the Light of God’s Word into the darkness of His situation? Acknowledging God’s existence, and inadvertently confessing where He had walked away from God. Strangely, Jonah never seems to recognize his own glaring sins. What were some of the sins of Jonah that we share in?

Jnh. 1:5-6 – Pagan sailors feared God’s judgment more than Jonah. Many of the parables of Jesus, and 1 Corinthians 3 makes it clear that our works will be judged by fire. Paul simply asks in 1 Corinthians 3, Don’t you know that you are a temple of God and you will be rewarded or possibly lose your reward – in the Final Judgment? Scripture reveals in the book of Revelations Jesus will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Why are they crying? Do unbelievers fear God’s Judgment more than you? Do unbelievers fear the Scrutiny of God’s judgment more than you? Sure, they talk a good talk until they know eternity approaches. What about you?

Jnh. 1:5-6 – Jonah chose apathy and complacency over the spiritual condition of Assyria and Nineveh. Do you have an apathetic and complacent view regarding those around you who may spend an eternity in hell? Do you pray regularly for the lost? Do you engage people in conversations regarding eternal matters or does fear of man silence your voice? Do you fear man more than you fear God?