Today’s Reading: Jonah ; Matthew 11
Today’s readings give us a glimpse into our callings or our appointments that God has given to us. One of the biggest discussion points that I have come across in the last several years is “What am I here for?” Too many times we get caught up in searching for “what” we are intended to do. Many times we put too much thought and too much effort into trying to be something that we or others have put on us. By training, trade, and profession I am a pharmacist. But first and foremost, I am first a person who is dedicated to helping others. Many times we are held into the profession that we have without expanding who we are.
In the book of Jonah, God appoints certain elements of His creation to do His will. Each of these elements completes the assignment that God has for them at that given time and moment. God has appointments for us that are not going to be lifelong appointments. Sometimes the appointments are for a second, a moment, an hour, or more. We have to be open and obedient to His will to ensure that we can complete the assignment.
God appointed Jonah
“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.””
God appointed the wind and sea
“But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.”
God appointed the great fish
“And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
“And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.”
God appointed the plant
“Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant.”
God appointed the worm
“But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.”
The depth and the breath in which God can appoint is truly amazing. From this brief book of Jonah, we can see that when God appoints anything many things and miracles can happen. As we are presented with this new week, let us listen to God and see if we can hear the brief or long appointments that he has for us.
Be blessed