Jonah 1:14-16 – Man Overboard

Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.

Jonah 1:14-16 ESV

The storm was so great that these experienced sailors were afraid, and they knew there was something different about this storm. They did everything they could and it came down to one person causing the storm; Jonah, a man running from God. The only way to keep from capsizing and drowning was to throw him overboard.

Does this sound familiar to you? Have you ever had to figuratively throw someone overboard, remove them from your life, because they were running away from God? The decisions they were making were affecting your life and bringing you down in a sinking ship. This can be a hard decision, especially if they are a good friend or family member.

The sailors who didn’t serve the one true God even had a hard time throwing Jonah overboard. They even threw over their cargo and lost money before they threw him over! There is hope though.

A couple things we learn happen when we throw the man overboard.

1. Our lives become a lot calmer (Jonah 1:15).
2. Those around us glorify God for the work he does during this time (Jonah 1:16).
3. God provides a way for the man overboard (Jonah 1:17).

Take a look at your life and see if there is anybody who is running from God and bringing unnecessary storms your way. Your walk with God is very important and shouldn’t be hampered by someone running from God.

Secondly, take a look at your life and see if you are the one who needs to “throw yourself overboard” and allow God to bring you back to him.

Who are the Jonahs in your life?