God never goes on Strike

Daily Scripture Threshing for Sunday, June 4, 2023

Today’s Text: Psalm 66:5-12

Key Verses: Jonah 1:3 (ESV): “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.”

Just take a deep look at this Old Testament prophet, Jonah. Not only will you probably see yourself or someone you can easily relate with in his story, but it will not take much struggle to learn a dozen lesson. God can get at us as He wills, and there is no place to hide. Hence, the Psalmist’s rhetorical questions: where can I go from your Spirit; or where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there—even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Jonah is the only Old Testament prophet sent directly to a gentile city. And, remarkably, not just to any gentile city, but one who was extremely cruel towards Israel and caused a lot of pain to God’s people, Nineveh. Like any of us could, Jonah found that absurd and decided to embark a strike action: running away in the polar opposite direction of Ninevah.

God has a way of taking us out of our comfort zones. Our allegiance to our flag and patriotism never supersede God’s agenda in our world. God does not give up on people—even when they have no regard for Him. Regardless of where you are or who you are, or how fast you run; God does not forsake His plans over you. And if you ever find yourself deeply sunken in the depths of the Sea, and you cry out to the Lord, Hewill answer you like He did Jonah.

God never strikes till He finds the right instrument—be it a donkey to speak, or whale to throw you up. If only you’d quit that strike and align yourself with our never striking God, like Jonah eventually did, then a major unexpected unbelievable and yet unstoppable gentile revival is waiting to take place through you.

Quote for the Day: “God does not share our human sentiments. He may not consider our most careful considerations. He sees through spiritual eyes, and pursues only the things of heaven’s interest.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to step into whatever path you lay before me, even when it looks different from what I thought and wanted. I submit my life to your will. I will trust and obey you with an eager and joyful heart — in Jesus Christ's name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

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