Come Easter Sunday, we will witness the baptism of a few brothers and sisters in our church, in obedience to the Lord’s instruction to be baptised as their testimony of belief and conviction to their God. Praise God!
Somewhere and sometime ago in our lives, most of us have been pursued by God. Many might have been like Jonah, running away from God. But God continued to reach out to us. And we thank God that because of His pursuit, we are His own now.
Some 40 years back, I was introduced to Jesus, the Saviour of this world. Then, there was a classmate who would go around in school and telling many of us that we must repent from our sins. And to do this we must come to know Jesus. Today this friend of mine is a practising lawyer and worships at Yio Chu Kang Gospel Hall.
Another classmate managed to share God’s plan of salvation to me while we were sitting around resting after interclass football sessions. I remember that the first 3 encounters, I had declined their invitation to receive the gift of salvation. On the 4th encounter with him, God in His mercy convicted me of my sins and I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. There is no turning back since then. Praise God!
I thank God for friends who were faithful and never gave up on me. Without their zealous love for the Lord and persistence, many of my classmates and I would not have heard of the Good News of salvation. True to God, they delivered the gospel message faithfully. Perhaps God is sending you to share a message to a loved one, relative, friend, colleague, or fellow church member? Or perhaps you need to deliver a difficult message or an encouragement. What can you tell others that will lead them to walk closer with God today?
Jonah ran away from God. But God pursued him. Running away from God can be a costly thing. Jonah paid the fare to run away (Jonah 1:3). He had the means “to finance his self will, his self determination”. This is a warning that having resources at our disposal, such as wealth and opportunities, can also leave us more vulnerable when we use them inappropriately.
Running away from God always put us in one direction: DOWN!
A man who leaves God may become successful in the eyes of the world, but like Jonah’s experience, the journey will always be headed downwards.
We do well to remember that the safest place is not far away from God, but near Him, in the shadow of His wings.
- “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” – Psalm 91:1-2
Is there hope for us who run away from God? Can we be rescued from disobedience? We are always on His radar screen, and He is ever ready to rescue us if we acknowledge Him and His ways!
Last Sunday, we were reminded of the shepherd leaving his 99 sheep to look for the one that was lost (Luke 15). Like the prodigal son, we can always turn back to the Father. He is only a prayer away.
Elder Andrew Lim
