RUSSELL SANDERS
8-15-2020
JONAH PART 6
Vs. 1:7
Jonah has now been awakened (v 6) and has joined the seamen topside as the storm rages. Verse 7 says, “and they said every one to his (fellowman) ‘Come, and let us cast lots, (so) that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us.’
So, they cast lots and the lot fell upon Jonah.”
Even though these men worshipped idols and false gods (demon entities), they had a basic understanding that when a person did something to egregiously provoke the gods, some sort of punishment or retribution would result from it. They understood that this storm had set upon them because of what someone had done to make their “god” angry.
We do not know exactly how the “casting of lots” was done in ancient times. What we do know is that it was their way of seeking an answer from God or “the gods” for identifying an answer, whatever that issue might be. This was done because they could not hear from God as we do today. Apparently, God had allowed this method as a valid way of obtaining an accurate answer. We see it used a number of times throughout the Old Testament.
The casting of lots was used in various ways, including how to distribute various responsibilities, or determining a variety of matters in what would seem to be an impartial manner of determining issues.
The fact that the “lot” fell upon Jonah showed that it did indeed work. The root of the matter lay squarely upon him. God had exposed Jonah’s sin of rebellion. His “hidden sin” was exposed in the eyes of those around him.
Do not let this kind of exposure happen to you. If you have any “hidden” or “secret” sin in your life, come “clean before God” with it. Get it out of your life lest it be unexpectedly exposed to others.
Habitual sin also needs to be repented of. Paul spoke in Hebrews 12:1 of “the sin which doth so easily beset us…”. Satan knows our weaknesses or susceptibility to certain things, so that is where he attacks us. But where we are weak, Christ can give us strength. We must give it all to Him.
Satan knew Jonah’s disdain for heathens, especially such evil ones as the Assyrians (Ninevites). That is how Satan tempted him to run. He gave in to the temptation. Don’t you give in.
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