Jonah 1:7-16

Jonah 1:7-16
English Standard Version (ESV)

  What is so fascinating to me about this passage is that everyone else in the story appears to be more religious than Jonah.  Remember -- Jonah is the prophet, and Jonah is going to end up being wildly successful in his prophecy to Nineveh -- but not by his own brilliance or might. 
  Who is it that recognizes the sin in Jonah's life and fears the repercussions?  The sailors.  When Jonah is ready to end his life in the watery chaos, who prays for forgiveness?  The sailors.  In the midst of watery chaos, threatening death to all, who is it that fights for life?  The sailors.  They're the ones who offer a sacrifice.  When all is said and done at the end of the story, they're the ones that come out looking the best in this chapter. 
  Through Jonah's presence on the boat, the men all learn to fear the Lord.  He gets everything wrong, and yet somehow has successful ministry.  So let's not pretend we have to be perfect in our ministry.  Hopefully, we can come with a better approach than Jonah, but God can use our mistakes, even our worst moments, and show the world the grace and love of God.