"The Road To Tarshish"

  God need Jonah to go the Nineveh, the great city of the world at that time, and preach. Jonah fled! Somehow in his thinking he thought God could not go outside the borders of Israel so Jonah takes off headed to Tarshish, the furthest point west they could get at that time (present day Portugal). When Jonah is on board a ship the Lord hurls a great wind against it. Jonah thinks ignoring God is the answer. When he is awakened asking to call on his God for help, Jonah is finally discovered he's the culprit that has brought on all this calamity. And then comes the words when they inquire of him..."I fear the Lord God of heaven." Yet here is the man that told them he was running from God. There is no fear in his heart toward the Lord or he would have repented on the spot and all could have been spared. In his present state of mind, he tells them to throw him overboard. Poor Jonah. He wraps himself up in himself! Death is better than listening to God. The only problem is upon death he will enter the presence of God face to face and accountability will be administered. Fear of the Lord doesn't breed ignorance and ignorant moves!

  Today too many are on the road to Tarshish! Many speak of God, talk on themes about God and even speak of their love for God. They do not listen or heed the voice of God continuing down the same road of self-deceit. The words flow easily, "I love the Lord!" or "I believe in the Lord!" while the lives lived are in direct conflict with His will. People ignore His will. People refuse His teachings especially when they harbor other things in their heart other than what the Lord wants. Over the years I have watched many wander into the depths of darkness and despair while acting as if they and the Lord are one. But then it catches up with them and in their despair they find themselves alone with no answers.

  God has to make things clear to those when they refuse to listen or respond. Matters can get worse quickly. Life takes a turn for the worse. But many continue on the road to Tarshish. The Lord increases His actions, desparately trying to get our attention but we continue on the road to Tarshish. Life becomes miserable. Many push things off as bad luck or an unfortunate circumstance. People can't seem to put together what is happening. They continue their road to Tarshish until they find themselves in deep utter despair, crying out from the depths of darkness. If only we would listen and be honest in our heart! I'm afraid too many are on the road to Tarshish when God wants us to heed and live. God is compassionate to those who heed and respond to His love and we will find the road to heaven. It really depends on how honest we are with God!