The Tempest in our Life Jonah 1: 4-15

 click to Read the passage: Jonah 1  (a new browser window will open)

The real tempest comes from God, not from man.

v.4 1. Because we have heard God but not yielded to His call.

(But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.)

v.7 2. Because of an out of balance conscience.

(And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.)

v.3,9 3. Because we have misrepresented the truth before others.

(So he paid the fare,) ( And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.)

v.12 4. Because in our midst is one running from God.

(And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be
  calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.)

There is at least a parallel illustration here of the way the body of Christ must fit together. 

If a member is denying God it may very well affect the mission of the body.

v.13 5. Because we attempt to protect the guilty.

(Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.)

v.14 6. Because we are working against God.

(Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.)

v.15 7. Because we have not abandoned ourselves to God.

(So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceasedfrom her raging.)