Jonah 1:6

So the shipmaster came to him, and said vnto him; What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise, call vpon thy God, if so be that God wil thinke vpon vs, that we perish not. Jonah 1:6 (KJV)

Context:

The book of Jonah tells the story of the prophet Jonah who was called by God to go and preach against the wickedness of the city of Nineveh. However, Jonah initially tries to flee from God’s command and boards a ship bound for Tarshish. In the midst of a great storm, the sailors on the ship cast lots, realize that Jonah is the cause of the trouble, and confront him.

The Shipmaster’s Question:

The shipmaster, or captain, approaches Jonah while he is sleeping and asks, “What meanest thou, O sleeper?” This question expresses the shipmaster’s astonishment and concern. Jonah, being a prophet of God, was expected to be awake and attentive, especially during a dangerous storm. The shipmaster wonders why Jonah is asleep while the rest of the crew is in distress.

The Call to Prayer:

The shipmaster advises Jonah to arise and call upon his God, hoping that God would have mercy on them and save them from perishing. This indicates that the sailors recognized Jonah’s connection to a higher power and saw prayer as a potential solution to their dire circumstances. It also reveals their desperation and willingness to turn to any possible means for deliverance.

Lessons from Jonah 1:6:

Responsibility and Accountability:

Jonah’s actions and inaction had consequences not only for himself but also for those around him. As believers, we should remember that our choices can impact others, and we should take responsibility for our actions and their potential effects on others.

Faithfulness and Obedience:

Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s command resulted in a dangerous situation for everyone on the ship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s calling in our lives. Disobeying God not only disrupts our own relationship with Him but can also lead to negative consequences for others.

The Power of Prayer:

The shipmaster’s call for Jonah to pray reflects the belief that God has the ability to intervene and bring deliverance. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God in prayer during times of trouble or crisis. Prayer is a means through which we can seek God’s guidance, mercy, and intervention in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Application:

As we reflect on Jonah 1:6, consider these questions:

• How am I being responsible and accountable in my actions, considering their potential impact on others?
• In what areas of my life am I being disobedient or trying to run away from God’s calling? How can I strive for faithfulness and obedience?
• Do I truly believe in the power of prayer? How can I deepen my prayer life and rely on God’s intervention during times of trouble?

Remember that studying the Bible involves examining the surrounding verses and considering the broader context to gain a deeper understanding of the passage and its significance.