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“The Problem with Orthodoxy”
I continue to be fascinated with the exchange between Jonah and the pagan sailors on the good ship "Runaway" in Jonah chapter 1. When the sailors confront the prophet about his identity as they seek a reason for the calamity that has come upon them, Jonah responds with a highly orthodox statement of faith in Jonah 1:9 - "I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." Sounds good, doesn't it? At first blush, this seems to be a prophet who knows his stuff, a real truth defender who is not afraid to tell it like it is!
And yet, a closer look reveals the words are merely words, and thus the sound they make is not certain. For these orthodox words come from the lips of a man trying to escape the will of this God he proclaims. Jonah may preach a strong sermon on God, who He is and what is important to believe about Him, but who would listen long when they realize the actions don't match the belief system? A false prophet might be false because of what he says about God, or he might be false because he does not truly follow God personally.
Then look at the sailors. Sure we could raise all kinds of objections to their unorthodox and superstitious views of life and spiritual matters. Yet these men throughout the mini-story of chapter 1 repeatedly cry out in prayer to the "gods" (verses 5-6), and to Yahweh (verse 14). In fact, before the chapter closes, the men are offerings vows and sacrifices to the one, true God.
Jonah, the prophet of God who preached but did not pray. The pagan sailors, who did not know God but sought His guidance and approval and spoke to Him from the midst of their storm. A man who knew the truth but did not live it. Confused idolaters who sought the truth with all their strength.
Orthodoxy is useless if not lived out in genuine ways. Confusion can be sorted through by a God full of mercy and steadfast love, if He has an honest heart to work with.
You can learn a lot in a boat.