Text: Psalm 136; Jonah 2

Unlike yesterday, when Daniel found himself in an unprovoked situation, Jonah had created his own difficult circumstance through disobedience. There in the depths of darkness he realizes a timeless principle: “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy” (Jonah 2:8).

James Smith writes in his book, Minor Prophets:

“Jonah is aware of how much he was indebted to divine grace. His prayer concludes with a declaration of commitment. He notes first that idolaters eventually forsake their ‘vain idols.’ He, on the other hand, pledges to sacrifice to Yahweh and pay his vows. He recognizes by personal experience that ‘salvation’ is from Yahweh. Jonah now realized that he needed salvation as much as the Ninevites. He also now realized that salvation was by grace.”

Pray for the multitudes who listen to lying vanities—those empty and worthless things that cry satisfaction and contentment but really only lead to darkness—to awake to the mercy of God unto salvation. Petition the Father specifically the He would open their eyes to the blinding lies of the adversary.