Runaways Can Return

 Example #1:

Judges 6:11 and 15 (NIV)     The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. … “But LORD,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

Example #2:

Jonah 1:3 (NIV)     But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Example #3:

Acts 9:1-2 and 13-14 (NIV)     Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. … “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

            Today we look at three examples of not just runaways but run-FAR-aways. In the first case of Gideon, we understand that he was hiding and that he was full of excuses. Yet the Lord called him into service, and Gideon would soon defeat the entire nation of Midianites.

            In the second example of Jonah, consult a Bible map, and there you will see that he intended to run to the opposite side of what was then known to be the Roman world. He was running as far away as possible to avoid God. Yet God called him into service, and Jonah would soon lead the entire city of Nineveh (a city so large it took three days to cross) back to God.

            In the third example of Saul, we know that he participated in the arrests and deaths of many Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. He sought to eradicate all followers of Jesus Christ. Yet God called him into service, and with his new name, Paul, he would become one of the leading witnesses for Christ and the author of much of the New Testament writings that are so vital for us today.

            Perhaps today you are praying for many family members or special friends whom you know are doing their best to be runaways from God and the truth of God’s Word. Keep praying. They may not be seeking God, but He is always willing to seek others for his service. There is always hope. Keep praying.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            There are many who are precious to us, and we pray that they are also precious to you. We ask that you bring people across their paths that will lead them by example back to you.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional Runaways Can Return appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com