• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Therefore they cried out to the LORD"

Text: Jonah 1:14

IN DESPERATION

The mariners had tried everything they knew to survive the unusual but powerful storm that threatened to destroy the ship and all on board! They had to come to a decision soon or risk dying in the storm.

“Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said,
‘We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life,
and do not charge us with innocent blood;
for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.'”
Jonah 1:14

1. “Therefore they cried out to the LORD”

a) The mariners offered a prayer to God.

b) They prayed with all their hearts.

c) They had prayed to other deities before but there had been no answers.

d) They would now try praying to the God of Jonah.

2. “We pray, O LORD”

a) They had learned how they should address God.

b) They called Him “LORD”.

i) Just as Jonah had used this term when referring to God.

ii) They acknowledged His Lordship over all things.

iii) They would now offer a prayer to this LORD.

3. Two petitions were made to the LORD

a) “Please do not let us perish for this man’s life”

i) They had heeded what Jonah had told them about his running away from the LORD.

ii) They now recognized that the storm had been sent by God in response to Jonah’s disobedience.

iii) Their first plea was that they do not perish because of the disobedience of Jonah.

b) “And do not charge us with innocent blood”

i) The mariners were afraid of being charged by God for throwing Jonah overboard.

ii) They were not sure how God would view their throwing a man overboard.

iii) They pleaded to be pardoned for the act that they were about to do.

4. “For You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You”

a) The mariners acknowledged the sovereignty of the LORD.

b) It was His prerogative to create the storm. They offered this prayer in humble submission!