Trying to Save Yourself

"Salvation comes from the LORD" (Jonah 2:9b).

A simple statement. And one most Christians have heard countless times, used countless times, contemplated...uh...maybe once right before they prayed that prayer or walked that aisle.

"Salvation comes from the LORD." This insight is given to us by a man inside the belly of a giant fish -- a man who ran from God and narrowly escaped drowning -- a man who knew all about God but wanted to do things his way instead.

It's a familiar phrase, but it's used in an unfamiliar context here. It's unusual, because Jonah doesn't seem to be talking about heaven and hell. That's what we usually think of when we use the word "salvation".

Jonah thought he could save himself -- not from an eternity of separation from God -- but from some unpleasant assignment. Jonah thought he could save himself from embarrassment and misery. He found out that salvation comes from the LORD.

What do you think you can save yourself from?

Fear?
Loneliness?
Depression?

So many people say to God, "Just get me into heaven when I die, and I'll take care of the rest."

Salvation comes from the LORD.