May the name of our Savior Jesus Christ be blessed forever.
Welcome as we learn the Word of God, which is the light of our path and the lamp to our feet.<\/p>\n
If you are a Bible reader, you remember the story of the prophet Jonah and how he ran away from the presence of the Lord and went toward Tarshish. But have you ever asked yourself: What kind of city was Tarshish?<\/em><\/p>\n We know Nineveh was the capital of Assyria\u2014but what about Tarshish?<\/p>\n Let us briefly learn about this city, and then we will discover a lesson that can help us in these dangerous times.<\/p>\n Tarshish was a city located in Tyre, in what is now Lebanon\u2014a country north of Israel, just as Kenya is north of Tanzania today.<\/p>\n During the time of the kings of Israel, Tyre (Lebanon), whose major city was Tarshish, was the greatest commercial center of the time. It was famous for having many trading ships and great expertise in commerce.<\/p>\n The Bible says:<\/p>\n Ezekiel 27:12 \u2014 \u201cTarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of every kind; with silver, iron, tin and lead they traded for your goods.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Jeremiah 10:9 \u2014 \u201cHammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The cedar wood used to build Solomon\u2019s first temple came from Lebanon. There was no other place where such timber was found. Much of the raw material for the temple came from Tyre\/Tarshish and was transported by sea.<\/p>\n Even the gold Solomon used came from there:<\/p>\n 1 Kings 10:21\u201323 \u2014 Tarshish also had highly skilled sailors and builders. Many craftsmen for Solomon\u2019s temple came from Lebanon.<\/p>\n Understanding Tarshish helps us understand Jonah.<\/p>\n When God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach, Jonah instead boarded a ship to Tarshish.<\/p>\n Why travel by sea when there was a land route? Jonah likely chose business as a way to escape God\u2019s calling. Instead of going to preach, he chose commerce and profit.<\/p>\n Tarshish was not a tourist city\u2014it was a commercial hub.<\/p>\n As we know, disaster struck the ship:<\/p>\n His escape plan failed.<\/p>\n Do not run from God\u2019s voice today. Jonah was fortunate that God stopped him and redirected him. God could have chosen someone else to preach in Nineveh while Jonah became wealthy\u2014but died without fulfilling God\u2019s purpose for his life.<\/p>\n Many people today are running to Tarshish:<\/p>\n But neglecting:<\/p>\n You travel constantly for business, but never fast or seek God. Many say: \u201cI want to study the Word, but I\u2019m busy.\u201d This is very dangerous.<\/p>\n Are you running to Tarshish while abandoning Nineveh?<\/p>\n Jesus said:<\/p>\n \u201cYour heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Repent today. Reduce the distractions of life that pull you away from God.<\/p>\n Luke 21:34\u201336 \u2014 Take action today. Maranatha!<\/p>\n
\nWhat Kind of City Was Tarshish?<\/h2>\n
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\u201cAll King Solomon\u2019s drinking vessels were gold\u2026 silver was considered of little value in Solomon\u2019s days. The king had ships of Tarshish at sea\u2026 bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nWhy Did Jonah Run to Tarshish?<\/h2>\n
Because Tarshish was a business city.<\/p>\n
\nWhat Happened to Jonah?<\/h2>\n
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\nThe Main Lesson<\/h2>\n
If God is telling you to do something, do not ignore Him and run into business instead.<\/p>\n
\nA Warning for Today<\/h2>\n
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You build money, but not heavenly treasure.
Nations know you. Banks know you.
But heaven does not know you.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to go to church, but work is overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSeek God First<\/h2>\n
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\u201cBe careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the cares of this life\u2026 Be always on the watch, and pray.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
May the Lord bless you.<\/p>\n