Are you looking for the other posts in this study? Click here for the table of contents.
My Closing Thoughts on Jonah Chapter 2
This week, as I was looking over Chapter 2, something caught my eye. In the NIV version, verse 8 reads, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” The word “worthless” certainly rings true—after all, these idols can break, rust, and be consumed by moths. However, when I took a moment to consider other translations, like the King James Version, I found the words “lying vanities.” This got me thinking, “why lying?”
It’s one thing to consider our idols as worthless, but there’s another subtlety to these idols, which is the fact that they lie. When Jonah talks about “lying vanities,” he’s emphasizing both the emptiness of our idols and the deceptive nature of the idols. The reason they’re deceitful is because of the empty promises they make: they promise security, they promise happiness, they promise fulfillment, they promise beauty, and at times they give us the false illusion that we absolutely have to have them. Sometimes this illusion is so deceitful that we believe we can’t exist without them.
This concept of deception reminds me of James 1:14-15 (NIV), which says, “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Here, we see a pattern where our lust or desires seduce us, promise us something appealing, and lead us down a path that distances us from God.
Jonah’s prayer challenges us to inspect our own lives carefully. What are the “lying vanities” or “worthless idols” we cling to? Maybe it’s our career, social status, or even relationships that we think can give us what only God can provide. These things, however shiny and appealing they may seem, can neither fill us nor save us. They are, at best, momentary distractions from the everlasting joy and fulfillment that come from a relationship with God.
Jonah’s story reminds us that, no matter how far we’ve run or what “lying vanities” we’ve clung to, God’s love is still extended to us. It invites us to come back into the fold, to experience the fullness of grace, and to center our lives on the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
That’s it for this week, ladies. Have a great weekend!
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.
When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!
We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.