SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 20, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

A few years ago I was given a book – You Can’t Make Me. It was written by Cynthia Tobias, founder of Applied Learning Styles. She was/is the ‘blessed’ mother of a strong-willed child. She was moved, or rather compelled, to write the book You Can’t Make Me.

The book jacket reports that it “offers a wealth of practical information, valuable insights, and hands on instruction for parents and educators – a must read for all who deal with a strong will in one they love.” The strategies apply, I believe, to all people who may be seen as difficult, stiff-necked, self-righteous.

It would be easy to think that Tobias had Jonah in mind when she imagined models for her book, but even she would have had a hard time with Jonah. Afraid, defiant, petulant – yet, conscripted by a God who would neither let go nor take no for an answer.

God’s patience, perseverance and power are all on display in this whale of a tale. But what’s most on display is God’s mercy and love.

Tune in. We need this.