Jonah 1:5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god…
Every man has a god of some kind that he places his hope in for deliverance in time of trouble. Deny as they might, even those who claim they don’t believe in God or gods have at least one ultimate authority they hope to turn to for deliverance. This would be their god, this will be that to which they cry out to for deliverance in time of trouble.
Powerless creatures that we are, it is normal and natural that every man in time of trouble seek to call upon his god or gods. Sometimes a man’s god goes by the name of science or medicine, other times his god goes by the name of education, or self, or money, or church attendance or outward religion; and still other times this god is some unknown vain and powerless idol made up in the minds of men. The men on the ship were not your average stock of men, they were mariners, who as a group are not terribly prone to the fears of the sea. Even these men knew they were facing death, and all called upon their gods but none were able to deliver, save the God of Jonah.
We find that the lack of response didn’t stop them from calling upon their gods, nor did their crying receive an answer. But as Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “…call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.” In essence, let He who is actually fully able to perform that which He promises be God. When you find yourself on your deathbed, about to cross the river into eternity, other gods like science, medicine, or even years devoted to religion will offer very little comfort. There you will find that there is comfort and assurance only in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, who having overcome the grave is fully able to perform and provide that which He has promised.