Who was Jonah?
Did Jonah really “Exist?” For many years, there have been those who claim that Jonah was a ficticious story; a parable. They say it is impossible to survive in the belly of anything; what with all the gastric juices and acids and such. Then there is the size of the “fish.” That’s right, a fish. Not a whale, but a fish. And where did he get air to breath? As usual, the Bible does not give us all the details. I suspect, even if it did, there would still be those who doubt, simply because that is what they do.
According to verse one, of the first chapter, Jonah is the son of Amittai. The name “Jonah” means “Dove.” His fathers name, “Ammitai,” means “Truth.” Jonah was from Gath-Hepher.
Back to the question of truth or fiction; Not only is there a book written about Jonah, but he is mentioned in II Kings (this is how we know where he is from).
He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.
In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of him: Matthew 12:39-41; Matthew 16:4; Luke 11:29-30.
Despite the limitations we perceive as to the physical ability, or actuality of this story, if we believe The Bible is God’s inerrant word, than we have to accept this as an actual, true account. If we do not, than we call God a liar.
What was his task?
God told Jonah to “go to Nineveh
Why was Jonah so reluctant to go?
The Ninevites were an un-Godly, loathsome, brutal people. They tormented Israel
Why did God call Jonah?
Jonah must have had a relationship with God, but he hated his enemies. God was going to use Jonah to deliver His message, and teach Jonah about His grace to any who will repent. This is also another *prophetic account, pointing to Jesus as the Christ. God sometimes chooses to use things we would disregard. Had God chosen a willing prophet, the whole prophetic message would have been lost. What a God we serve. He can take an unwilling heart, and still accomplish His perfect plan.
* Prophetic in, by Jonah fleeing, he found himself in the belly of the fish. The three days he spent in the fish were prophetic of Jesus spending three days in the grave before being resurrected.
How did God work in the sailors?
Even when the men knew Jonah had angered his God, they still did not want to kill him (-13). Jonah told them to throw him into the sea. Why did Jonah want them to throw him into the sea? Could he have not wanted to commit suicide? Did he believe that if they punished him for his sin, they would be spared? I don’t know the true reason behind this, but one thing is clear, they were more honorable than Jonah.
I find it interesting that they prayed to the Lord of heaven and asked not to be responsible for innocent blood (), even before they cast Jonah into the sea, per his instructions. They tried to row but the sea grew worse. They knew that this was the Lord’s doing because of Jonah. With heavy hearts, they did what they knew they had to do. Then, they worshipped God (). These men were not worshippers of God at the beginning (1:5), but they witnessed the one true God at work and saw His mighty power. It was only natural to offer sacrifices and worship Him when He spared their lives. No doubt these men proclaimed this event until their dying day. Although we are not told anymore about them, I believe these men were transformed by His saving grace.
How did God work In the Ninevites?
When they heard Jonah’s message, they repented (3:1-10). Again, these people were not Jewish, they did not worship the God of Israel. They were pagans; and really bad pagans at that.
A vicious people, greatly feared and hated. But when they heard God’s message, they repented, even their king. Why would these un-godly people heed God’s warning?
I am speculating here, but I wonder what Jonah looked like after three days in the belly of the fish. I tend to think that the acid in the fish’s belly had probably removed every hair from his body, and probably bleached his skin white. I think Jonah was probably a sight to see as he walked into town. The sight of him probably got their attention, and then as he spoke God’s message, I believe God put fear into their hearts. God had already been working on them before Jonah’s arrival. Jonah even knew this, and that’s why he didn’t want to go. I find their reaction startling. Under the leadership of an un-godly king, the whole city repented; and this was no small city.
How did God work in Jonah?
What pastor or evangelist wouldn’t be thrilled to have everyone he preached to, repent and turn to the Lord? Answer: Jonah. God gave Jonah an assignment He knew Jonah wouldn’t like. He allowed Jonah to head off on his own, in rebellion (like He does with us often-times). He allowed Jonah to board a ship headed in the opposite direction before He confronted him with the consequences of his sin. Of all things, God sent a fish to swallow Jonah.
I have thought often times of what it would be like in the belly of a fish. I am claustrophobic, so any thought makes me shudder. Absolute darkness, horrific smell, wet, cramped, the list goes on and on. One hour would be unbearable, but for three days; unimaginable.
Is it any wonder that Jonah prayed as he did (Jonah 2:1-9)? But, I have to ask, was Jonah’s heart changed? Based on chapter four, I would have to say “No.” When I read this book, I can’t help but find myself longing for more. I want to know if Jonah ever truly repented and rejoiced at what the Lord had done. After all he witnessed, did he ever appreciate how gracious God was to these wicked people? Did it ever occur to Jonah how gracious God was to him? Did he ever realize how compassionate God is to all who will repent? I feel like screaming. How can a person see the mighty works of God and still not get it? But, then I have to look at my own life. Christ died for my sins; I am not deserving of His grace or mercy. How can I not show mercy to those I don’t like? Can anyone sin greater than I? The answer is no. How then, can I not forgive and seek mercy and salvation for all?
This book is so much more than a good fish story. It is a window into the very heart of God.
Oh that we would learn from this and not make the same mistake.
How did God use him, even in his rebellion?
Several sailors came to know the Lord. Thousands of Ninevites repented and sought the Lord and were spared. Countless numbers have read this book over the years and been affected by it.
So many lives affected by this brief moment in time; an event between a rebellious, hard-hearted man, and a loving God. This was a God thing. Jonah was just an un-willing participant, unworthy of credit or praise. He robbed himself of the joy of being a part of God’s mighty hand at work.
What can we learn about ourselves in Jonah?
Has God given us a task that we don’t want to do? Maybe reach out to that stubborn, grouchy neighbor that no-one likes? Maybe we have been called to give to a charity instead of taking that long awaited vacation? Or maybe we have felt God’s leading to go to Africa , or Haiti
God calls each of us to a different task, but are we willing to step out of our comfort zone to experience all that God wants to share with us?
He knows what will bring that peace that surpasses all understanding that we seek. If we are outside the will of God, we will never find true peace or contentment.
The next time we feel God nudging us to do that which we don’t want to do, I pray that we would remember Jonah.
What can we learn about God in the book of Jonah?
God loves people. Even those who are rebellious and hard hearted towards others.
God still controls everything according to His purpose and pleasure.
God will go to any length to reach any who are willing to repent.
God forgives the most stubborn child.
God knows the future, and accommodates for His plan.
Things to consider:
Jonah means dove; Christ had a dove appear over Him twice (a sign of the Holy Spirit).
Jonah spent three days in the dark of the fish’s belly; Jesus was in the grave for three days.
Jonah was vomited up and restored; Christ rose from the grave.
Jonah was a savior to Nineveh
I. Jonah in disobedience: From the presence of the Lord to the belly of the fish 1:1-17
A. Jonah in the presence of God 1:1-3
B. Jonah in the hold of the ship 1:4-9
C. Jonah in the midst of confusion -14
D. Jonah in the midst of the sea -16
E. Jonah in the stomach of the fish
II. Jonah in repentance: from the belly of the great fish to dry land 2:1-10
A. Jonah in prayer 2:1-9
B. Jonah in transit
III. Jonah in obedience: from the dry land to Nineveh
A. Jonah in fellowship with God 3:1-4
B. Jonah in success 3:5-9
C. Jonah in awe
IV. Jonah in anger: from Nineveh
A. Jonah in discouragement/displeasure 4:1-4
B. Jonah in discomfort 4:5-8
C. Jonah in rebuke 4:9-11
No comments:
Post a Comment