If you've ever been to Sunday school class, you have more than likely heard the story of Jonah and the great fish. How he tried to avoid the assignment God gave him to go preach in Nineveh. How he had to spend three days in the fish’s belly. This truly is a fascinating story worthy of exposition. Unfortunately, many never go past the elementary notions of the story to unpack the deep theological truths God has relayed to us therein.

Jonah was a Jewish prophet primarily located in the northern kingdom of Israel. (II Kings 14:25).

Interesting to note here is the fact that Jonah is remembered not for his ministry to Israel, but rather to a pagan nation. This is to show that God is sovereign over all peoples, not only His covenant people. We are reminded that it was always God's intent to bring Gentiles into the body of Christ through salvation. (Gal. 3:8,9) We also see that once again God used an imperfect man to perform a task for His own Glory. Even as a true Prophet of God, Jonah displayed a rebellious attitude as well as racism, and the story even ends with Jonah still mad at God; albeit after God's perfect plan came to fruition.

Much could be said regarding God's sovereignty over nature, such as the great wind God SENT on the sea; or the fish He PREPARED to swallow Jonah. The plant that God PREPARED and caused to cover Jonah and the worm God PREPARED to destroy the plant. We could dig into this dynamite statement in Jonah 2:9... “...Salvation is of the LORD”. We see this displayed in Jonah going aboard a “random” boat to Tarshish, resulting in Pagan sailors coming to the knowledge of the one true God. (Jonah 1:16) We could spend a great amount of time on the fact that God saved an entire generation of people who were idolaters and rebels against their creator. (Jonah 1:1; 3:5)

Let us look at an aspect of salvation that happens in the life of believers. After having been thrown overboard and swallowed by the great fish, we read these words;

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish's belly.

And he said: I cried out to the LORD BECAUSE of my affliction, And he answered me.

“Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,

And you heard my voice.

For YOU cast me into the deep,

Into the heart of the seas,

And the floods surrounded me;

All YOUR billows and YOUR waves passed over me.

  (Jonah 2:1-3)

If we were to simply skim through this powerful story, we could surmise Jonah was just free-willing it and running from God. However, if we still believe that all scripture is "theopneustos", literally "God-breathed" then we must deal with the words emphasized above.

You see, a major doctrine that is almost non-existent in modern evangelicalism is the fact that God disciplines the ones he loves. (Hebrews 12:6) Especially in America, comfort has become the god of this age and many, predominantly around the Word Of Faith movement, believe that Jesus died so you can completely avoid tribulation. That if you confess and decree, you can create peace and prosperity. However, this is nothing more than pagan and new age teachings that have crept into the church. You see the scriptures paint the opposite as being true.

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Rom 5:3-4)

 

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (I Pet. 4:12-13)

Never forget this brothers and sisters, God uses trials for two specific reasons; to produce in us a genuine faith “to the praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Pet. 1:6).

Also “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (II Cor. 4:17)

We see this turn around in verse seven of Jonah chapter 2.

7 “When my soul fainted within me,

 I remembered the Lord;

 And my prayer went up to You,

 Into Your holy temple.

This is the point that displays the reasoning of God in trials and tragedies, to bring us to the end of ourselves, that we may fully rely on his power and grace! To get us to stop fighting, and working, and enter that rest spoken of in Hebrews. It is at that moment that our greatest work begins. See, as long as we are trying to accomplish anything for God in our own flesh, it is all filthy rags to him.

I'm often reminded of Peter just before his denial, Jesus gives him this warning...

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31, 32)

It was all part of his plan to bring Peter to the end of himself that he would be ready for the great work ahead.

Jonah chapter 2:8 sums it up nicely;

“Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.”

If you're weary from the battle tonight know this, there is Mercy in Jesus Christ alone! No religion or idol of man can provide forgiveness and rest for your soul. Only the cross provides redemption to mankind!