Highlights:
Learn a lesson from Jonah who learns firsthand what it means to hit rock bottom spiritually and emotionally. He cries to God who answers (Jon. 2:2,7). The enemy humbly prays for mercy (3:6-10). Jonah gets angry because God does not destroy them (4:1-2).
The Lord commanded Jonah: Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry (preach) against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord (Jon. 1:2-3). Jonah was probably delighted with the good news that the judgment of God would soon fall upon Nineveh. He could not believe that the mercy and love of God would extend even to Israel's enemies. So, he decided not to be a missionary to Nineveh. He must have felt fortunate when, on the very day he arrived in Joppa, he discovered a ship sailing to Tarshish, the most remote of the Phoenician trading places, and in the opposite direction from Nineveh.
For a while, events seemed to favor Jonah's "vacation plan" and gave him such peace of mind that he was soon fast asleep on the ship (1:5). However, favorable circumstances when avoiding the will of God are only temporary and they never lead to a pleasant end. The sailors became fearful when a great storm arose. Then, when they heard that Jonah was fleeing from God, at Jonah's urging they made an effort to appease Him, and Jonah was thrown overboard, only to be swallowed by a big fish. After three days of soul searching, a repentant Jonah was vomited onto dry land by the great fish. He then became the greatest evangelist of his day, and saw the entire city of Nineveh repent of its wickedness. God could have chosen another prophet and let Jonah sink to the bottom of the sea, but God was merciful, demonstrating His love toward both the prophet and the repentant people in Nineveh. The willingness of God to forgive even the greatest of sinners who repent was made known when Nineveh's king and his people repented and were spared from the destruction prophesied by Jonah.
Jesus confirmed the historic truth concerning Jonah when He proclaimed: As Jonas (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the whale's (great fish's) belly; so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here (Matt. 12:40-41).
Thought for Today:
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Matt. 21:22).
Christ Revealed:
By Jonah's experience in the great fish (Jon. 1:7 — 2:10). Jesus used this historical event as an illustration to tell of His death, burial, and resurrection when the Pharisees demanded a sign from Him (Matt. 12:39-41; also I Cor. 15:3-4).
Word Study:
2:2 hell in O.T. 31 times (from Sheol, used about 65 times) to hide, cover, or the grave. In the N.T. Jesus used hell (from Hades, Gehenna) to explain an after-death place of torments (Matt. 8:29; Luke 16:23,28; Rev. 14:10; 20:10); 2:8 lying vanities, worthless idols, false worship; 3:10 God repented, He was grieved; 4:5 booth shelter; 4:8 vehement scorching.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Dan Murton • Country: Bulgaria (8.2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages • Newly opened to evangelism • 85% Eastern Orthodox; 12% Muslim Sunni; 1% Shi'a Muslim; .6% Catholic; .27% Protestant; .1% Armenian Gregorian; .03% Jewish; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for guiding you to sacrifice freely for what pleases Him (Ps. 54:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 1:4