by Dorette Saunders
Most children know the story of Jonah and the Whale (or the Big Fish). And while the boys in my Sunday school class thought it was funny that God made this fish swallow this disobedient prophet and then puke him up on shore, the girls found it quite gross (Jonah 1-2).
But this short Book of Jonah is not about a fish with a bellyache or acid reflux, its message goes far deeper. It is a narrative, which among other things, points out the unfailing mercy and compassion of our God, and the power of prayer, especially repentant prayer.
Some of us may relate to Jonah not wanting to share God’s message with the people of Nineveh—for us, perhaps evangelizing seems inconvenient; perhaps we don’t like the people God is sending us to and we secretly wouldn’t mind seeing “those people” suffer or be punished by God. Whatever our reasons, God sees our response as rebellion, and as such, may punish us for our disobedience.
In Jonah’s case, after being swallowed by the huge fish, he prayed earnestly to God, and God, in his mercy, spared Jonah’s life. Again, God commanded Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh of their impending destruction. This time, Jonah obeyed.
Let’s pull out the looking glass. We see that although Jonah carries out God’s command, he hopes that God will destroy the wicked people of Nineveh because they were enemies of Israel.
Do we sometimes wish that God would totally annihilate those who are evil, or who do not lead “Christian lives” or those we consider our enemies? Are there some people in our world that we wish God would just zap, and make them go away?
Such thinking is not Christ-like nor what God expects of us.
As we look in our looking glass, are we thinking that we have a monopoly on God’s mercy? Are we, like young, selfish children, seeking to make sure our Father showers his love on us only?
Deep down, like Jonah, we know that God is kind, merciful and patient. God is also loving and compassionate, not willing to destroy those he created, but eager to save them (Jonah 4:2).
The Scriptures tell us that God is quick to offer salvation, and not condemnation (John 3:17).
In our hearts we know that God is willing to save those who call upon his name (John 6:37). The Scriptures also tell us that although the people of Nineveh were guilty of wicked deeds, they were willing “to pray to the Lord” with all their heart “and stop being sinful and cruel” (Jonah 3:9, CEV).
When we offer God genuine repentance he forgives us and draws near to us. Look around at the people who we often reject. Society has many names for them. We once were like “those people.”
Now look in the looking glass, and see who is looking back at you… We see ourselves!
“But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God's gift of undeserved grace is what saves you…. You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about” (Ephesians 2:4-5; 8-9, CEV).
Praise God for his love and compassion and new mercies day after day, after day.
PRAYER: Lord, remind us that you love all people and are not willing that any should perish. Help us to see the worth of those around us. Help us to be willing to share the glorious gospel of salvation with them, remembering that we, too, were once like them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©M©dytations 2024