Day 188 – Jonah

Talking Points

• Some wonder if Jonah is an actual, historical account. The testimony of Scripture says it is. 2 Kings chapter 14 and Matthew 12 (Jesus, Himself, is speaking) refer to Jonah as a real event in history.
• The biggest issue is the miraculous, physically impossible event of Jonah being swallowed by the great fish and surviving. Be sure, our God is supernatural. El Shaddai — Might Almighty. Nothing that He purposes is out of His reach!
• In chapter 2, we read the record of Jonah’s prayer from the fish’s belly. His prayer shows his repentance in turning to God as Lord, and it is filled with Hebrew Scripture (Psalm 18:6, 118:5, 120:1). God’s Word, already in Jonah’s heart, bore its result in directing him in a God-honoring response. As we read through the Bible, we can trust the same to be happening in us!
• The Ninevite king says, “Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish” (3:9). The truth is, we know! God has never forsaken a repentant people. He is the Deliverer. Through Jesus, we have the sure promise: If we repent and turn in faith, we will be saved!

Thoughts

Are there people too far gone? So steeped in rebellious sin they have no hope? Are there people so vile they are outside of God’s love? This account proves otherwise.

“When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it.” – Jonah 3:10

Praise God for He is merciful — a God of second chances!

Praise God that He sends prophets, preachers of His Word, to tell of His mercy and grace!

Praise God that still, today, people can receive His message, repent of their sins, and be saved!

Praise God that He cares incredibly for and has great compassion on each and every soul whom He has created!