Lessons from Jonah

I was actually ruminating over the story of Jonah recently and a few points stood out to me.

 

The first was the part of the mariners. Some of the storms we're dealing with are because of who we're travelling/associating with. The storm ceased for them when they parted ways with Jonah - some relationships have to be severed (or redefined) for some storms to cease.

 

Secondly, Jonah was still in the belly of the fish when he made the powerful proclamations/prophecies we find in Jonah 2. It was after he made those proclamations that the fish vomitted him.

 

Thirdly, even in our disobedience, God is merciful. God got a fish to swallow Jonah for 3 days, yet he came out unhurt. He was shielded from the harshness of the marine environment and from drowning, even while he was disobedient. He came to a place of repentance while in the belly of the fish.

 

Finally, we learn that we still have hidden heart issues that only come to the fore when we're faced with adverse issues. Jonah's lack of total trust in God came to the fore when he was sent to Nineveh. His self-righteousness was revealed when God showed mercy on Nineveh.

 

My prayer for you and I today is that the Lord reveals all our hidden shortcomings as we journey in life.