I've mentioned a few times in class how much I relate to Jonah. I recently heard RC Sproul's sermon series on Jonah and was richly blessed by his teaching, particularly his sermon on Jonah's prayer (Chapter 2). Take a look at verse 5:
"The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped around my head..."
Jonah was as good as DEAD. What did God do? He "appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah" (Jonah 1:17). The "great fish" was not created to punish Jonah. God designed that creature for one purpose ... to save Jonah's life. In the midst of these mind-blowing circumstances, Jonah unleashed an amazing prayer. The last time I read the book, a couple of verses stood out that relate heavily to our last two life group sessions. Verses 7-9:
"When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came up to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD."
Does anyone else shudder at verse 8? Will anyone else admit to paying regard to vain idols? Despite that, consider this ... Jonah fled from God, going so far as trying to take a nap in the bowels of a ship while the rest of the crew faced extraordinary peril. Still, God responded with love, although its form in this instance is bizarre. Nothing says "I love you" like being swallowed and vomited by a huge fish.
Speaking of difficult circumstances, the focus of Sunday's life group session is "The Exile." We'll discuss a chunk of Daniel, another of my favorite books of the Bible.
Hope everyone has a great week. See you Sunday.
J
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