Jonah - Pt. 1

 

Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:11-17 ESV).

 

One of the most misunderstood books in the Old Testament is Jonah. Today we will begin a little series working our way through it. It is one of my favorite books, especially as it gives us a great understanding of the patience and grace of God. Sometimes we find ourselves trapped in tough situations in which it appears like there is no way out. Maybe the circumstances are because of our own doing or maybe we find ourselves trapped because of what someone else had done. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like all hope is lost. We can begin to believe there is no chance that anything will ever change. The message of Jonah is that it can and will change.

 

In the first chapter of the book of Jonah, we read about a situation where it appeared as if there was no way out. Jonah, a prophet of God, had been told to go to Ninevah and preach the message of God to “that great city.” He was not a fan of Ninevah. The history between the Ninevites and the Jews was strained at best; and, in Jonah’s case, there was an intense hatred towards them. He decides it is best to run as far away from Ninevah as possible. He sets sail going in the opposite direction. He joined a crew of men sailing on a ship to a city named Tarshish. While they were on their way, they found themselves trapped in a severe storm. They tried everything, but it just seemed like no matter what they did, matters only became worse. Ultimately they cried out to God to save them. As soon as they did, God provided them with a way out.

 

Paul, who found himself in plenty of situations where it seemed like there was no hope, writes that God always provides a way out (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). No matter what situation you may find yourself in, God always provides you with a way out. Next time you find yourself in a hopeless situation, cry out to Jesus. See if He doesn't prove Himself faithful and provide you with a way out.