More than a Tale about a Whale

DAY 252
6-12-10
JONAH


Good Morning!

With all that Jonah went through - running from God and responsibility; deadly storms; three days in a whale; whale vomiting; preaching to pagans; and whining about God’s grace; it seems to me that he has a lot of credibility. If he were alive today he would understand how I have mirrored his experiences (except for the whale thing) and failures very closely.

His credibility lies in the fact that he can say with experience that God’s grace is better than idols; thanksgiving and sacrifice to God is better than doing your own thing; and following through on vows and promises is worth all struggles to fulfill - because nothing is more important than God’s salvation.

(2:8-9) "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord."

Don’t let the whale tale get all the attention. That miracle should never overshadow the main point of Jonah that God loves all people; wants all people to hear the truth and be saved; and gives us multiple chances to learn to obey him.

Barry