Devotion: It's Not About the Fish

 

The Bible In One Year: Isaiah 1-2/Galatians 5

Today’s Reading: Jonah 3:10-4:4

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways he relented. ~Isaiah 3:10

It’s Not About the Fish

Sighted numerous times off the coast of Australia’s South Queensland Migaloo is the first albino humpback whale ever documented. The splendid creature, estimated at more than forty feet long, is so rare that Australia passed a law specifically to protect him.

The Bible tells us about a “huge fish” so rare that God had provided it especially to swallow a runaway prophet (Jonah 1:17). Most know the story. God told Jonah to take a message of judgment to Ninevah. But Jonah wanted nothing to do with the Ninevites, who had a reputation for cruelty to ust about everyone—including the Hebrews. So he fled. Things went badly. From inside the fish, Jonah repented. Eventually he preached to the Ninevites, and they repented to (3:5-10).

Great story, right? Except it doesn’t end there. While Nineveh repented, Jonah pouted. “Isn’t this what I said, LORD?” he prayed. “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love” (4:2). Having been rescued from certain death, Jonah’s sinful anger grew until even his prayer became suicidal (v.3).

The story of Jonah isn’t about the fish. It’s about our human nature and the nature of God who pursues us. “The Lord is patient with you,” wrote the apostle Peter, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God offers His love to brutal Ninevites, pouting prophets, and you and me. ~Tim Gustafson

Father, we tend to look at what others “deserve” and forget we need your love just as much. Help us live in Your love and to tell others about it.

Our love has limits; God’s love is limitless!

When God Seems Far Away

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. ~Isaiah 55:8