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
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