Studying the Book of Jonah: Part 4

In part 3, we ended wondering if the sailors would actually do what Jonah asked and toss him into the sea?  Did they?  Let's find out ...

Verse 13:  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.

The sailors tried with all their might and strength to row the ship back to dry land, but the storm continued to grow worse and worse.  They simply couldn’t do it; their valiant efforts were futile against the wrath of God manifested in the storm.

 

Verse 14:  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.”

The men were desperate and called out to Jonah’s God.  They were seeing and experiencing firsthand proof that Jonah’s God was THE God and, becoming instant believers, they pleaded with Him for help. 

 

Verse 15:  So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.

Jonah offered no resistance.  Up to this point, he has not yet prayed to God.  It seems he is still more concerned with maintaining his spirit of rebellion then he is of saving his life. 

As soon as the men threw Jonah overboard into the sea, the waters became calm.  Just like that the storm was over, and the sailors were left to absorb and mentally process what had happened.

 

Verse 16:  Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.

The men had just witnessed things contrary to nature and their fear and respect for God grew deeper.  They offered a sacrifice and made vows; they were committing themselves to Jonah’s God whom they now knew was the one true God.

 

Verse 17:  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.

The fish God prepared for Jonah swallowed him and became an instant classroom for the 3 days it would take him to get a much-needed spiritual education.

What was the lesson Jonah needed to learn?  He needed to learn that God was an international God and that He wants ALL people to be saved.  He also needed to learn that being a Jew didn’t give him, or his fellow Jews, exclusive rights to the one true God!   Jonah also needed to learn that God’s way was the best way!

Until the next installment, 

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

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