Jonah 3:1-3 NKJV
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.
When God called Jonah to go and prophesy to the people of Nineveh, he refused and instead boarded a ship to go to Tarshish. God caused a storm to arise, and the ship was about to capsize and be shattered into pieces. Jonah, knowing he was the reason for the storm, asks the people on the ship to throw him overboard. The man would rather die than repent and go where God has sent him.
But God was not done with him yet!
God caused Jonah to be swallowed by a massive fish, and it is while he is in the belly of the fish that he comes to his senses and cries out to the Lord for mercy and God heard him.
God is a God of second chances, after Jonah is vomited by the fish on dry land, he is given the same message again and this time he accepts to deliver it.
God had given Jonah the very thing that Jonah was denying the people of Nineveh, another opportunity to get it right.
Interestingly, when Jonah spoke to the people of Nineveh, and they repented, God forgave them and this angered Jonah.
Whatever sin you may have fallen into, the encouraging thing is that God is willing to forgive and embrace you if you will run back to him. Just as the prodigal son was well received and restored by his father, so will God receive and restore you if you run back to him.
Reflections
- In what area of your life are you stubborn like Jonah?
- Why do you think God gave Jonah a second chance?
- Have you ever had a belly of the fish experience because of disobedience? What happened and what lessons did you learn?
