In the Book of Jonah, we are immediately confronted with two themes: God is sovereign, and His grace is for the whole world. He is relentless in His purposes and He shows mercy to those who don't deserve it.
This chapter shows us human weakness and God's holiness. Jonah was determined to flee from God's presence, which is always a futile attempt, and it cost him dearly. Ironically, however, as he attempted to avoid the mission that God sent him on to preach to the pagans in Nineveh, God relentlessly pursued His purposes and showed His grace to the heathen sailors.
Jonah knew that the only way for the sailors to be saved was for himself to be sacrificed and die. But how much better was Jesus' sacrifice for us – He gave Himself to save us and give us eternal life! Jesus ties Himself to the narrative of Jonah for a reason.
Do you submit yourself to God's purposes, or are you trying to run from His presence? |
