As we consider the situation of Jonah, his experience was used as an example by Jesus for the sign that the people requested of him for his own authority. (Matthew 12: 40) The mission of Jonah was the salvation of the Ninevites. The mission of Christ was the salvation for all those that believed.
The area of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, included 20 miles to the south and 10 miles to the north and in the triangle formed by the Tigris and the Zab. In the city the library of Assurbanipal contained 100,000 volumes. He was a powerful and cruel king who led great warriors. The Assyrians were robbers of other nations whose loot helped to build their state. They skinned prisoners alive, cut off her hands, feet, noses, and ears or pulled out their eyes or their tongues. They created mounds of human skulls purposely to terrorize others. From a practical point of view, there is no wonder that Jonah refused to evangelize Nineveh even though God said the 120,000 inhabitants were so unaware of their spiritual situation that he compared them to not knowing their right hand from their left.
Let’s pay attention to Jonas’ decision to run from God. The first chapter verse three tells us that Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish that was considered the farthest point away in the Mediterranean Sea. When we rise up against God’s leadership, we are standing on our own will. Then very quickly Jonah went down to Joppa to board the ship. Any time that we are disobedient, it is a downward slide. He then paid the fare to ride on the ship. Any type of rebellion against God will always cost us. His whole purpose in this transport was to flee from the presence of God. Our disobedience, no matter how slight it may seem, is always a flight from God’s blessing and purpose in our lives.
When a terrible storm arose, Jonah had gone down into the sides of the ship fast asleep. (Like the experience of the disciples on the Sea of Galilee with Jesus asleep.) The prophet admitted that the plight of the Mariners was his fault and suggested they throw him overboard thinking he would drown. His potential death was like the death of Jesus. His swallowing by a great fish (not a whale) that God created for the occasion was like that of Jesus three days and three nights in the tomb.
While in the belly of the fish it took Jonah to the bottom of the sea where there were underwater mountains. He found seaweeds wrapped around his head. In a state of desperation, he turned to the Lord. I like the words of 2: 8 that says, “they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” His repentance caused God to have the fish vomit him on the shore. There he received a second commission leading him to walk 370 miles from the Mediterranean Sea to the city of Nineveh. In response to his preaching, the entire city believed God. The king proclaimed, “let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.” As a result, God changed his mind against destroying the city.
Jonah explained in chapter 4 that he knew how gracious, merciful, slow to anger, with great kindness was God. He was fearful that if God did not destroy the city and the people were allowed to continue their warlike ways, the Hebrews would be in great danger. Like a child, Jonah sat under shade outside the city pouting. In the evening God caused a gourd to come up and provide more shade to Jonah but the gourd died quickly. Consequently, Jonah became angry. God challenged him saying that since he had concerns for the gourd, should he not also have concern for the souls in the city of Nineveh.
We may not have as dramatic an experience with God, but we all have a mission to perform as directed by him. It is wise for all of us to listen and obey. Who knows what blessing awaits us and what good we can do for others!
Christian Writer 