08.18.21
Jonah in the Fish
Salvation is of the LORD (Jonah 2:9b).
Last time, in chapter 1, we left Jonah in the belly of a fish. This reluctant prophet would be there for three days. We come now to chapter 2.
Though the fish is not said to be a whale, likely Jonah was swallowed by either a sperm whale or a white shark, as they frequented the Mediterranean in early ages, and both have mouths and stomachs large enough to engulf a man. More than once in history this has happened to a man. [Example: James Barclay off the Falcon Islands in 1891]
The belly of the fish was intended by the Lord to be a schoolroom for Jonah. He had many things he needed to learn if he was going to be used by the LORD.
Jonah had a prayer meeting in that whale. Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD out of the fish’s belly (1). In his plight, Jonah turned to the One he had offended. He is still a child of God. He should have prayed to the LORD earlier than he did, but at least he did not wait too long.
Let us consider several characteristics of Jonah’s prayer. First, it was specific. Jonah had nowhere to turn but to the LORD. No doubt he had had an effective prayer life in the past, but he had never prayed like this before. He had to get down to business. His prayer was to the point. It was a prayer of confession, repentance, thanksgiving, faith and praise.
Second, his prayer was urgent. No one needed to tell Jonah of the predicament he was in. He simply prayed out of urgency. Many people don’t think they can pray. When trouble comes, however, they surely pray. Prayer becomes easy when we realize that unless God intervenes, all hope for deliverance is gone.
Third, it was a confession He admitted that his afflictions came from the LORD. His words in verses 2-6 surely display this. Afflictions can often be a blessing in disguise, especially when it drives us to the LORD.
Fourth, it was a prayer of remembrance. He remembered God’s past mercies 4, 7). They stood in stark contrast to his present situation.
Fifth, his prayer was a sermon. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy (8). What a sermon in a nutshell! He realized that he had lost out on the mercies God would have given him had he been obedient in the first place.
Sixth, it was a promise. But I will sacrifice unto You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay You that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD (9). Here Jonah praises the LORD and makes a promise to Him. He had failed in that vow, but is renewing it. He came to the end of himself and back to the LORD.
Salvation is of the LORD. How important and clear this is. Salvation is only of the LORD. We can’t add anything to it—good works, baptism, sincerity, nothing! It is wholly of the LORD, a gift offered by Him through His Son.
Finally, it was effective. And the LORD spoke unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land (10). When Jonah returned to the LORD, he was delivered/ Once again, this great sea creature obeyed the voice of its Creator. If there is one thing we learn, it is that it appears easier for the LORD to control a fish than his fisherman!
If you are running from the LORD like Jonah, or have never come to the LORD, I urge you to do so now. He is merciful and forgiving!