Compassion: A Study in JonahSample

What does it say?

Jonah is swallowed by a great fish, prompting a prayer of praise to Yahweh for His deliverance.

What does it mean?

As Jonah struggles to survive in the tumultuous, storm-tossed sea, he quickly realizes the watery death that awaits him. Jonah likened the sea to the “pit” or “Sheol” – the place of the dead from which there is no escape. In his moment of greatest despair, Jonah’s thoughts turned again to the Lord. The same God who had punished Jonah was the only One who could save him. Out of the abundance of HIs grace, God appoints a great fish to swallow Jonah, delivering him from the judgment of death.

How should I respond?

Although we often paint the great fish as Jonah's judgment, it was actually what God used to deliver him. We learn from Jonah's story that sometimes what feels like God's judgment is actually His gracious deliverance. Sometimes God puts us in hard situations or seasons to root out the disobedience that threatens our hearts and lives. Exposing our darkness, confessing our sins, and running towards Jesus often carry great costs, but they pale in comparison to knowing God fully. Thankfully, no one is better at forgiving than God. The Bible tells us that nothing can separate His children from His love (Rom. 8:38-39). Why wait until you reach a point of personal despair? Is there a sin you need to confess to God? Talk to Him directly, accept His pardon, and keep your thoughts centered on Him throughout the day.