Jonah’s story slows down when Jonah gets swallowed by the fish, and this doesn’t happen by accident.

Attention is drawn to Jonah here.

His prayer is notable.

He’s sinking, drowning – even the seaweed is wrapped around his head.

 And what happens? Jonah has an epiphany.

Jonah THOUGHT he wanted to be separated from God, but when the actual moment came – His death – He realized he didn’t want it.He also realized God wouldn’t leave him.

 Even though Jonah turned away from God, God wouldn’t turn away from Jonah. God cared so much about Jonah, that he sent a storm to push him into realization of who Jonah was – then a fish to help redeem him.

 Jonah begins to truly REALIZE who ‘he’ is in the presence of an Almighty God. A God who can control the oceans and even the fish at his command. A God who is infinitely more powerful than the vain idols of the sailors on the ship. Our pastor this Sunday said, “Distress will always show the impotence of your idol.”

 Now, if you know the end of this book, you’ll know that God isn’t finished working on Jonah yet. Just as he’s not finished working on US yet.

 We’re all Jonah’s. On a fluctuating journey between obedience and rebellion. God is continually rescuing us. Why? Because He loves us. We are THAT important to him.

 Now, I thought I’d be finished with Jonah today – but I think there is one more post waiting.

Four posts for the four chaptered book of Jonah.

Get ready to learn next time about how God cares about US and Them.

 Blessings,

 Pepper