Jonah 1:17: Fables and Fairy Tales?

Jonah 1:17 “But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.”

This is such a great story, isn’t it? It makes a wonderful bedtime story or children’s church lesson. But many people believe Jonah’s story is just that: a great story.

The Bible doesn’t teach this as a parable. Jonah was a real person, and he got swallowed by a real fish. He stayed there for three days and nights, praying. He should have died.

But then, he was delivered from death, so that he could bring the message of salvation to the lost people of Ninevah.

Sound familiar? It should. Jesus referred to Jonah’s stint in the bowels of that fish when he spoke of His own experience at Calvary. He would be swallowed by death for three days. Then, he would be delivered from death, so that He could deliver salvation to the lost.

Then again, some people think Jesus’ story is just a fable, too. But it’s not.

Friends, God’s purpose will not be swayed. He loves us passionately, and He is willing to go to great lengths – impossible lengths, if need be, in order to bring us to Himself. After all, nothing is impossible with God.

I’m glad God loved the Ninevites enough to put Jonah through three days in a whale’s belly so they could know Him. I’m glad He loved me enough to allow Jesus to be swallowed by death, and then brought back to life, so that I could know Him.

It’s the kind of stuff legends and fairy tales are made of. I’m so glad it’s the real deal.

Dear Father, Thank You for loving me so much. I love You, too.

Amen