Exploring the Minor Prophets -- Part 6

 Here is the next installment in the Minor Prophets book.

Chapter 5

 

Jonah

 Part 1

     We now move on to a book of the Minor Prophets that is completely different from the rest. It’s not just a story about someone being swallowed by a whale.

     How is Jonah different from the other books that we have and will be examining? It tells a story. It is told in narrative form giving us the information on an event in the life of a prophet who doesn’t want to do what he is told to do by the Lord. God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach a message of judgment and repentance. The people in the Assyrian Empire were noted for their cruelty. They did not worship the True and Living God. He was tired of what they were doing, and the Lord intended to bring judgment. However, as always, the Lord wanted to provide the people with the opportunity to repent and to do the right thing.

     One of the main differences we see in this work is that the prophet does not initially yield to the will of the Lord. Unlike the other prophets, Jonah doesn’t say yes and do what God commands. Even though Jeremiah for instance wasn’t always thrilled about what he was called to do, he did it. He knew that he was called, and he recognized the importance and necessity of following the wishes of the Lord.

     So, what is it that we need to learn from the story of Jonah? Foremost, this book lets us know that God loves and cares for everything that He has created. God chose the descendants of Abraham to be the ones who would keep His message alive in the world. However, that didn’t and it doesn’t mean that God is not concerned and does not care about all other people and nations. Jesus told us in John 3:16 that God loved the world and sent the world His Son. Whoever will believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved. There is no distinction or exclusion.

     The people of Nineveh were the enemies of the people of Israel. In spite of that, God wanted to give them a chance to repent and avoid judgment. That is why He called Jonah to go and preach to Assyria’s capital city.

     I believe that this story works as a metaphor for God’s relationship with the human race. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s holy expectations. We have rebelled against God and His ways. We are like lost sheep that have each to decided to go in our own directions.

     Even in our state of rebellion, God sent His Son to bring His message of love. Jesus sacrificed Himself so that we might come to repentance and faith. Through Jesus, we have atonement for our sins and have a new relationship with the Father. The offer of salvation is made to everyone throughout all ages. Jesus said “Come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”