The Gift of Salvation is Open to Everyone
The book of Jonah was written at a time of upheaval and distress for the people of Isreal.
The Assyrian Empire had captured half of Isreal. The prophet was directed by God to preach repentance to his enemies. This is the only time in the scriptures that a prophet is instructed to prophecy to a country other than Isreal (city of Ninevah) to repent and turn to God.
The story has many themes that are similar to the life of Jesus. Jonah is thrown overboard to erase God’s judgement against the ship and the sailors who are transporting him, saving them all. He is swallowed by a large fish and is in the belly of the fish for three days and nights. He is spewed out of the whale and lives to be obedient to God’s word and the Ninevites repent.
Lent is a time when we focus on the cross and resurrection of Jesus who redeems us all.
We are freed from God’s judgment. Jesus is in the tomb for three days and rises from the grave.
This gift of salvation is open to everyone.
Jesus is obedient to the Father. There are times when we all feel swallowed up by pain, hurt, and fear. Jonah’s prayer reminds us that God is faithful and in times of suffering we can call upon Him and He will visit us with redemption.
“When I became faint, I remembered the Lord; My prayer came to You in your Holy Temple” (Jonah, 2: 8-9). God’s grace covers our sin, brings us to repentance and prepares us to take on the weight of glory by growing us up in faith, hope and love.