Day 8
Jonah 2:10
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me
God is the sovereign Lord of all. While Jonah had been at prayer, the fish had been swimming! At the Lord’s instruction, the fish vomited out the reluctant prophet. Jonah had been rescued when he deserved nothing but the death he had brought on his own head! Despite all his efforts Jonah had not escaped God’s call on him to be a missionary to Nineveh.
I am reminded here of Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead. Following his return to life, I wonder: What would life be now for Lazarus? Was life ever the same for him? How would it be different?
It seems to me that these questions also apply to Jonah. In being rescued from death, Jonah has learnt more of God’s sovereignty and grace. His prayer rejoiced in God’s mercy (2:2-9). Yet, what would Jonah’s attitude be now? Will he be concerned for Nineveh’s rescue? Sadly, Jonah’s answer is No! Jonah does not want God’s mercy: he wants God’s punishment on the Ninevites.
Like Jonah, I too can struggle with God’s ‘grace scales’ in balancing mercy and justice. God’s grace in Christ is infinite. Having experienced God’s grace in my own life may I rejoice when God grants grace to others. God’s sovereign grace is to be my place of rest.
Gracious God, thank you for the grace with which you have blessed my life. Keep me ever grateful towards you, and joyful in seeing your grace bless the lives of other people. In Christ’s name. Amen.
