Jonah 2
-This chapter gives us a glimpse into Jonah’s prayer while
in the sea and in the belly of the great fish. He prays from the stomach of the
fish in his distress, and the LORD heard and answered him as he cried for help
from the depth of Sheol (the underworld, a place of death, the abode of the
dead, Jonah 2:1-2). Scholars speculate if Jonah was near death or if he
actually died and then became resuscitated. The point is mute, because he is
given a second chance by the gracious King of kings. He had been cast into the
deep, the very heart of the seas, and the current of death had engulfed him.
The currents and breakers passed over him (Jonah 2:3). He was expelled from the
sight of God and His goodness, but he looked toward the holy Temple, the place
of God’s presence which he had formerly run from (Jonah 1:3,10). His heart was
changing in the right direction. Water encompassed him to the point of death as
the great deep engulfed him, and sea weeds were wrapped around his head (Jonah
2:4-5). He descended to the roots of the mountains that were under the sea, and
in poetic language he relates this place to the earth’s prison with bars around
him forever. There was no escape. But, the LORD brought up his life from the
pit with His power and authority alone (Jonah 2:6). While he was fainting away,
he remembered the LORD and prayed to Him. God’s presence came and it was so
real that Jonah knew all who regarded vain idols, like those he would minister
to in Nineveh, forsake their faithfulness in worshipping false, temporary, and
powerless things (Jonah 2:7-8). Jonah now makes his declaration. He would
sacrifice to the LORD God of heaven and earth with a voice of thanksgiving.
That which he vowed, he would pay for “salvation is from the LORD (Jonah 2:9).”
The conversion was complete. “Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited
Jonah up onto the dry land (Jonah 2:10).”
-*Application* When we get down in the pit of despair with
distress all around, look up to Jesus who hears and answers us in our deepest
times of need. He is waiting for you to come into His presence and thank Him
for the deliverance only He can provide. His Temple is the Holy Spirit within
us who have believed, and He is always readily available for all who call upon
Him (Romans 8:11; 10:13). His faithfulness endures forever and is real. He is
not vain like idols are. Remember Him for redemption and salvation. Prayer is
powerful when we cry out to the Living God.
Verses to Memorize:
Jonah 2:2, 6, 9
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