Jonah

<p>So why do we look at the life of Jonah? Because the story of Jonah has great theological import. It concerns a disobedient prophet who rejected his divine commission was cast overboard in a storm swallowed by a great fish rescued marvellously and returned to his starting point. While most people remember Jonah for the fish story it holds great significance when it comes to God's compassion and His eternal redemption. Jonah who first rebels then obeys and goes to Nineveh the capital of Israel's ancient enemy. The Ninevites listen to his message of doom and repent immediately. Seeing their repentance God does not carry out the punishment planned for them. It is a short but powerful tale which explores the importance of obedience faithfulness to God's call and understanding God's heart of love mercy and grace. Jonah's name means dove which also connects to God. It is significant in Christianity because the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove during Jesus's baptism. Jesus also speaks of the sign of Jonah which was used as a typological metaphor for His future crucifixion burial and resurrection. So yes Jonah holds many spiritual truths and lessons. May we ultimately learn that we must be more like Jesus ready to reach a spiritually dying world and not like Jonah who was swallowed up by his pride and rebellion. </p>