“But I, with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to You, what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9 ESV)
It’s surprising to find gratitude in the in the center of of Jonah’s story. If he could praise God from the belly of a fish we can praise Him from any part of our story.
Jonah had received an uncomfortable assignment: go to Ninevah and preach against it. But Jonah gave into his misgivings and ran away from divine instruction. I wonder if he feared for his life: speaking truth to wicked Ninevites might come with with a high cost. Turns out divine disobedience is even more expensive. Jonah boarded a boat, believing he could outrun God. A storm chased him down and spooked the sailors and ultimately threw Jonah overboard. Jonah went into the sea, believing the waves swallowing him alive was still better than obeying God in Ninevah.
But Jonah’s story wasn’t over. The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up His wayward prophet, to save him from his own insurrection. From the belly of the beast, Jonah prayed this prayer of thanksgiving, grateful that God gives grace in our rebellion. He hears our prayers from the strangest places. And God alone determines who is eligible for the gift of His grace. Jonah realized his job was delivery alone: God’s prerogative is mercy. We are off the hook for everything but disobedience. And even in our disobedience, God reserves the right to forgive and restore.
“I think God that You have answered me and become my salvation.”
(Psalm 118:21 ESV)
Lord, we all too often run from Your directive. Please forgive us. Give us the guts to turn around and reach out in prayer. Thank You for apprehending us in the belly of our consequence and meeting us with extraordinary grace. May we always be willing to share Your truth with others, trusting Your mercy extends to them, also. Give us courage to tell our story and empathy for lost people. Amen.