Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly,
Last week we read about Jonah, the rebellious and reluctant prophet. This morning we read about Jonah, the remorseful and repentant prophet. After the whale swallowed up Jonah, we learn that he did not repent immediately. It wasn’t until the third day that he cried out to God. There is no doubt in Jonah’s mind that God orchestrated every single event that led him to repentance. Scripture declares, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Proverbs 3:11-12) Like Jonah, you and I as followers of The Lord Jesus Christ will be chastened and corrected by The Lord when we are out of His will.
Jonah experienced the mercy and forgiveness of God when he turned to Him with a broken and contrite heart. Jonah declared these words of comfort and hope for all who sin and fall short of the glory of God but who turn to Him for mercy: “Salvation is of The Lord.” (Jonah 2:9c) If you are a child of God and are running away from His will for your life, you will get swallowed up until you stop making excuses and confess and repent of your sin. Forgiveness of our sin presently is as much a part of the gospel message as is forgiveness of sins of our past and future. Salvation is of The Lord.
