THE SIGN OF JONAH

            Nestled deeply within the story of Jonah is a fleshing out of the words of Jesus, “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn.12:24).  If Jonah had gone to Nineveh when God first called him to do so (instead of running away from God and assignment), it is doubtful that the outcome would have been productive.  His attitude needed some serious adjusting.  His heart had to be convicted of his own sinfulness.  He was in dire need of an awakening.   Thus, God took him on a journey into the deep to soften his heart and open his eyes.  The Jonah that was spewed out (of the fish)  came forth A CHANGED MAN.   As Sinclair Ferguson observes, “It was the restoration of Jonah which was the means of the revival in Nineveh”.  It was by means of this altered state that, Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites (Lk.11:30).

            Jonah’s message was more than just those eight words, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overcome” (Jonah 3:4).  Jonah’s story of his time in the belly of the great fish was part and parcel of his message.  Jonah, himself, was “exhibit A” concerning both the judgment and mercy of Jehovah God.  It is quite likely that Jonah’s flesh bore evidences of his experience.  His skin pigment was

likely bleached and scarred by the digestive acids of the sea monster.  Jonah’s testimony was magnified by his own dealings with God.  Like Paul, he could have said, “I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus” (Gal.6:17). When Jonah preached to the Assyrians, they not only heard his words, but they saw his skin!  Standing in their midst was a man who had learned first hand, “It is terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb.10:31).  Here, too, we recollect other words of Paul, For that very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him… (1Tim.1:16).  Inside the whale, Jonah “died to self” which resulted in much fruit being harvested in Nineveh.  

            In our yearning to lead others to Christ we must recognize “the Jonah principle” - - IF IT DIES, IT BEARS MUCH FRUIT.  In the words of the psalmist (Ps.126:6):  He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

                                                                                                                                      Terry Siverd / Cortland Church Of Christ