Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

Although Jonah only writes a short account of his life experiences, his experiences are profound enough for him to be quoted by Jesus(Matt 16:4). He typifies the history of humanity. God puts out the call and they respond. They then seek to go their own way and forget God who called them in the first place. They then get themselves in serious trouble and whilst in the throes of death, they call out to God for clemency. Because Yahweh is a gracious and merciful God he responds to the desperate call of humanity. Isaiah puts it like this, “come let us reason together even though your sins are red like scarlet they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). When Jesus pointed his hearers to the story of Jonah, he was pointing towards his own advent and the fact that he would be killed, buried in a borrowed grave for three days and then rise from the dead to bring salvation for all those who put their faith in him. Jonah was sacrificed to save all those who were on the ship. They put their trust in him and believed him that they would be saved if he died. Similarly, when the man Jesus died, many people were saved, are being saved and will be saved. However, unlike Jonah, Jesus is more than a prophet, he is more than someone who warns people about the impending destruction that is coming, he is God and will save his people (all who put their faith in him) from their sins. Today as we reflect on the sign of Jonah, remember it is more than just him dying to self but giving access to life for all.