Grace in Pursuit

CONSIDER THIS

We all know the story of Jonah and the big fish. But did we know Jesus is hidden in plain sight inside the story of the runaway prophet — in so many ways. It’s true! Look for yourself:

God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh and announce His judgment against the wicked people. But Jonah sins and runs away from the Lord’s presence. Jesus is the One who runs after sinners, restoring them to the Lord’s presence. 

Jonah hops on a ship, God sends a violent storm, and Jonah tells the sailors to toss him into the raging sea to save everyone on board. Jesus willingly steps into the ultimate storm, dying on the cross, rescuing everyone who turns to follow Him.

Jonah spends three days and nights trapped inside the belly of a great fish. From the absolute lowest, darkest point of his life, Jonah cries out for a Savior. Jesus points back to this moment, calling Himself “the sign of Jonah.” He explains that just like Jonah, He will be in the grave for three days and nights, revealing that He is the very Savior Jonah was crying out for.

Here’s the good news. When life feels like an intense storm or a dark “stinky fish” place, remember Jesus is our Savior. He pursues us, runs after us, not to punish but to save. When we finally turn around, seeking repentance, we may be startled as we bump into Him, He’s already that close to us. He truly is the God of second chances.