Rebellion Meets Grace — the Story of the Prophet JonahHalimbawa

The sign of the prophet Jonah

As soon as Jonah was hurled into the sea, “the sea ceased from its raging”. His solution had worked. But Jonah did not drown. God intervened again in a supernatural way: He appointed a great fish that swallowed Jonah. Three days and three nights he was in the belly of this fish, “in the heart of the seas”. There was no way out. But, as we read in the next chapter, after these three days, the fish vomited Jonah out upon the beach!

Jesus Christ uses this miraculous story as a metaphor for his own death and resurrection. When Jesus was crucified, He was buried in a tomb “in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Death had triumphed. There was no way out. But three days later, He rose again! The grave had to let Him go, He came back to life.

Jonah’s story is a miracle, a sign that God is stronger than natural forces, stronger than the sea and the winds, stronger even than death. Jesus’ resurrection is God’s ultimate triumph. Death could not hold Him. Nothing can hinder Him from fulfilling His plans!