Jonah 1

11–16 Jonah surely realized at this point that God had “followed” him. So he told the sailors to throw him overboard; then the sea would become calm (verse 12). Jonah must have sensed he was going to die anyway, but at least he could spare the sailors’ lives.

First, however, the sailors made an effort to row the ship to shore. But when they were unable to do so they threw Jonah overboard, praying to Jonah’s God that He not hold them accountable for Jonah’s death (verses 13–14).

As soon as Jonah was thrown overboard, the sea grew calm (verse 15). Naturally the sailors greatly feared Jonah’s God and made vows to Him (verse 16). This doesn’t mean they had true FAITH in God; it only means they recognized that the God of Israel controlled the sea—at least that part of the Mediterranean!

17 God provided a great fish to swallow Jonah. God caused that fish to be in the right place at the right time. Most of God’s so-called “miracles” are not supernatural; they don’t contravene the laws of nature. Rather, they are accomplished by God’s control over nature. Such was the case with this “great fish,” inside of which Jonah remained three days and three nights.²

Looking back, we can see that Jonah was out of God’s will. And yet Jonah realized it, and agreed to accept the consequences—death by drowning. But God chose to use Jonah in spite of his disobedience; He used Jonah to save those sailors and to cause them to fear Jonah’s God. God used the disobedient Jonah to bring a blessing to others, but Jonah did not receive a blessing himself; he ended up in the belly of a fish!

The disobedient Jonah saved a ship; later on, we shall see how an obedient Jonah saved a city. Yes, God can use us even when we are out of His will, but He can use us much more when we are in it. Plus, we too will be able to enjoy the blessing!