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Jonah's Gourd
indianabob:
Folks,
Isn't it interesting how beneficial the conversation can be when the spirit of Christ is operating in everyone.
Thank you each and everyone for your contribution.
Dr. Carol,
A light hearted side comment regarding the "fish" if you please.
Since the purpose was to change Jonah's mind about serving God and also to get Jonah to Nineveh in one piece, could it be that the journey in the "fish" or a swimming mammal perhaps was a little more comfortable yet traumatic enough to make the point? Since Jonah needed air, then an air breathing "fish" would seem more appropriate. Also large fish may live off of body fat when the feeding is sparse and perhaps the throat cavity wasn't as acidic as would otherwise be the case. Then again since the Bible says that God "prepared" a fish we could presume that this particular fish was not a standard species.
I mention this because God usually can get our attention without torturing us beyond what is necessary and to me just being inside an animal would get my undivided attention for quite a while. I mean what is a person expected to do when you have just got to scratch an itch. ???
Just my old mind wandering, thanks for your attention. Keep up the good commentary.
Indiana Bob
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: Beloved on November 16, 2008, 12:10:22 PM ---
Not to go off topic but there is a lot of word play in the book
--- End quote ---
Hi Carol,
Going off topic is one of the things we do very well here. ;)
I couldn't agree more that there is much word play and deeper meanings within this relatively short book. Perhaps we could look at Jonah's experience once he is coughed up by the fish as those who rise in the 2nd resurrection to learn righteousness and godly mercy.
Jonah purposely disobeyed God and had a hard heart toward Nineveh, the Lord set about to correct that with him and Jonah did not like it one bit.
Jon 4:8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted and wished in himself to die and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
Could that sentiment be a type/shadow of what we read in Revelation?
Rev 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death and shall not find it; and shall desire to die and death shall flee from them.
--- Quote from: indianabob on November 16, 2008, 11:27:54 PM ---
Isn't it interesting how beneficial the conversation can be when the spirit of Christ is operating in everyone.
Thank you each and everyone for your contribution.
--- End quote ---
Thank you Bob for that kind and generous comment!
--- Quote from: indianabob on November 16, 2008, 11:27:54 PM ---
I mention this because God usually can get our attention without torturing us beyond what is necessary and to me just being inside an animal would get my undivided attention for quite a while. I mean what is a person expected to do when you have just got to scratch an itch. ???
--- End quote ---
Amen to that Brother, no doubt God has a very creative mind when He desires to grab one's attention.
Just ask Saul/Paul....
Peace,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
Earlier in the thread I had written of this pattern that with many seemingly very good things God has placed a worm/serpent/devil right there to inspire degradation.
Have you ever contemplated this verse and it's implications?
Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve and one of you is a devil?
Was the devil eradicated by the suicide of Judas or has his role in the church even grown? Interestingly enough Judas of course was the treasurer or keeper of the purse, money does seem to hold a very high priority in many churches.
Another interesting parallel between the Book of Jonah and the life and ministry of Jesus is this (although I do not have a real definitive answer it seems that many times in scripture drawing lots often was not an especially good thing);
Jon 1:7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots and the lot fell upon Jonah.
Act 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
We read about Peter and the disciples praying about the matter of replacing Judas but we never read that the Lord answered this prayer or directed them to cast lots, was this office of the 12th apostle actually reserved (by God) for someone other than Matthias?
He (Matthias) was never mentioned in scripture again after this.....
Peace,
Joe
indianabob:
Joe,
If we include verse 24 it seems plausible that the Apostles were seeking God's preference in the matter of choosing one of two alternates. So isn't it possible that God manipulated the casting of lots in this instance?
"And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. " (Acts 1:24-26)
hillsbororiver:
Hi Bob,
Yes, of course that is worthy of consideration but who determined which two to begin with and for me the absence of any directive from God gives me pause as to the validity of their choice(s).
I find it interesting that the risen Christ was with them for 40 days and He did not choose anyone to fill the vacancy left by Judas(Satan). It appears rather obvious that within the church Satan's influence has been increasing through the years.
As I said previously I am not making any definitive statement on this only that it is evident that God allows or even directs Satan to be right there to tempt, torment, degrade and foil those (especially) who have been called to seek and know the Lord on a deeper level.
Paul too experienced this not only externally but internally as well;
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Bob I appreciate your interest and comments.
His Peace to you Brother,
Joe
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