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The God Of Surprises

In the last few articles, I have focused on how God is often described by His various attributes or images. Since God is really indescribable …. using attributes or human characteristics makes God more meaningful to us. Of course, we as humans are unable to fully describe God. Words are inadequate, but that’s how we humans must communicate the truths of God.

The Bible uses metaphors or “human types” in order for us to more fully understand the ever existing and eternal Father …. The One who loves His creation and is ever mindful of us.

One of the more fascinating stories about the activity of God is found in the book of Jonah. It is a delightful story, one for both children and adults. It is almost like a Pinocchio story, where a whale or fish plays a major role.

The real truth of this story is deep and meaningful. Jonah, because of his experience, has a new and profound understanding of God.

To Jonah, the prophet, God was a special possession of His people, Israel. If the people obeyed, then all would be well. Disobedience meant suffering, great losses in warfare and perhaps even sickness. Jonah saw no reason to go to Nineveh. In his mind, these folks were pagans and beyond help. They were considered enemies of Israel.

After his terrifying experience of being “swallowed,” Jonah realized that God’s mercy is more universal than Jonah or Israel wanted to believe.

The story is remembered more for Jonah and the fish than for his interaction with pagan Assyrians. These were a wicked and cruel people. Why God wanted Jonah to go there, we can only surmise …. except that God really loves all people and his mercy is extended to all. He gave them a chance to repent of their evil ways, just as he gives us the opportunity of repentance.

In Jonah’s attempt to run away from God he was literally “swallowed up.” He was left to die in a “tomb” — not a literal tomb, but a tomb just the same. He was fully aware of the creature that swallowed him.

Even Jesus referred to Jonah being in the belly of a fish …. and equating that with his tomb experience. He told his disciples that his burial in a tomb (swallowed by death) was like Jonah and then he would literally be raised or rescued from that death just as Jonah.

”For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).

Jonah was confined in complete darkness. No person could comfort him. But now he would confront his own lack of faith. He knew of his own disobedience. He prayed. He sought forgiveness from God. If God allowed him to live, he would go to the Assyrians. He begged, he pleaded. Would God give him a second chance?

It would seem appropriate for God to be angry with Jonah and to punish him. Drowning in an angry sea would be a fitting end for such a recalcitrant and faithless prophet. Yet, that is not what happens.

We are surprised by God’s reaction. Jonah lives. He really isn’t eaten as such nor digested. The giant creature sent by God for this very purpose will vomit up Jonah on the shore. He will emerge wet and slimy, but alive.

Jonah’s transformation takes place in the belly of this creature. It was there that God lifted Jonah from the “pit” ( Jonah 2:7) of his own self assurance to the “liberation” of his reliance on God. Liberation then “frees” us from ourselves when we feel secure in God’s love for us.

Like Jonah, we may need to learn some lessons about God’s mercy and love. Many times, I find myself impatient and critical of those who don’t quite see things “my way.”

Reading this story of Jonah has made me realize that I have a narrow view of God’s love. God’s love is extended to all mankind. It has challenged me to rethink my dealings with others.

The challenge for all us is to imitate the “Divine” patience and compassion.

God is full of surprises. He surprises us daily. Are you ready?

—Barbara Hyland, guest writer