Bible.com.au: Reading Plan - Taking the Gospel to Many Nations

Reflection

Jonah is a distinctive Israelite prophet.

He directly received the word of the LORD God, who commanded him to go to Nineveh, a nation outside Israel’s usual circle of friends or family (Jonah 1:1-2). As a prophet of God and his designated spokesperson, Jonah was obligated to listen to God and follow his instructions. However, he failed to do so.

Consequently, God deemed it necessary to teach a lesson to Jonah.

Confined within the belly of a large fish, a place of uncleanness, Jonah had to remain for three days and three nights. During this time, as he contemplated God’s command and his response to it, he offered his prayer (Jonah 2). It was then that he realised the extent of God’s love for the world and declared, “Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).

The message of salvation in Jesus Christ is indeed good news meant to be shared with others. The crucial question remains: Are we attuned to God’s calling?

Prayer

We pray for a multiplication of labourers in your harvest field, dedicated to proclaiming the message of salvation to every corner of the earth. Strengthen and empower your Church to be a beacon of light, drawing people from every nation and background to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Jonah 2:1-10

1From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2He said:

“In my distress I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,

and you listened to my cry.

3You hurled me into the depths,

into the very heart of the seas,

and the currents swirled about me;

all your waves and breakers

swept over me.

4I said, ‘I have been banished

from your sight;

yet I will look again

toward your holy temple.’

5The engulfing waters threatened me,

the deep surrounded me;

seaweed was wrapped around my head.

6To the roots of the mountains I sank down;

the earth beneath barred me in forever.

But you, Lord my God,

brought my life up from the pit.

7“When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, Lord,

and my prayer rose to you,

to your holy temple.

8“Those who cling to worthless idols

turn away from God’s love for them.

9But I, with shouts of grateful praise,

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ ”

10And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Taking the Gospel to Many Nations

Day 4 of 7

NIV

Jonah 2:8-9

Days

Jonah 2:1-10