Whale Swallows Kayaker: A Modern Day Jonah?
People have heard and dismissed the famous story of Jonah and the whale (Jonah 1). But there is now a breaking news story about a kayaker, Adrián Simancas, being briefly swallowed by a humpback whale.
Jonah and the Whale in the Bible
The story we find about Jonah and the whale in the Bible is true (though the Bible doesn’t actually say “whale,” but a “great fish”). And it was actually affirmed by Christ Himself. Jesus said, “For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40 NLT). He also said, “. . .the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39 NLT). Jesus was saying, “You guys want a miracle? Here’s a miracle. You know how Jonah was swallowed by the great fish and regurgitated? I’m going to die on the cross and rise again three days later. That is your sign. Take it or leave it.”
Jonah had an interesting task. He was called to preach to the people of Nineveh and he didn’t want to do it. Essentially, God said “go,” Jonah said “no,” and God said “Oh?” If you’ve ever read this story, you know that God always has the last word. Jonah actually did end up going to Nineveh and preaching to the people. And the result was a massive spiritual awakening.
But isn’t it funny how this story of a whale swallowing a kayaker comes out and we’re reminded that the Bible is trustworthy and true? I’ll also leave you with this: Jonah didn’t want to share the message of hope with the people of Nineveh, but the gospel is the greatest message we have for our culture. And I can bet there’s someone you know who needs to hear that message today. . .
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Learn more about Pastor Greg Laurie
