And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh.

Since Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights, he either decided to have sushi or he was pretty hungry by this time. I have a feeling that, while Jonah was hungry physically, he was being well fed spiritually because of his heart condition. He now had decided to obey God.

Isn’t it funny sometimes how one can seem to not have very much in this life - food, shelter, or resources - and yet be very satisfied spiritually? Full of joy, in fact. I think this was the state Jonah was in.

We also see the incredible power and authority of God. He commanded the fish and, on his command, Jonah was vomited onto the sand. It’s hard to deny the power of God, especially when it’s right in front of you. I think I would’ve wanted to go back into the water after the fish vomited me up to wash off, though.

Finally, in alignment with God because he was obedient, Jonah went to Nineveh to serve as God‘s mouthpiece. We see here clearly that God forgave Jonah for his rebellion. If he had not, he would not have rescued him. But Jonah also had a choice to make. He could follow God, or continue to rebel against him. With God, there are really only two choices: obey him or don’t.

While the challenge might seem daunting, and the path steep, obedience to God is always the right path. And he will always see us through. But God wants to work at a deeper level in our hearts as well. He wants to clean out and reign over the stubborn parts of our hearts, and this is the process he worked out in Jonah. It is the process he is working out in me, too.

Lord, thank you for giving Jonah a second chance to be obedient. Thank you for the second chances you’ve given me, as well. Build me a stronger faith and give me a clear perspective on your reign over everything in my life.