The Windows to the Soul ∙

The Windows to the Soul ∙

Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. – Luke 11:35

Matthew 6:22-23

 22 Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.

 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

The Eyes: Windows to the Soul

The adage “The eyes are the windows to the soul” expresses a timeless and profound truth. Through our eyes, the unspoken depths of our emotions often quietly emerge, revealing what words frequently cannot. Our eyes act as a delicate reflection of our inner world, offering a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings that reside within us.

What Eyes Reveal About Emotions

Eyes serve as powerful indicators of a person’s emotional state. When someone feels sad or anxious, their brow tends to furrow, which can make their eyes appear smaller and more closed off. In contrast, happiness is often characterized by raised eyebrows that make the eyes look larger and brighter. This is why cheerful people are often described as “bright-eyed.”

True happiness is clearly shown through what is called a Duchenne smile. This heartfelt sign of joy goes beyond just turning up the mouth and lips; it involves the entire face, including the delightful crinkling around the eyes, often called “crow’s feet.” These charming lines show authentic happiness, unlike a forced, polite smile. It’s as if the whole face participates in a joyful dance, revealing a real warmth that shines from within.

Truth in the Eyes

As stated on exploringyourmind.com, “Our eyes don’t lie: they’re windows to the soul. They show the truth, no matter what face we put on, in any situation.” This statement emphasizes that eyes serve as a direct link to our inner selves. Even when we try to hide our feelings, our eyes often give us away, showing what we truly feel.

Nonverbal communication, including eye movements and body language, carries most of the information we share with others. A simple glance or the way we hold our gaze can speak volumes about our mood, intentions, or mental state. Therefore, watching someone’s eyes can give a deeper insight into their emotional state than words alone.

REFLECT & PRAY

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer wistfully observes, “The soul can speak through the eyes, and kiss with a look.”

Father, may my eyes reflect Your joy, peace, contentment, gentleness, and confidence. Let others see Your presence in me when they look into my eyes.

INSIGHT

The Eye as the Lamp of the Body

Matthew 6:22-23 provides a vivid metaphor, likening the eye to a lamp that lights up the body. Jesus teaches that the condition of the eye, whether it is healthy or unhealthy, determines if the body is filled with light or darkness. This reality emphasizes the importance of spiritual clarity and focus, as the eye serves as a window through which light enters and influences the entire being.

Matthew 6:22-23: “Your eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

The Eye as a Spiritual Window

The metaphor of the eye as a lamp highlights a profound understanding among Jesus’ audience. Just as a clean, clear window allows light to flood a room, a healthy eye enables spiritual light to illuminate the soul. A “good” eye represents a life dedicated to God’s truth, while a “bad” eye signifies a life obscured by sin, distractions, or worldly pursuits.

Barclay simplifies this concept by stating, “The state of a window decides what light gets into a room. If the window is clear, the light will flood in and illuminate every corner. If the window is dirty or distorted, the light will be hindered, and the room will remain dark.” In the same way, the spiritual condition of the eye determines whether a person is filled with light or overwhelmed by darkness.

The Danger of Spiritual Darkness

Jesus warns about the danger of spiritual blindness, where people believe they are walking in light but are actually in darkness. This serves as a solemn reminder that self-deception can lead to serious spiritual consequences. Wiersbe notes, “Some people have so hardened themselves against the Lord that they cannot tell the difference! They think they are following the light when, in reality, they are following the darkness.”

Jesus urged the people to walk in the light while it was still with them, warning that darkness would overtake those who did not. He called them to believe in the light and become children of light. Despite His many miracles, many refused to believe, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy found in Isaiah 6:10: “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts – so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.”

Jesus proclaimed that anyone who believes in Him also believes in the One who sent Him. He came as a light into the world, so that those who believe in Him would not remain in darkness. He did not come to judge the world but to save it. However, those who reject Him and His words will face judgment. Jesus emphasized that His teachings come directly from the Father, and they lead to eternal life.

The Source of True Light

The Lord Jesus Christ declares Himself to be the ultimate source of light, John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Christ’s light reveals spiritual realities and guides believers on the path of righteousness. Additionally, the Word of God serves as a lamp to illuminate life’s journey: Psalms 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

However, as Chouinard notes, external light alone is not enough. It must enter our lives to have any effect. “The brightest sun cannot enable a blind man to see.” Spiritual light begins to shine in our lives when we accept Christ as Savior, opening our eyes to the truth.

Walking in the Light

Children of the King are called to live as children of light, reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives.

Ephesians 5:8-10: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Walking in the light involves living with integrity, pursuing righteousness, and maintaining fellowship with God. It also requires vigilance, as Satan seeks to blind the minds of unbelievers to the truth of the Gospel: 2 Corinthians 4:4: “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Practical Application

  1. Focus on God’s Truth – A good eye reflects a life focused on God’s Word and His will. By aligning our perspective with the Scriptures, we allow spiritual light to guide our choices and actions.
  2. Guard Against Distractions – An “evil eye” symbolizes a life consumed by materialism, sin, or worldly pursuits. These distractions obscure our spiritual vision and lead to inner darkness.
  3. Walk in the Light of Christ – Accepting Christ as Savior opens our eyes to spiritual truths and enables us to live as children of light. This requires daily fellowship with Him and a commitment to reflect His character in all we do.

Conclusion

The metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body in Matthew 6:22-23 challenges children of the King to examine their spiritual focus. A life illuminated by Christ and guided by His Word is filled with light, while a life distracted by sin and worldly pursuits is consumed by darkness. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, the Light of the World, we can walk in truth, reflect His character, and experience the fullness of life He offers.

Eyes are more than just physical features; they serve as gateways to the soul. They reveal our emotions, intentions, and even our spiritual condition. By observing others’ eyes, we can better understand their feelings and connect with them on a deeper level. Likewise, as children of the King, our eyes should reflect the peace, joy, and love that stem from a life rooted in Christ.

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© Dr. H 2025

Christ’s Rightful Place in Our Hearts

Christ’s Rightful Place in Our Hearts

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. – Luke 9:23

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.

 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

The Immensity of the Internet

The Internet is a vast and constantly expanding digital landscape. As of 2025, it is estimated that there are between 50 and 100 billion pages online, with over 1.1 billion websites. Out of the 8.25 billion people on Earth, about 5.65 billion are connected to the Internet, making it an integral part of modern life. Social media platforms like Facebook alone have over 3 billion users, which is roughly 37% of the world’s population.

This massive connectivity demands significant resources. In 2024, Internet users utilized about 1,200 exabytes of bandwidth each month. To understand this, one zettabyte equals 1,000 exabytes, a billion terabytes, or a trillion gigabytes. But this digital activity also carries risks. Around 30,000 websites get hacked daily, showing how vulnerable our interconnected world really is.

The Universal Nature of Following

In this digital age, each of us follows someone or something. We scour the Internet and social media for information, opinions, and guidance. We listen to friends, leaders, or self-proclaimed experts. Some of us stick to family traditions or societal norms. No matter the source, we all follow something. What we decide to follow ultimately shapes what we serve. As Bob Dylan famously sang:

“But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”

Serving the Father: A Higher Calling

Serving the Father requires more than merely being a child of the King. It demands intentional choices and a commitment to live by those choices. Serving the Father is not passive; it is an active, continuous decision to align our lives with His will. What is the standard for serving the Father? Where do we begin? Paul provides a clear example regarding the brothers and sisters of Macedonia. Despite their own hardship, poverty, and sacrifices, they stayed committed to serving and helping others. They even begged for the chance to contribute, showing a level of selflessness that went beyond their means.

The secret to their remarkable service lies in their first and most important decision: 2 Corinthians 8:5: “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us.”

Once they fully surrendered themselves to the Father, their willingness to give their time, resources, and energy came naturally. This act of surrender was the foundation of their service, allowing them to rise above their circumstances and serve with joy and resolve.

REFLECT & PRAY

Increasing our service and devotion to the Father is challenging. It often feels difficult, even impossible. But it is a calling that anyone can answer. The first step is daily surrender, letting go of control of our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. From this surrender, we gain the strength and willingness to serve others, despite hardships and difficulties.

Father, encourage me to surrender control of my heart daily to the Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to serve with joy, determination, and selflessness, following the example of those who gave themselves fully to You.

INSIGHT

Hearing and Doing: The Foundation of Service

To be a successful servant of the Father, it is not enough to simply hear His Word; we must embrace it and bring it to life through our actions. Hearing alone is not enough. Without action, it is like a seed that never takes root in fertile soil

James 1:22: “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!”

True service begins with recognizing God’s sovereignty. Accepting Him as Lord is not merely a concession; it is a confession of truth. It is a choice to believe in what is already a fact. From that point on, we dedicate our lives to living out what we profess to believe.

Christ’s Rightful Place in Our Hearts

The Father wants Christ to hold a special and sacred place in the hearts of His children. Sadly, many of us have pushed Him aside and taken control ourselves. As His servants, our duty is to surrender and let Christ reclaim His rightful spot in our hearts.

1 Peter 3:15: “Reverence Christ as Lord of your heart.”

The Greek word translated as “reverence” or “sanctify” is hagiazo, derived from hagios, meaning “holy or set apart.” This term “conveys a sense of dedication, consecration, and wholehearted commitment.” To reverence Christ is to serve the Father with a whole heart, dedicating ourselves fully to Him.

This act of reverence involves a strong and unwavering faith in the Father’s sovereignty and the Lord Jesus Christ’s rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As Barclay translates, 1 Peter 3:15 can also mean, “In your hearts give Christ a unique place.”

The Priority of Relationship

For the children of the King prioritize their service to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, we give Christ His rightful place in our lives. Things change. Our relationship with the Father becomes our most precious possession, something no circumstance or suffering can take away. Our new sense of security influences how we face life’s challenges.

Those who prioritize material possessions, comfort, or temporary pleasures expose themselves to risk. Life in a broken world is unpredictable, and these possessions can vanish in an instant. As a result, such individuals are often hurt because their sense of stability depends on transient things.

Suffering and Security

Suffering is an unavoidable part of life. No one escapes it. However, for children of the King who serve the Father wholeheartedly, suffering cannot touch what truly matters. It cannot steal away our relationship with the Father, which is the foundation of our security and joy.

The fear of suffering is diminished when we elevate our service and trust in the Lord. As Maclaren writes, “Only he who can say, ‘The Lord is the strength of my life’ can go on to say, ‘Of whom shall I be afraid?’”

The Reward of True Service

The Father is seeking servants who are eager to serve Him wholeheartedly, not merely go through the motions. A special reward awaits those who truly serve. One day, the Father will say: Matthew 25:23: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

This promise reminds us that faithful service, no matter how small, is recognized and appreciated by the Father.

Trusting Christ Completely

True service begins with surrender. When we fully commit ourselves to God, our time, resources, and energy naturally follow. The example of the Macedonian believers shows us that service is not about what we possess, but about the condition of our hearts. Through surrender, we align ourselves with God’s will, which enables us to serve others with love and purpose.

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© Dr. H 2025

Jonah Master Pouter ∙∙

Jonah Master Pouter ∙∙

Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen. – Jonah 4:3

Exodus 34:6-7

 6 The LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,

 7 lavishing unfailing love to a thousand generations. Forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

Pouting and Its Consequences

When things don’t go as planned, our reaction is entirely up to us. Unfortunately, pouting is one of the less productive responses we can choose, a behavior that often carries over from childhood into adulthood. We’ve all seen the classic pout: arms crossed, a sad expression, and a protruding bottom lip. While this might seem harmless in a two-year-old, some people never outgrow it, turning into adults who have perfected the art of sulking.

Pouting is more than just a facial expression. Pouting is an outward sign of inward selfishness. It often involves moping, sulking, and exaggerated body language to show dissatisfaction. A successful pout requires slouched shoulders, crossed arms, and a downcast head to convey vulnerability. Sometimes, it is accompanied by loud sighs, sarcastic laughter, or even stomping and slamming doors to demand attention.

The irony of pouting is that it often backfires. When no one notices or responds to the sulking, the frustration only grows. At its core, pouting is a self-centered reaction, a way of expressing discontent when things don’t go the way one wants.

Jonah: Israel’s Master Pouter

Jonah, the reluctant prophet, stands as a prime example of pouting in Scripture. After initially fleeing from the Father’s command, Jonah finally obeyed and delivered the message of judgment to Nineveh.

Jonah 3:3-4: “This time Jonah obeyed the LORD’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!’”

The Assyrians, who were notorious for their brutality and oppression, responded unexpectedly. They repented of their sins and earnestly sought forgiveness from the Lord God of Israel. This remarkable change in behavior stood in stark contrast to their historical reputation for violence and cruelty.

Jonah 3:5-9 describes their remarkable transformation, but Jonah’s reaction was far from celebratory. Instead of praising the Father for His mercy, Jonah was furious. This was precisely what he had feared all along.

Jonah’s Anger and Self-Centered Perspective

Jonah’s anger stemmed from his deep-seated fear and prejudice against the Assyrians. The Assyrians posed a significant threat to Israel. In Jonah’s mind, the solution was simple: the Assyrians deserved judgment and destruction. Their act of repentance and the Father’s mercy disrupted Jonah’s vision of justice.

Jonah’s frustration erupted into an angry, self-pitying prayer.

Jonah 4:1-3: “This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became furious. So he complained to the LORD about it: ‘Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.’”

In this prayer, Jonah uncovered the true reason for his initial disobedience. He knew the Father’s character, merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Jonah’s worst fear had become reality: the Father had extended His mercy to the undeserving Assyrians.

The Father’s Mercy and Jonah’s Misunderstanding

Jonah’s anger was directed not only at the Assyrians but also at the Father Himself. He was troubled that God acted in accordance with His own nature. The divine qualities of mercy, compassion, and a willingness to forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin were precisely what Jonah resented in that moment.

What Jonah failed to understand was that the same mercy he begrudged the Assyrians was the very mercy that had spared him. God’s lovingkindness is not constrained by human prejudice or understanding; it is offered to all who genuinely repent, regardless of their past.

REFLECT & PRAY

Jonah’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of self-centeredness and the importance of aligning our will with the Father’s. Instead of making our own plans or holding onto our own sense of justice, we are called to trust in the Father’s perfect wisdom and compassion.

Father, help me to hear and obey Your voice. Encourage me to set aside my selfish tendencies and rejoice in Your loving and forgiving heart. Where would I be without Your mercy and grace?

INSIGHT

Jonah’s Anger: A Clash with the Father’s Mercy

The Hebrew words used in Jonah’s story reveal the depth of his emotional turmoil. The word translated as “upset” or “displeased” is raa, which conveys meanings such as “being bad, unfit for use, evil, displeasing, discontented, or repulsive.” The word translated as “angry” is charah, meaning “to burn or be kindled with anger, furious.” Together, these words vividly depict Jonah’s intense frustration and fury toward the Father.

Jonah was not merely upset; he was enraged. He found God’s decision to spare Nineveh repulsive and unjust. In his anger, Jonah confronted the Lord God Almighty, a bold and dangerous move. Confronting the Creator of the universe is, at best, a no-win situation with no good outcome and, at worst, a step toward disaster.

Jonah’s thoughts probably went something like this: “You called me to be a prophet, and then You go and do this? It makes no sense. If this is how things are going to be, I would rather be dead.” His reaction is shocking, but upon reflection, it reflects the human tendency to lash out when things do not go our way.

The Father’s Piercing Question

The Father’s response to Jonah’s outburst is sharp and penetrating. Rather than rebuking Jonah outright, He confronts him with a question that cuts to the heart of the matter, Jonah 4:4: “The LORD replied, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about this?’”

This question forces Jonah to question whether his anger is justified. However, instead of responding, Jonah resorts to passive-aggressive behavior.

Jonah’s Passive-Aggressive Pouting

Jonah’s response to the Father’s question is not repentance or reflection but sulking. He isolates himself, building a shelter outside the city to wait and see if the Father will change His mind and bring judgment upon Nineveh.

Jonah 4:5: “Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city.”

From Jonah’s perspective, the Father’s decision to spare Nineveh was just wrong. In his smug arrogance, Jonah essentially gives the Father another chance to “get it right.” He sits in judgment, hoping for the condemnation and destruction of his enemies. Jonah’s lack of compassion is glaring. He is consumed by his desire for vengeance, completely disregarding the Father’s mercy and grace.

The Father’s Grace vs. Jonah’s Condemnation

Jonah’s audacity and self-righteousness are striking. He condemns the Assyrians for their sins while dismissing his own. This hypocrisy is all too human. It is easy to judge others harshly while excusing our own shortcomings.

In contrast, the Father’s actions reveal His boundless grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He extends compassion to those who do not deserve it, including the Assyrians, and Jonah.

The truth is, every child of the King is on the list of evildoers who have received undeserved grace. The Father’s mercy is not limited by human prejudice or self-righteousness. It is freely given to all who repent.

The Lord Jesus Christ provides a salient reminder regarding self-righteous stone-casting in John 8:7: “”

A Lesson in Mercy

Jonah’s story serves as a profound reminder of the Father’s boundless mercy and the human struggle to accept it. While Jonah demanded judgment, the Father extended forgiveness, revealing the vast difference between human and divine perspectives.

The Father’s question to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry?”, is a call to humility and self-reflection. It challenges us to align our hearts with His, embracing His grace not only for ourselves but also for those we might deem undeserving.

Jonah’s anger and pouting serve as a mirror, reflecting our own resistance to the Father’s plans when they conflict with our desires. Yet, through it all, the Father’s patience and mercy remain steadfast, offering us the chance to grow in understanding and compassion.

Ultimately, Jonah’s story is not just about a reluctant prophet but a powerful exploration of the Father’s greater plans and limitless love. It challenges us to trust in His wisdom and to celebrate His compassion, even when it surpasses our expectations or understanding.

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© Dr. H 2025

Jonah the Reluctant Prophet ∙∙

Jonah the Reluctant Prophet ∙∙

As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. – Jonah 2:7

Jonah 2:1-10

 1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish.

 2 He said, I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me!

 3 You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves.

 7 When my life was ebbing away, I called out to the LORD.

 9 I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone.

 10 Then the LORD ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.

The Origin of Skid Row

The original Skid Row was a neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles, covering over 50 city blocks just east of the city center. Over time, the term “skid row” evolved to describe areas in urban environments where people who are “on the skids” tend to reside. This phrase has its origins in logging terminology, where “skids” referred to greased paths used to slide logs down to a river. Loggers would wait at the bottom for transportation back to the logging camp.

Eventually, the term came to symbolize places where individuals with no money or purpose gathered, becoming a generic term in North America for depressed urban areas.

Jonah: A Prophet “On the Skids”

Jonah found himself “on the skids,” both spiritually and physically. Sometimes, it is only in the depths of darkness that we begin to see the light. Despair often leads to repentance, and Jonah’s journey into the belly of the great fish was no exception. Sliding down the slippery skids of rebellion, Jonah found himself in total darkness, both literally and figuratively. It was in this place of despair that his hardened heart began to soften.

Jonah believed he could rebel and defy the Father and escape without consequences. He thought he could flee from God’s presence. He simply forgot the One with Whom he was dealing. Worse, Jonah ignored the Father’s explicit warning about rebellion and stubbornness. While Jonah may never have considered practicing witchcraft or worshiping idols, his actions were just as serious.

1 Samuel 15:23: “Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.”

Disobedience to God’s Word is a grave matter, and not to be taken lightly. How much worse is it to disobey the Father’s instructions when He speaks directly to you? Jonah failed to grasp this until the fish swallowed him. In the darkness, he finally saw the light. His near-death experience brought about a transformation, and he began to understand the far-reaching consequences of his stubborn resistance to God’s direction. Jonah’s disobedience had caused collateral damage far beyond what he could have imagined.

Jonah’s Cry for Deliverance

Jonah 2:2: “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me!”

Jonah’s circumstances were dire. Trapped in the hot, suffocating darkness of the fish’s belly, he was overcome with fear, anguish, and despair. Yet, in this moment of utter hopelessness, the Father’s plan began to unfold. Jonah’s memories stirred, and he recalled the Father’s merciful and compassionate nature. Despite his rebellion, Jonah gained confidence that God would deliver him.

In this moment of clarity, Jonah repented. He turned his heart fully to the Lord, acknowledging his failure and submitting to God’s will.

A Second Chance

Jonah was called to be a prophet, and now, at last, he was willing to serve the Father wholeheartedly. Though issues in his heart would still need to be addressed later in the story, Jonah was ready to obey.

Jonah 3:1-3: “Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time. ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh and deliver the message I have given you.’ This time Jonah obeyed the LORD’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all.”

The Father, in His mercy, offered Jonah a second chance. Despite Jonah’s initial rebellion, God’s faithfulness remained steadfast. Jonah’s story reminds us that when the Father calls, our response should be immediate and willing: “Here I am, what would you have your servant do?”

This response is found throughout Scripture in response to the Father’s call:

  • Genesis 22:1: “Here I am.”
  • Exodus 3:4: “Here I am.”
  • 1 Samuel 3:4: “Here I am.”
  • Isaiah 6:8: “Here I am. Send me.”
  • Acts 9:10: “Here I am, Lord.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father is a God of second chances. He never gives up on us, even when we falter. His faithfulness is unwavering, as Paul reminds us: 2 Timothy 2:13: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

Jonah’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and patience. Even when we resist or stray, the Father lovingly calls us back, offering us the opportunity to turn to Him and fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Father, I see a lot of Jonah in myself. I notice his stubbornness and rebellion in my own heart. Thank You for being kind and merciful to me. Encourage me to serve You wholeheartedly, and help me respond to Your call with faith and obedience.

INSIGHT

The Nature of Our Fallen State

In our natural, fallen state, humanity is inherently selfish. We are driven by a desire to please ourselves, prioritizing personal gain and comfort above all else. In contrast, the Father operates from a place of pure and total love. His lovingkindness compels Him to reach out to His children, not because of anything we have done to deserve it, but because of His grace and mercy. His ultimate goal is to transform us, shaping us to become more like Him. Jonah’s journey serves as a reflection of our own spiritual journey, highlighting the tension between human selfishness and divine love.

2 Corinthians 5:14-18: “The love of Christ controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time, we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”

The Jonah Within

Leslie Allen insightfully observes, “A Jonah lurks in every Christian heart, whispering his insidious message of smug prejudice, empty traditionalism, and exclusive solidarity. And we grasp the message of the book only when we eliminate the Jonah within us.”

Jonah’s story isn’t just about a reluctant prophet; it’s a reflection of the struggles that every child of the King faces. His resistance to God’s call, prejudice, and self-centeredness are traits that sadly appear in our own lives. Recognizing and confronting these tendencies is crucial for spiritual growth and aligning with the Father’s will.

Deuteronomy 30:19: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life so that you may live.”

Harmony with the Father

When our lives are out of harmony with the Father, we are out of tune and live in discord. Instead of the melody of peace and purpose, our souls are filled with noise and chaos. This dissonance reflects a life disconnected from God’s will. However, when we return to the Father and walk in step with Him, our hearts are filled with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, creating a symphony of joy and worship.

Ephesians 5:19: “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and make music to the Lord in your hearts.”

At times, the Father may allow dissonance to enter our lives. These moments of discomfort and challenge are not without purpose. They are part of an eternal blueprint, a divine plan established before the foundations of the Earth. While we may not understand all the reasons behind these trials, we can trust in the Father’s character. As Richison wisely notes, “The Father is too good to do wrong, and He is too wise to make a mistake.”

The Promise of Blessing

Even in the midst of trials, the Father’s blessings remain steadfast. His plans for us are rooted in His goodness and faithfulness. As we align our lives with His will, we can trust in His promise to bless us and guide us into a future filled with hope and purpose.

Haggai 2:19: “Yet from this day on, I will bless you.”

A New Beginning

Every day is an opportunity for a fresh start. As we step into tomorrow, we are reminded that it is the first day of the rest of our lives. The Father’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness endures forever. Let us embrace the journey, trusting in His love and walking in harmony with His eternal plan.

Jonah’s journey illustrates the transformative power of repentance and the unwavering faithfulness of God. His story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the Father’s mercy is available, offering us a second chance to walk in His will. Let us take heart in knowing that God’s plans for us are good, and His faithfulness endures forever.

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© Dr. H 2025

Jonah – A Great Fish Story ∙∙

Jonah – A Great Fish Story ∙∙

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

Jonah 1:3-17

But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish.

But the LORD hurled a mighty wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help. Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit.

“Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?” Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.” The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the LORD. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned.

Then they cried out to the LORD, Jonah’s God. “O LORD,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O LORD, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.” Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the LORD’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.

Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.

Jonah: A Story of Faith and History

The book of Jonah is one of the most well-known yet often misunderstood books in the Bible. Steadman notes, from a secular perspective, the story of Jonah and the great fish is frequently dismissed as a simple fairy tale, suitable only for children. It is often ridiculed, disbelieved, and rejected as a historical fact.

However, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself affirmed the authenticity of Jonah’s story. He not only believed it but also used it as a prophetic symbol of His own death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus explained that Jonah’s three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish foreshadowed His time in the grave before His resurrection.

Matthew 12:40: “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 16:21: “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

The Lord Jesus Christ, who clearly differentiated between myths and actual historical events, regarded Jonah’s story as a historical fact. If He accepted it as true, then believers can do the same with confidence.

A Modern Jonah: The Story of James Bartley

Skeptics often question whether someone can survive being swallowed by a whale. Remarkably, history offers a documented account of such an event. The British Admiralty records the story of James Bartley, an apprentice seaman on a whaling ship, who was swallowed by a whale in February 1891 and lived through it.

Bartley’s ordeal began when he was thrown overboard while chasing a whale. Presumed lost at sea, he was later found alive inside the whale’s stomach after the creature was caught and dissected. Crew members were shocked to see movement within the whale’s stomach, and Bartley was removed, unconscious but still alive.

He later recounted his experience, describing how the whale’s massive mouth engulfed him, swept past its teeth, and slid down into its stomach. Although he could breathe, the oppressive heat and foul odor caused him to lose consciousness. Bartley was trapped there for over 15 hours before being rescued.

While he survived, Bartley’s body showed the scars of his terrifying ordeal. His skin had turned white, he had lost all his hair, and he was permanently blind. Despite these lasting effects, he lived for another eighteen years, passing away in 1909. His tombstone in Gloucester reads: “James Bartley – 1870-1909 – A Modern Jonah.”

The Inescapable Presence of the Father

The story of Jonah, whether seen through the perspective of Scripture or the historical account of James Bartley, serves as a powerful reminder of the Father’s sovereignty and presence. No matter how far we attempt to flee, we cannot escape His Spirit or His plans for our lives.

Psalms 139:7: “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!”

Jonah’s defiance and disobedience mirror the struggles many children of the King face in their own lives. However, the Father’s patience and persistence demonstrate His unwavering commitment to His children, even when they resist His will.

REFLECT & PRAY

No matter how far we run or how fiercely we resist, we cannot outrun the relentless patience and persistence of the Father. His love chases after us, and His grace keeps us steady, even in our moments of defiance or despair.

Father, I do not want to be a reluctant servant, yet I see so much of myself in Jonah, defiant and disobedient. Encourage me to listen to Your voice and heed Your instructions, trusting in Your perfect plan for my life.

INSIGHT

Jonah’s Commission and Defiance

The Father called Jonah to serve as His prophet, commissioning him to deliver a message of judgment to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. The city’s wickedness had become so great that divine intervention was needed. However, Jonah’s response was far from obedient. Instead of heading east to Nineveh, he fled west toward Tarshish, the opposite end of the known world. His defiance was apparent: “No way, I’m outta here!”

Jonah’s attempt to escape the Father’s command was futile. The Father, ruler over all creation, had no trouble finding him. To stop Jonah, He used His power over nature, creating a great storm and a great fish. Essentially, He provided Jonah with a living submarine to ensure that the prophet would complete his mission.

The Storm and the Sailors

As Jonah fled by ship, a fierce storm arose, terrifying the pagan sailors onboard. They cried out to their gods and frantically tried to lighten the ship’s load, but their efforts were useless. When they confronted Jonah, they discovered he was fleeing from the God of heaven, the Creator of the sea and land. This revelation made them hysterical.

The sailors recognized that the storm was not just an ordinary event; it was the Father’s pursuit of Jonah. They realized that Jonah’s disobedience had put all of them in danger. Reluctantly, they decided that someone had to die to save the rest. With great hesitation, they threw Jonah into the sea. As soon as Jonah hit the water, the storm ceased.

This miraculous event caused the pagan sailors to turn to God. They abandoned their false gods and committed themselves to serving the Lord God of Israel.

Jonah’s Ordeal in the Great Fish

While the sailors experienced a spiritual transformation, Jonah found himself in the dark, suffocating belly of a great fish. The conditions were unbearable, pitch black, hot, and foul-smelling. Yet, even in this dire situation, Jonah remained defiant. Though he eventually repented, his repentance was incomplete, as he continued to withhold his complete submission to the Father.

The Scriptures describe the creature that swallowed Jonah as a “great fish,” or in Hebrew, dag gadol. The people of Israel, living 2700 years ago, likely had little knowledge of whales or other large sea creatures. However, the Father, in His omniscience, had long anticipated Jonah’s rebellion. He created a unique creature specifically for this moment in history.

The Father’s Intelligent Design

The Father, who created all animals, land, air, and sea, designed a creature ideally suited to fulfill His purpose. This great fish was engineered to save Jonah from drowning, transport him safely, and deliver him to shore. While the Scriptures do not specify the exact species, the sperm whale is a likely candidate.

Sperm whales are remarkable creatures, reaching lengths of up to 60 feet. Their massive heads, which can measure 20 feet long, 10 feet high, and 7 feet across, make them capable of swallowing a man whole. Their stomachs are large enough to hold a human and provide enough oxygen for survival.

Placing the whale at the right place and time was no problem for the Father, who is both all-knowing and all-powerful. Jonah spent three days and three nights in this divinely designed underwater transport. He did not drown, suffocate, or succumb to digestion. Instead, he came out alive, finally ready to fulfill his prophetic mission.

The Miracles of Jonah’s Story

The story of Jonah is filled with miracles, each demonstrating the Father’s power and sovereignty. From the great storm to the great fish, every part of the story reveals the Father’s ability to carry out His will, even though unwilling and disobedient servants.

A miracle, by definition, is something that seems impossible but happens. Jonah’s survival inside the great fish is proof of the Father’s miraculous intervention. It reminds us that no matter how far we run or how defiant we are, the Father’s plans will succeed. Jonah’s story is not just about rebellion and redemption; it’s a powerful display of divine power, grace, and purpose.

The story of Jonah is more than a story of a man and a great fish; it’s a profound narrative of God’s mercy, sovereignty, and persistent pursuit of His people. Whether through Jonah’s experience or the modern story of James Bartley, we are reminded that the Father’s presence is inescapable, His plans are unstoppable, and His grace is endless.

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© Dr. H 2025