Daily Devotion: What Would Have Happened If Jonah Did Not Repent by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Jonah 1 KJV

Key Verse:  "And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah."
- Jonah 1:7 KJV

The story of Jonah and the whale is probably one of the most beloved Bible stories. Every Sunday School class of small children has heard the story many times. The children in the class can lovingly recite the story back to their teacher without missing any details. But the story of Jonah is not just for children.

Jonah was a prophet of Israel. Prophets in the Old Testament were anointed by God, just like kings and priests. According to the Bible, Jonah lived in the 8th century BCE. He was the son of Amittai from Gath-hepher in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 14:25). Jonah's story is recorded in the Book of Jonah, which is part of the Old Testament.

In the story of Jonah, we see a prophet who was commissioned by God to warn the city of Nineveh of impending judgment. However, Jonah's fear led him to flee from God’s command, attempting to escape the responsibility. If Jonah had not humbled himself and acknowledged his mistake, the consequences would have been dire.

Firstly, Jonah's disobedience alone could have resulted in the sinking of the ship that he was on. If Jonah was prideful and did not humble himself, then lied and said that he was not the problem because he was the anointed prophet of God, then God would have allowed the storm to continue, and the ship would have sank, killing all those that were aboard. 

Secondly, if there was no Jonah to warn Nineveh, then his disobedience would have resulted in the destruction of Nineveh, just as God had stated. The city would have been ravaged, and its inhabitants would have suffered the consequences of their wickedness. This would have been a tragic outcome, as God’s mercy and compassion were extended to the Ninevites through Jonah's preaching, but Jonah's fear would have derailed God’s plan.

Thirdly, if God were to have spared Jonah's life, then his relationship with God would have been severely damaged. His refusal to obey and humble himself would have led to a breakdown in their communication and a loss of intimacy. God’s patience and long-suffering would have been exhausted, and Jonah would have faced the very real possibility of being cut off from God’s presence and guidance.

Fourthly, Jonah's example would have had far-reaching consequences for the Israelites and future generations. As a prophet, Jonah's actions would have set a precedent for others to follow, potentially leading to a culture of disobedience and rebellion against God’s will.

In contrast, Jonah's eventual repentance and humility (Jonah 2:1-10, 3:1-10, 4:1-11) demonstrate the transformative power of acknowledging one’s sin and seeking forgiveness. God’s mercy and compassion were extended to Jonah, and through his preaching, the Ninevites were given a second chance.

The story of Jonah is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and repentance in our relationship with God. The sacred verses we have explored in this devotional teach us about the consequences of not obeying God in contrast with the rewards that come with doing so. By acknowledging our own faults and seeking God's forgiveness, we can experience His grace and fulfill the purposes that He has for our lives.

Are you Saved? - Previous | Next