Some Christians perceive the Bible to be literal and each scripture is exactly as it was during Biblical times. Others read it as God approved, God inspired snapshots of life and interpretations of what our job is to fulfill His commands of us. Rabbis for eons have delved into each nuance to present their interpretations for the Old Testament.

Jesus’ parables (stories) in the New Testament are thought by many to relate to our lives forever with their meanings woven like threads through the Gospel stories. Some see it as a verbatim event to be retold, as is, period end of story. Personally, I have fluctuated between the two as I have grown in my faith from Sunday School lessons to living life, to Biblical studies.

Allow me to share some reflections as I consider Jonah’’s tale. As God’’s servant, a Hebrew prophet, Jonah heard God’’s direction to go to Ninevah and preach to turn them away from their evil ways. Nope, not happening, I don’t want to go, was Jonah’’s reaction.

Instead he ran away boarding a ship to get as far away as possible. When a fierce storm occurred, the sailors drew lots to discover why this was happening and Jonah seemed to be the reason. He concurred and asked to just be thrown overboard. Who was waiting for him? A whale with plenty of room for him. I do not picture a cozy underwater retreat, but instead see him sloshing around for three days amid krill and guts and yuck. Finally he is heaved from the belly of the whale onto the beach of Ninevah. Jonah takes direction this time, preaches to Ninevah and turns them from their wicked ways.  God is pleased. That’’s the Glory!

Do I need to debate whether this is literal (it could be, some sperm whales have been recorded to have swallowed humans) or non-literal? No, learning about Jonah, and accepting God’’s lesson for me, to follow His directives and know Glory is good enough for me.

Read, learn, study His word and accept God’’s unconditional love as the glory He wants for you!

Jill