A Goldilocks Life

What’s Jonah Got to do with Easter?

A fascinating Bible story is found in the book of Jonah. The proud prophet, Jonah ran in the opposite direction than God sent him. His humbling redirection came from inside a huge fish. (See Jonah chapters 1 and 2.)

Jesus’ words in the New Testament help us see that the miracle of Jonah being saved from the fish connects to the Easter story. “For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.” Luke chapter 11, verse 30

The sign Jesus speaks of is Jonah spending three days and three nights inside the stomach of a giant fish before God rescues Him. Finally, Jonah brought the Ninevites God’s message. One might dismiss Jonah’s story as fiction, except that Jesus spoke of Jonah as a historical person as does the author of the Old Testament book of 2 Kings. The sign that links Jesus and Jonah is three days and nights in a fish’s belly for the prophet and three days and nights in the grave for the Son of Man and Savior of the world.

There are many prophecies about Jesus’ death, burial, and coming back to life. The Jonah/Jesus link stands out because of the wondrous work of God in both instances. God saved Jonah’s life by sending the fish to swallow him, then made the fish spit him out on dry land. God saves our lives by Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Lord spent three days and nights buried in a tomb. He rose again to reconcile us to God.

At Easter, we celebrate what Jesus did for everyone because of His love for us. This was God’s plan for the saving of anyone who will believe in Jesus. He gave His life to set us free once for all from our sin. We sing, “He is risen. Hallelujah!”

God is Our Refuge

Psalm 91:1-3 “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust Him.”

As I drove my son back to college, the snow on the Interstate fell heavier and our car slid into the rear tire of a truck and careened into the center ditch. After going forward and back, forward and back a few times, we overcame the snow and drove out unharmed, praising the Lord for His miraculous protection. The car felt wonky, but we kept going. After dropping off my son at school, I headed with fear and anticipation to five speaking engagements. Would the weather cooperate or deter me? I prayed, “Lord, show me Your way.”

I learned that two of the women’s events were canceled due to weather. But I drove on toward the third destination where I spent extra days with the host family who owned a tire business. He checked the car over and assured me I could drive safely to the other places. The women where I spoke honored me for keeping my commitment regardless of the weather and accident. One group paid me despite their cancelation.

At home we learned the car repair would cost thousands of dollars. Yet I could trace God’s loving hand. He provided through it all, protected us from harm, and blessed us with the benevolence of new friends along the way. If you’re facing a shortfall or experiencing one setback after another, draw close to the Lord. Psalm 91 reminds us that He alone is our refuge and safe place.

Ready for Resurrection Sunday

Since reading “The Cross Centered Life” by C. J. Mahaney in January, I feel God leading me to experience Resurrection Sunday with deeper devotion. Today Steve and I talked about attending church’s Good Friday service. I downloaded and plan to read “The Discipline of Grace” by Jerry Bridges during this season, a book that Mahaney recommends as a strong study of the cross. C. J. Mahaney contends that there ought not be long periods of time when we aren’t being inspired by Jesus’ death on the cross. Do I consider that Jesus Christ loves me… that the Son of God gave His life for me?

I enjoy Easter decorations, egg coloring, and family dinner, none of which is wrong. But this year, I want to fully experience joy and thankfulness for “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Perhaps I’ll carve out time between now and Good Friday and find a quiet place to read Mark chapters 14 and 15 or the other accounts of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in Matthew, Luke, and John.

Lord God, prepare my heart to celebrate the enormous price Jesus paid to cover my sins and give me eternal life. I rejoice that You revealed Yourself to me when I was a rebel and cared nothing about You. Since then, You have provided for my needs and allowed me the privilege of serving You. Please help me draw nearer to You by considering Your death, burial, and resurrection. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.