Topical Bible: Afflictions Made Beneficial: Jonah

Bible > Topical > Afflictions Made Beneficial

◄ Afflictions Made Beneficial: Jonah ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The narrative of Jonah, a prophet of the Lord, provides a profound illustration of how afflictions can be transformed into beneficial experiences, both for the individual and for others. The Book of Jonah, found in the Old Testament, recounts the account of Jonah's reluctance to obey God's command, his subsequent afflictions, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purpose.

Divine Commission and Rebellion

Jonah, son of Amittai, was called by God to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness (Jonah 1:1-2). However, Jonah chose to flee from the presence of the Lord, boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. This act of rebellion set the stage for a series of afflictions that would ultimately lead to Jonah's transformation and the salvation of many.

The Storm and the Great Fish

As Jonah attempted to escape, the Lord sent a great storm upon the sea, threatening the lives of all aboard the ship (Jonah 1:4). The sailors, recognizing the supernatural nature of the storm, cast lots to determine the cause, and the lot fell on Jonah. Acknowledging his disobedience, Jonah instructed the sailors to throw him into the sea to calm the storm (Jonah 1:12). Upon doing so, the sea ceased its raging, and the sailors feared the Lord, offering sacrifices and making vows (Jonah 1:15-16).

The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, where he remained for three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). In the belly of the fish, Jonah experienced profound affliction, both physically and spiritually. It was here that Jonah prayed to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing repentance (Jonah 2:1-9). The Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land, granting him a second chance to fulfill his divine mission (Jonah 2:10).

Preaching in Nineveh and Repentance

Having learned from his afflictions, Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh, proclaiming the message of impending judgment (Jonah 3:1-4). The people of Nineveh believed God, and from the greatest to the least, they repented in sackcloth and ashes (Jonah 3:5). Even the king of Nineveh issued a decree for fasting and repentance, hoping that God might relent from His fierce anger (Jonah 3:6-9). Seeing their genuine repentance, God had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened (Jonah 3:10).

Lessons from Jonah's Afflictions

Jonah's afflictions served multiple purposes in God's divine plan. Firstly, they were instrumental in bringing Jonah to a place of humility and obedience. Through his time in the belly of the fish, Jonah recognized the futility of fleeing from God and the necessity of aligning with His will. Secondly, Jonah's experience became a catalyst for the salvation of the sailors and the people of Nineveh. The afflictions he endured were not only for his benefit but also for the benefit of others, demonstrating God's mercy and desire for repentance.

Lastly, Jonah's account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the transformative power of afflictions. While Jonah initially resisted God's call, his eventual compliance led to a great spiritual awakening in Nineveh. This narrative underscores the truth that God can use even the most challenging circumstances to accomplish His purposes and extend His grace to those who turn to Him in repentance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jonah 2:7
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ...
... the vigilant, poverty is much better and more beneficial than riches ... It was a snare,
and they made it a ... to their desires, they shall come to afflictions in the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily v the exhortation of.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Judgment, the last, proved by the afflictions of the ... order of, [1487]347, n.; from
Jonah's history, [1488 ... heaven a palace, [1492]372; why made laborious, [1493 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... two remedies for impatience under such afflictions, remedies which ... prayer is a pious
exercise, exceedingly beneficial to ourselves ... "Nor prayer is made on earth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... not murmurers [4405] like them, in their afflictions in the ... over which the word of
salvation has made its way ... and distress from many wounds; like Jonah and David ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... saves by prevailing with the soul to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities ...
that so many brisk professors that have so boasted and made brags of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

part i
... and nothing merely imaginary not a fanciful good, and everything that exists receives
its being from God: because "without Him was not anything made that was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm