I love the way that God uses story and narrative to teach us. I think it is because that is the best way we learn. We relate to each other through the stories of our lives. The gospels are so powerful because they represent the greatest story. And Jonah is indeed on of the greatest stories we love to tell and we love to hear. But who is the main character?
There are a few characters in the story that are vying for the Oscar. In the category of best supporting actor there are three nominations. The fish obviously plays a big role, but so does a very important duo the vine and the worm. Sailors we helpful in revealing the crisis but still none of these are significant enough to be the main thing.
The King of Nineveh might come into view as an important character. He does show us an amazing transformation story and a leader whose direction and instruction saved his people. But he too is not the main character of the story. The obvious choice would be Jonah himself. He presumably wrote the book, so surely it must be all about Him? But even Jonah is secondary to the real concern of this book.
The main character is who the main character always is in the Bible: God. And specifically in this book one particular character trait is developed, God’s grace. God’s grace is the most spectacular thing in this book, just as it is the most spectacular thing in our lives.
Come discover Grace Unexpected in the story of Jonah.
See you at church,
Pastor Chris
