The Book of Jonah, which is known as a minor prophet in the Old Testament, is often remembered as a simple children\u2019s story\u2014a reluctant prophet, a great fish, and a dramatic rescue. But Jonah\u2019s story is far more layered than we may recall. It\u2019s a narrative that invites us to wrestle with deeper questions about obedience, grace, mercy, and our own response to God\u2019s call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Years ago, for a fall Sunday School event at my home church, a group of us built a large whale out of chicken wire and papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9. Once painted, it came to life\u2014complete with a wide-open mouth so anyone could crawl inside and sit among dried plants, moss, and all the \u201cyucky\u201d things you might imagine in the belly of a great fish. It was memorable, fun, and just a little bit gross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as I revisit Jonah\u2019s story today, I\u2019m reminded that there\u2019s much more here than we noticed as kids. In just four short chapters, we encounter lessons that still speak powerfully into our lives\u2014lessons about resistance, compassion, humility, and the wideness of God\u2019s mercy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So throughout the month of May, I invite you to join me as I share reflections and insights from this prophet. Jonah\u2019s story truly is a \u201cwhale of a tale\u201d\u2014and one that continues to challenge and shape us as we seek to live as disciples of Jesus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Book of Jonah, which is known as a minor prophet in the Old Testament, is often remembered as a simple children\u2019s story\u2014a reluctant prophet, a great fish, and a dramatic rescue. But Jonah\u2019s story is far more layered than we may recall. It\u2019s a narrative that invites us to wrestle with deeper questions about obedience, grace, mercy, and our own response to God\u2019s call. Years ago, for a fall Sunday School event at my home church, a group of…<\/p>\n