Prayers From The Deep (Part 1)

Prayers from the Deep (Part 1)

Jonah 1:17 – 2:10

We have come to the most familiar portion of the book of Jonah. Most people, even with limited exposure to the Bible, have heard the story of Jonah and the whale. While I will admit that was a miraculous event, it is not the focus of the book. We must keep in mind that the sovereignty of God in drawing people unto Himself is the theme of Jonah.

This theme is clearly seen in the miracle of Jonah being swallowed by the great fish. God had called Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach a message of repentance. Rather than being obedient to God’s call, Jonah decided to flee from the presence of the Lord. He thought he would be able to escape God’s presence, and thus be freed from any obligation to the Ninevites. God, in His sovereignty, had called Jonah to go to Nineveh; and He fully intended for that to happen. This is affirmed by the action God took regarding Jonah’s disobedience. Jonah 1:17 – Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. The fish was prepared by God to swallow Jonah and keep him for three days and three nights. In this we see an Old Testament portrayal of Jesus’ time in the grave and His triumphant resurrection. We cannot miss God’s sovereignty in regard to Jonah and his call to Nineveh.

As we examine this familiar text, I hope we see the relevant application for our lives. While we will likely never be swallowed by a fish, God has a plan and purpose for our lives. He is calling each of us into closer fellowship and obedience to Him. It is futile to run from the desire God has for our lives.

This passage records the prayer of Jonah from within the belly of the whale. It is a short passage, but there is much in these verses. As we begin to discuss the particular aspects of Jonah’s prayer, I want to consider: Prayers from the Deep.

I. The Necessity for Prayer (1:17-2:1) – Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. [1] Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly. If Jonah had ever faced a crisis in life that warranted prayer, this was certainly such an occasion. Notice:

A. The Situation – While this is difficult for us to imagine, Jonah found himself swallowed by a great fish. Miraculously, he had survived this ordeal, and was well aware of his surroundings. While being in the belly of the fish for three days and nights, Jonah had time to contemplate his life and the needs he faced. During this terrifying situation, Jonah prayed unto the Lord. He was helpless and in need of God to move in his situation. Apart from God, he would perish.

We have never experienced anything like this, but each of us has encountered situations that we were unable to handle. At times these came upon us with no advance warning, and we may have done nothing to bring about the situation. At other times our disobedience creates consequences that we must endure. Regardless, like Jonah, we all have dealt with situations that required the Lord’s help and guidance. We too have been driven to our knees in desperation, calling on the Lord to provide.

B. The Duration (1:17) – Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah was forced to endure the horror of being within the great fish’s belly for three long days and nights. Some might argue that this was no big deal – after all, it only lasted three days. It is impossible to imagine the fear and uncertainty of being within the fish for three days and nights. Had it not been for the sovereign hand of God, Jonah would have perished. Likely he wondered many times if he would survive the ordeal.

At times our trials may be intense, but they can be short lived. At other times there seems to be no end in sight. When we are dealing with particularly difficult situations, moments can seem like days. We find ourselves wondering if the storm will ever pass. It is easy to become desperate and lose hope in these situations. Like Jonah, we must remember to whom we belong and look to Him for the provision we are unable to provide for ourselves. In times like these, we must rest in God’s sovereignty rather than being consumed by the circumstances of the current situation.