The Jonah Sign: Asleep in the Storm

By Carol N Goode

The Jonah sign points to hope in the midst of despair. It offers challenge when the sleep of compromise is preferable. The account of Jonah the Prophet has been tackled many times over but in this particular exposition the reader is placed in the midst of the storm, climaxing on the shores of today. Background research and personal everyday application invites the reader to reflect on truths affecting both Christian and non-believer alike. The book demands a verdict. What is the sign and why is it so important? A timely reminder that the Bible is always relevant and more up to date than todays news byte!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512735758

Carol N Goode

Carol Goode resides with her husband Jack in South Australia. She is the author of two other books plus several articles published in Lifestyle magazines, including Family Circle and Above Rubies. A diploma in Christian Studies combined with volunteer service as a telephone counsellor have provided her with a solid understanding of God’s Word and its application in the lives of ordinary people.

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Copyright © 2016 Carol N Goode.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-3574-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-3576-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-3575-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016904802

WestBow Press rev. date: 04/25/2016

CONTENTS

Prologue

Introduction

Chapter 1 Jonah versus Nineveh

Chapter 2 What could be worse?

Chapter 3 Into the Mouth of the Storm

Chapter 4 No Pit too Deep

Chapter 5 At God's Word

Chapter 6 Giving up The Throne

Chapter 7 Slow to Anger

Chapter 8 Through His Eyes

Chapter 9 Scrambled Messages

Chapter 10 The Bigger Picture

Chapter 11 Why?

Chapter 12 The Jonah Sign

Epilogue

Prayer of Faith

Resource/Extra Reading

DEDICATED

To all those who love truth and live in hope.

Hope will not disappoint us.

QUOTE: There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still.

-Corrie Ten Boon

PROLOGUE

L ocal gossip in the City of Nineveh spreads quickly. A small group of hooded figures huddle around a campfire on the outskirts of the city. Their glazed eyes are focussed on a pile of smoked fish.

'Have you he heard about the strange dude with a seaweed bandana? He claims that God's judgement will fall in 40 days if we don't turn from our wicked ways. A fisherman swears he saw a huge whale vomit this dude onto the shore...says his skin is wrinkly with penetrating eyes. He stinks of rotting fish but speaks with authority and claims to be on a mission from God!'

'Which god?'

'Dunno, but the fisherman bolted when he learnt the guy had been in the whale's stomach three days and three nights, before being vomited onto the shore. Apparently this fisherman hasn't stopped running since and is telling everyone about his strange encounter.'

'Another religious wacko!'

'Maybe, but a lot of people are taking him seriously fasting in sackcloth and ashes. They're fearful the whole city will be destroyed. I heard in the fish market today that the King is also taking his threat seriously and is about to decree a fast. Even the animals will be barred from food or water! Everyone will be commanded to turn from wickedness and humble themselves in sackcloth and ashes. To acknowledge and worship the living God this dude is supposed to represent.'

'What, no more 'head on a spike parades?' Life will be boring.'

'The ol' King's gone soft.. dudes we're done ..pass me one last fish... I'm outa here..'

* * * * * * * *

INTRODUCTION

T he prophet Jonah does not always receive a favoured rap. The reluctant headline maker with a reputation for disobedience. But Jonah was God's chosen instrument to complete an unusual mission which still holds significance today. Some of us may even catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror of Jonah's character.

For those not familiar with the Old Testament account of Jonah, it is strongly advised that you read the book of Jonah through at least once. It is different from other prophetical books in that the account itself is the actual message.

Jonah is referenced by biblical scholars as a minor prophet. However, despite his initial disobedience Jonah was the chosen instrument to complete a major mission; preaching perhaps the shortest sermon with record impact.

The sign of Jonah points to the cross of Christ and worthy of our central focus.

Then some of the Scribes and Pharisees said to Him. Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you. But He answered them. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be