Belly of the Beast

First Thoughts

1. How do you feel about Jonah being in the belly of the fish? What do stories like this make you think about the truth of Scripture?
2. Why do you think the author used poetry for this section? How would you describe the tone of the poem?

Read Jonah Two

Introduction

The song that makes up this part of Jonah’s story is often overlooked. We see weird indenting and read words that seem flowery or symbolic and some of us turn off like we did after the ranting of that overly creative kid in school that would sing his answers to the teacher. What’s going on here? Well, we can’t lose track of Jonah 1:17—“The LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah.” The narrative points to Jonah crying out to the LORD after being swallowed. If we look closely, God was on the move before Jonah’s prayer. The fish, amazing as it may seem, revealed that God was already on the scene. He was already moving the story along. The song overflows with Jonah’s gratitude for God’s presence, the same presence Jonah was fleeing in the first place. The irony is inescapable.

Story Reflections

1. What did Jonah deserve? Why? What did he do wrong? 
2. After reading the psalm in Jonah 2, how would you describe Jonah’s emotion and attitude? How is it different from Jonah 1?
3. From the context in Jonah 2:2, how would you define the term “sheol”? Now, read Genesis 37:35 and 1 Samuel 2:6. Based on those passages, how would you define “sheol”? 
4. Compare Jonah 1:15 and 2:3. What is the difference between these two pictures of how the event happened? What does this reveal about Jonah’s understanding of God? 
5. Do you share Jonah’s view of God’s control over things? Why/why not? What makes you uncomfortable about God being in control? How might it comfort you? 
6. Why do you think God saved Jonah? Why did He save Jonah in this unusual manner?
7. After being disobedient, and after suffering consequences, how does Jonah view his relationship with God? How does this compare with how you feel about your relationship with God when you fail?
   

Choices Ahead

Swallowed. God sends a beast from the deep to swallow the disobedient, both to rescue and to restore purpose. It’s an uncomfortable thought. 

Have you ever considered that the state you are in, like Jonah’s, may have greater purpose? In those moments when we experience that sinking feeling, are we looking for God’s fingerprints? 

Jonah saw them. In fact, it may be the only positive thing we can say about Jonah from the whole story. But wait. God sent Jonah for Nineveh and God sent a fish for Jonah. 

This begs a different question . . . am I someone’s fish? Am I part of a heavenly message of rescue and repurposing to someone else? The gospel tells us of our rescue through the blood of Jesus, but we often forget the blessed mission that comes with it. 

Consider the people at your work, at your typical hangout, or wherever you spend your time. Is God calling you to be an active agent of rescue and repurposing in someone’s life right now? Go through your mental contact list and share a name or two with your group. The simplest first step is getting to know a person’s story. You may discover someone else sinking into the depths waiting on a “you-sized” fish to show God’s saving mercy.