When a Fish “Caught a Man”
“One day a man traveling on a train began to discuss the Bible with a Christian seated next to him. “If you can prove to me that Jonah was swallowed by a whale, I’ll believe all the rest of the Bible,” he said. “What do you think of Christ?” asked his companion. Surprised by the strange rejoinder, the first man exclaimed, “That’s beside the point.” “Oh no, it’s not,” replied the other. “Tell me, do you think Christ was wise?” “Yes,” he said, “I think He was the wisest Man who ever lived.” “Well, He believed what you call ‘a fish story,’ for see what He said in Matthew 12:40.” The unbeliever was amazed to find that the passage read, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” “You see,” said the Christian, “Jesus believed the account of Jonah!” “Thanks, Mister,” was the reply. “That’s proof enough for me!”
Some people say there isn’t a creature in the sea that is capable of performing such a great feat. Scientists know better. For instance, in 1912, Captain Charles Thompson harpooned a huge mammal off the coast of Florida which, when it was brought to land, was found to contain another 1500-pound fish that had been devoured whole. Those who examined Thompson’s catch said it could have swallowed twenty average-size men!
To avoid Jonah’s difficulties, stay in the will of God.
Out of the will of God there can be no success; in the will of God there can be no failure.
