As a volunteer at the Innercity Arts program we don’t always get a chance to debate or discuss the Bible with the youth who attend the program. Last week, the topic of Jonah and the whale came up and I quickly realized my knowledge was based on Sunday school teaching. I definitely was not prepared to discuss the significance of Jonah’s actions and the brilliant teaching points that come out of that book.
Some of the salient points I could have passed on: God speaks to us, we have a specific purpose, don’t run from your purpose, don’t waste your resources, don’t get comfortable with sin, your choices will dictate the life you live, God will always prepare a way, forgiveness is for everyone, don’t live a life of complaining; and though you may have started wrong you can always finish strong.
All of these points could have had a significant impact if I had been ready when the opportunity came. So, ask yourself are you prepared if someone asks you “what’s with Jonah and the whale?”
2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
~Doug Cooper, Innercity Arts Volunteer
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