Jonah, from inside the Great Fish.

Dear brothers and sisters,

It is not every day that one has the privilege to address a congregation from inside the belly of a great fish. But I, Jonah, am here to share with you some important lessons I have learned during my unexpected stay in this unusual place.

First and foremost, I have learned the importance of obedience. As you know, God called me to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. But, instead, I disobeyed and tried to flee God's presence. But we all know how that ended up, don't we? So, let me share with you a verse from the book of Proverbs, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Now, let me tell you a story. There was a man who lived near a river. One day, he received news that a flood was coming, and he needed to evacuate his home. But the man refused, saying, "I have faith that God will protect me." As the water level rose, a neighbor came by in a boat and offered to take him to safety, but the man refused, saying, "I have faith that God will protect me." Finally, as the floodwaters rose, the man climbed onto his roof. A rescue team came by in a helicopter and offered to save him, but the man refused, saying, "I have faith that God will protect me." Well, you know how this ends. The man drowned, and when he got to heaven, he asked God, "Why didn't you save me?" And God said, "I sent you a boat and a helicopter; what more do you want?"

So, my friends, let us not be like that man. Instead, let us listen to God's voice and follow His commands. And when we face difficulties, let us trust Him and His ways.

Secondly, I have learned the importance of repentance. You see, the people of Nineveh were wicked and sinful, and God wanted to punish them for their sins. But when I finally preached to them, they repented, and God had mercy on them.

As it says in the book of Acts, "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this, he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31).

So, my friends, let us not be like the people of Nineveh, who were blind to their sins. Instead, let us examine ourselves and confess our sins to God, who faithfully forgives and cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, let us learn from my mistakes and my experience in the belly of this great fish.

Let us be obedient to God's will, trust in Him and His ways, and repent of our sins. As the book of Ecclesiastes says, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

And now, if you'll excuse me, I think I see a way out of here. Amen.