SCRIPTURE
Jonah Old Testamnet
The entire book of Jonah tells this story.
Jonah was a prophet for God and God commanded him to go to a wicked, pagan city, Ninevah. His task was to preach to them to repent and return to worshipping God. But Jonah was disobedient and rejected God's command. He just didn't want to go! So instead, he went in the opposite direction in a boat. A big storm came up on the sea, and he was cast overboard. Along comes a giant hungry fish, probably a whale, and swallowed Jonah whole. He was alive in the belly of the fish three days. I bet he prayed a lot, don't you? But God wanted to rescue him to see if he learned his lesson and the fish spit him out! Jonah repented to God and then went to Ninevah like he was supposed to.
LESSON
You cannot run away from God! God will not give up on you either and gives us second chances if you repent. God always gives mercy and compassion to His people.