This brief clip of a kayaker allegedly being swallowed momentarily by a whale has already gone super-viral. Here are two versions—this first from NBC News and this second version from CBS News.
The story of Adrián Simancas’ ordeal with the humpback whale would certainly qualify for a viral video all on its own merit. But its biblical connection will certainly augment the multiple millions of viewers.
While having a bit of brunch this morning I heard Fox News host Dana Perino say, “…and the kayaker’s name is Jonah!” Well, I think she goofed there because my web search three pages deep has no indication that his name was Jonah.
However, even without that being the case, is this event being used by our heavenly Father to help awaken more slumbering Christians (presently in the five foolish virgins company) to be on the alert for the imminent return of the Bridegroom-King? Could be.
On the other hand, do we really want to identify with those seeking this sign? A review of the Bible passages containing Jesus’ actual words is in order.
Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Here is the context:
Matthew 12:38 Then certain [wicked ones] of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Then, four chapters later in Matthew’s gospel, there is this similar event—a second witness from the mouth of Jesus Himself.
Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, [to the wicked and adulterous generation] but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Finally, there is this account from Luke.
Luke 11: 29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, [to the evil generation] but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
In other words, Jesus’ resurrection from the grave would be the only sign given to the wicked and adulterous evil generation. If that would not be enough to convince them that Jesus was/is the Messiah, then there would be no further signs given them.
31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a [Person] greater than Solomon is here.
Jesus was claiming to be wiser than the wisest man who ever lived.
32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Our Stone Kingdom Fellowship in Georgia hosted our dear brother, Ron Oja, teaching us shortly after the disaster of the space shuttle “Columbia” which occurred February 1, 2003.
In his unique yet biblical manner, Ron brings that tragic event into focus as he relates it to the book of Jonah and the Master’s warnings above.
These teachings are still available from our offices in either audio or video format. We do not take credit cards. Mail your order to our new office address: PO Box 9, Fletcher, NC 28732.
A-114 5 audio lectures on CDs. No Sign Given But “Columbia,” plus The End of Witchcraft (also by Ron), 5 CDs in an album , $22 + $7 s & h.
CD #s 78-81 4 audio lectures on CD (loose, in paper sleeves, not in an album). No Sign Given But “Columbia” $20 + $7 s & h.
D-106 is the same four hours of lectures but on video (two DVDs). No Sign Given But “Columbia” - Ron Oja, 2 DVDs, 4 hrs., $24 + $7 s & h.
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