This is part of a series of guest posts by Kate Almström offering some personal reflection on the minor prophets. Kate is a teacher and a founding member of Grace Church. Originally from the Highlands of Scotland she lives in Stockholm with her husband & 3 sons.

This is a favourite book of mine. It is a great story and I am not sure if a film has been made about it but it could be a good one. It is a story of God’s love and his desperate desire to redeem his people. I know I need God’s patience and teaching just as Jonah does.

The story of Jonah speaks about the father heart of God. God teaches Jonah just as a loving father teaches a child. He allows Jonah to experience the consequences of his actions but is ready to save Jonah from the full extent of his consequences. Both by providing a fish to swallow Jonah and letting the plant wither away God is showing patience and protection. As I read Jonah I am reminded of the parable Jesus taught about the prodigal son. In this parable a reckless younger brother returns to the embrace of his father. Jonah, when he is angry about Nineveh’s redemption, reminds me of the older brother in the parable who hasn’t understood why God loves. Jonah believes that God’s love is earned and not given.