INSIDE A BIG FISH

We often use the story of Jonah as a warning of punishment for ignoring God. On a visit to Northumberland I was given a very different perspective on this tale.

The story of this place is straightforward. After his death Cuthbert was buried in the grounds of Lindifarne priory. Fearing desecration by Viking invaders the monks fled with their most treasured items (including Cuthbert's remains) and roamed in the hills for many years. Legend has it that on their return they found shelter on the last night in what is now called Cuthbert's cave; this place remains a place of pilgimage for many people and feels Holy.

On my last visit I was struck by the shape of the overhang. It looks like a giant fish. This made me think of Jonah. He too was given shelter inside a giant fish.

Like the monks Jonah was afraid and ran away, but God in his wisdom knew that Jonah would eventually become obediant and do his work. God gave Jonah protection from the elements inside a giant sea creature. I wonder if the monks in the ninth century thought of this as they too were given shelter inside a giant fish.

How often do we fail to recognise God's grace until after the event? It is unlikely that Jonah did as he spent three days inside his fish.

How often has or does God provided for us in ways we can't imagine?

Remember that God is gracious, and give thanks for this next time you need a giant fish!