The Sign of Jonah
What is the "sign " of Jonah spoken of by Christ twice in Matthew and once in Luke?
What other information or allusions to this event are hidden in God's Word?
My explanation for the revelation of the Sign of Jonah that God has given to me to share,
along with the message which implements this revelation are included in this book.
First is a copy of the Biblical text in which Jesus speaks of the Sign of Jonah. Then
will follow a breakdown of each term in the text, which defines meanings attributed to
these words. Third will be a summary of statements, which have been posed by Theologians and
Biblical Scholars throught the centuries concerning the Jonah passages. Finally, the message of the Sign on Jonah followed by a call to repentance for the churches.
Since very early childhood I cried to God to find me, use me to articulate God's glory:
to help all hurting people,. Don't let me miss Christ's second coming: let me see the
Sign of Jonah when it appears. And please, give me a double dose of the wisdom given
to Solomon. - give me more than wisdom, give me understanding.
Through agonizing years of diligently reading God's Word and begging to understand;
through claiming every promise over and again; through begging not to be left behind;
Through trespasses and trials too unspeakable to bear; from the depths of my closet
prison where at last God revealed His meaning to me with a promise that my place is
with Him; to His commission for me to go forth. Give sight to the blind, bind up the
broken hearted, teach the lame to walk, feed the hungry and set the prisoners free.
Through years of praying for the strength, ability and stamina to put it all together
and present it to the world - through all of this is the message of the meaning of the
Sign of Jonah delivered to you today.
I was the ameoba at the bottom of the septic tanks underneath the bowels of hell and
even there God found me and lifted me, and so he shall do for all of his creation.
Please pray that God reveal this message in your heart as you read each part of it
carefully. God bless you and thank you for allowing me to share it with you no matter
what your reaction may be.
Lets begin by looking at the scriptures that reference the sign of Jonah event.
In Matthew 12:39-42 Some of the Scribes and Pharisees were asking Jesus for a sign.
Jesus answered tehm, 'an evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign
will be given to it except the sign on the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three
days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, for for three days and three
nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. The People of Nineveh will
rise up at the judgement with generation and condemn if, because they repented at the
proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!
The queen of the south will rise up in judgement with this generation and condemn it,
because she came to the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see,
something greater than Solomon is here!
In Matthew 16:4, again Jesus addresses the Pharisees and Saducees who came to test
Jesus and asked for a sign from heaven. "An evil and adulterous generation asks for
a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Then Jesus left them
and went away.
The crowds were increasing in Luke 11:29-32 as Jesus began to say, "This generation is
an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the
sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of
Man will be to this generation. The queen of the south will rise in judgement with
the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came to the ends of the
earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is
here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and
condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah and see, something
greater than Jonah is here!"
We can best understand the rich depth of meaning contained in these passages if we
take a look at each term and examine it carefully.
Lets break the scriptures down as follows:
(a) The "scribes and Pharisees" asked Jesus
for a sign. Jesus told them that it is
(b) "an evil and adulterous generation" that
seeks a sign, but no
(c) "sign" would be given to it except the sign of
(d) "the prophet Jonah." For just as Jonah became a sign to
(e) the people of "Nineveh," so the Son of Man will be to this generation.
Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so
(f) for "Three days and nights" the Son of Man shall be in the heart of the earth.
The people of Nineveh will rise up
(g) at the "judgement" with this generation and
(h) "condemn" it because they
(i) "repented" at the proclamation of Jonah.
(j) The "queen of the south" will rise up at the judgement of this generation
and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earthe to listen to
(k) the "wisdom of Solomon."
(l) "Something greater that Jonah and Solomon is here."
(a) Who were the Scribes and Pharisees? Three definitions connected with scribe are to
write accurately, to set in order, to count. A Scribe being a Jewish doctor of the law
who classified and arranged its precepts; counted with scrupulous minuteness every clause
and letter it contained. Scribes served as the kings secretaries, writing his letters
drawing up his decrees, managing his finances and appears at times to point to military
functions of some kind, Scribes transcribed old records and became a class of students and
interpretersof the law, boasting in their superior wisdom.
Never perhaps was so important a work done so privately. Scribes devoted themselves to the
careful study of the text and laid down rules for transcribing it with the most scrupulous
precision. As time passed on the "words of the scribes" were honored above the actual law.
It became a greater crime to offend against them than against the law.
This eventually led to the Scribes taking steps toward annulling commandments of God for
the sake of their own traditions, evading the plainest of duties, tampering with conscience.
Following the captivity the office of Scribe became prominent, because the Jewish exiles
were anxious above all things to preserve the sacred books, the laws, the hymns and
the prophecies of the past.
Scribes were honored as the men of the Great Synagogue. The Scribes were worldly and
enjoyed salutations in the public places wearing long robes; and enjoyed the best places
at feasts and chief seats in the synagogues.
We can, therefore, understand why the Scribes, along with the Phariseeds were constantly
denounced by Jesus. While the Scribes carried on the traditions of the elders, Jesus
"spoke as one having authority," "not as the scribes." While Scribes confined their
teachings to the class of scholars, Jesus "had compassion on the multitude." While the
Scribes were found only in the councils or their schools, Jesus journeyed through the
cities and villages. The Scribes spoke vaguely of the kingdom of God as if it were far
off, while Jesus proclaimed that it had already come nigh unto men.
Taking a look at the Pharisees they are defined as a separated sect among the Jews.
Pharisees were distinguished by their strict observance of rituals, rites and ceremonies
and of the traditions of the elders, and considered themselves as more righteous than
other Jews. A Pharisee was a strict observer of outward forms or ceremonies in religion
without the spirit of God in it Pharisees were hypocrites when it came to their pious
behaviour.
We can further define the Pharasees as a religious group of people who existed among the
Jews, whom may be described as the formalists, free thinkers and the Puritans.
Take a look at Matthew 5:20 where Jesus proclaimed that unless our righteousness exceeds
that of the scribes and Pharisees we can never enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus'
teaching was in most respects totally antagonistic to them, because His teaching often
denounced them with the bitterest of language.
While it was Jesus'aim to call men to the law of God itself [spiritually], the Pharisee
tried to maintain the letter of the law [according to the flesh], hemming in and burdening
without on every side by its instructions and exclusivity. The Pharisees traditions and
trifling regulations esteemed the Mosaic Law or Ten Commandments.
The Pharisee's religion may be described not in terms of forgiveness and humility, but in
pride and self-righteousness. With all their pretenses they were in reality impotent.
Pharisees sought converts to their very narrow and exclusive view, and bitterly forced
them into believing that the flesh is whow we ar; never realizing that by their actions
the very evil and unclean thens they condemned and despised was blindly the same spirit
which lived within themselves.
It is plain to see that although they claimed to possess a perception of the Spirit of
God, the offices of Scribe and Pharisee relied heavily upon the actions and perceptions of
one another in the flesh, rather than in the confidence of God's Holy Spirit.
How could they claim to be wise; that the law of the Lord is with you when in fact the
lying pens of Scribes has produced falsehood? Jeremiah 8:8
(b) In the scriptures we are examining in Matthew and Luke, Jesus calls it an evil and
adulterous generation which seeks a sign.
Evil has been defined as having bad qualities of a moral and natural kind, which opposes
good. Meanings attributed to evil include: corrupt, injurious, criminal, vicious, perverse
wrong, vile, depraved mischievous, unfortunate.
An evildoer is one who commits sin or wrong or causes pain. A kind of influence super-
stititiously ascribed in former times to certain persons whose glance was intended to
injure.
Lookin at the definition of adulterous it means mixed; to debase or deteriorate by an
admixture of foreign or baser materials. An adulterer is a violator of a vow or covenant
with one who is not his or her own partner. It also means illicit; such as proceeding
from adulterous commerce or trade.
Spiritual adultery occurs by mixing forms of other religions into our faith.
We are not called to be religious but are called to faith in a one true God who is
Lord of all.
(c) Moving forward from the terms evil and adulterous, which we see have a very harsh
definition we begin to seek meaning for the reference to Signs.
Signs have amny meanings among them are: a mark or seal by which something is made
known or represented; anything visible that indicates the existence or approach of things
to come. A token, an indication, a motion or gesture by which a thought is expressed
or intelligence commuunicated, an omen, a miracle, a wonder, and external symbol which
represents something internal or spiritual, something conspicuously placed on or near a
building indicating the occupation of a tenant or giving notice of what is sold or
made within.
Another type of sign is a character indicationg the relation of quantities or an operation
performed on them. To make known by gesture, to affix a signature in one's own handwriting
is a meaning of sign. To specify something which is imminent. Suggestive of something
more than what appears standing as a sign of something important or momentous.
In astrology or astronomy it refers to one of the twelve divisions of the ecliptic
containing 30 degrees and named in succession Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo
Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Pices.
Here is what two Biblical Astrologists had to say which concern the Sign of Jonah:
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and stars, which
Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou dost take thought of him? Psalm 8:3-4
David knew that God created the stars (Genesis 1:4-19). He also understood that
it was God, not chance, Who set them in their specific places (Psalm 8:3). Even
more important, he knew that God gave names to the stars (Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26)
David like most of his contemporaries, also knew the meanings of the names of the
stars. In his native language of Hebrew, the names of the stars were commonly used
in Messianic prophesies and aspirations of God's ancient people. He could point to
the well-known bright stars of the sky and deditate on their significance.
Not only did David know that the names of the starshad meanings, but he also
knew that the stars had divine purpose: "They shal be for signs, and for seasons,
and for days and years" (Genesis1:14). The stars were to be for signs to indicate
happenings. I am convinced that these "signs" comprised a pictoral presentation of
what God is doing in history, especially concerning the suffering and glory of the
coming Savior.
David knew, like Job, that God caused the twelve signs to appear in their regular
order during the course of the year (Job 38:31-32). Each of the twelve signs
pictorially represents a prophetic event in relation to the unfolding story of
salvation in the history of the world. The prophecy in the signs of the heavens
follows the same order as that in the Word of God. David knew this and exulted,
"The heavens declare the glory of God!"
It is true that astrology uses the signs of the zodiac in a corrupted form, but it
is not true that astrology invented or even originated them. What astrology has
done is to currupt them and change their use from that which God originally
intended -- Kenneth C. Fleming
Earth's magnetic pole currenly points to a place in the heavens between the
constellations Pices the fish and Aquarius the man. Thus, Earth is now in the
transitional stage of fish/man or Jonah. It is a transitional plase where the
indwelling Christ begs to manifest in each of our hearts.
Jonah is the fish-man and that happens to be the present location of planet Earth
as she wobbles in a backward precession against a backdrop of constellations. Indeed,
Earth's celestial pole is now in transition between Pices the fish and Aquarius the
man; a condition we may describe as a the fish-man interlude.
Over two thousand years ago a World Savior hung upon His cross at Golgotha, the place
of the skull. He was called Yehesua, the Christ, the Anointed One and in Hermetic
circles, Lumnious Jesus - the Son of the sun. Yeheshua spilt His blood - The blood
of the lion - upon the earth, thereby quickening our planet's spiritual centers of
force.
Yehesua established a new covenant for the Picean age and its keynote was Love.
Love one another as I have loved you. Unconditional love, service and sacrifice was
and continues to be the levy - the tax- imposed upon humanity in exchange for its right
to inhabit the Earth - the battleground - where the potential exists for spirit to
experience and ultimately conquer matter. The challenge to love was also imposed upon
the soul of the Earth - our motherland. She too must pay her taxes and does so daily
by working with and through humanity, unconditionally, in a physical-spiritual sense.
When questioned by the scribes and Pharisees concerning the sign of judgement day,
Jesus replied: An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall
be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Gor as Jonah was three days and
three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth... (Matthew 12:38-40).
Jonah, like Vishnu the Preserver symbolizes the candidate who is buried in the belly
of a whale (the tomb, cave, ship and sarcophagus) where he is carried to the heart of
the earth and to the heart of the sun during and initiatory journey for "three days
and three nights." Crucified before the sun, Christ himself "descended into hell and
on the third day arose from the dead."
What is in store for humanity?
In the not too distant future, a new and stronomically ordained covenant will be
established as Earth submits to the sacred rites. Are we also ready to advance in
partnership with the spirit of our Earth? Has humanity fulfilled the charge imposed
by the Picean age: to love one another? Has it properly prepared itself to move on
to a loftier rung in the evolutionary ladder? For the measure you give will be the
measure you get back. (Luke 6:38).
The condition of the fish-man is presently upon us as the celestial pole advances away
from the constellation Pices toward that of Aquarius. Astronomically speaking, the
sign of Jonah is close at hand. -- Joan S.
The birth of David and the birth of Christ are just two events that were declared by
signs in the heavens. Just as there are many examples in the Bible of signs in the
heavens; so there shall be a sign which declares the coming of the message of Jonah and
the rescue of Jesus' elect from the earth.
(d) Let us explore the next reference of Christ's statements specifically now the
significance of the reference to Jonah.
Jonah whose name means "dove" was a prophet to Israel. Israel was going through political
revival when God sent Jonah to Nineveh. But not before he shrank back from the
commission which he felt sure would result in the sparing of a hostile and heathen
city.
In the years during the Exile there grew up in Israel a bitter and vengeful spirit toward
other lands. The nation had endured so much at the hands of their enemies that they
were not inclined to keep alive the vision of Israel as God's servant called to share the
redemptive truth that one day would reach all men. Israel's passionate wish was that
God would consume all of it's enemies with wrath rather that the earth to become one
with God as Lord of all.
The same way the Jews wanted the Ninevites to be condemned, so religious churches still
do today. They pull out their spiritual measuring sticks and decide who is good enough-
or not.
(e) The next reference is to Nineveh, which was the capital of the ancient kingdom and
empire of Assyria which is first mentioned in the Old Testament. It is mentioned in
relation to the primitive dispersement and migrations of the human race and was believed
to have began with a colony of people from Babylon.
The Ninevites worshipped idols and false gods in barbaric magnificence, complete with
drunkards, notorious heathens, yet one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world
and rival to the nation of Israel.
They were responsible for a number of Israel's greatest disasters. During 800-700BC
they invaded Palestine again and again, burning, looting cities, laying waste the
countryside and deporting the inhabitants. This capital of the Assyrian Empire was
th most hated and feared of Israel's oppressors.
Perhaps God chose Nineveh to display the depth of His mercy because its inhabitants
were more hated by Israelites than the people of any other city. It is important to note
here that there were some Jewish people of that day who did not feel as the majority
did.
The Ninevites were considered evil heathens and Jonah understood that politically much
of Israel would rather see their enemies destroyed than saved by God. Jonah was not a
coward, he was unwilling to proclaim God's judgement upon the people of Nineveh
bacause of his fear they might repent and thereby saved from certain destruction. So,
he tried to escape Tarshigh thinking that by running away from Israel he could run from
their God.
The providence of God watched over him first in a storm and again when he was swallowed
by a large fish for three days and three nights. After he was delivered, he proceeded
to Nineveh and the king, believing him to be sent by a supreme God and having heard of
Jonah's miraculous deliverance ordered a fast and turned away the threatened judgement.
His entire kingdom repented with ashes and sackcloth and even put sackcloth and ashes
on their animals to express their complete repentence for all they had done.
When the whole population with the king as its head, repented and humbled itself and was
spared, Jonah did not act as one might expect. His message produced an ironical conversion
of the heathen. Instead of refoicing in the success of his preaching he was angry and
heartbroken.
Jonah, not from personal but national feelings grudged God's mercy shown to a heathen
nation. Yet in this experience Jonah learned the capacity of Gentiles for salvation,
and the intentional design of God to make them partakers of it. In other words, it is
not difficult for God to save anyone.
(f) Moving on to the three days and nights of Jonah in the whale. Jesus spoke of Jonah's
being in the whale's belly for three days and three nights, which has traditionally been
identified as a symbol of Jesus' own death and resurrection and is commonly accepted as
the meaning among Theologians today. Throughout the entire course of my research every
Biblical Scholar, Theologian, Preacher, Commentaries, or religious information which has
been made available to me has stated that the sign of Jonah was fulfilled with the death
of Christ and his being ressurrected from the tomb after three days.
As God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, I submit to you now that there is a
third fulfillment being spoken of by Christ as a future event to herald His return for
His chosen from this earth.
2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this on thing, dear friends; with the Lord a day is like
a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping
His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to
perish but everyone to come to repentance.
This scripture does not define a day because it does not say,"A day is a thousand years."
The correct understanding is derived from the context. To the eternal creator of time, a short period of time and a long period of may well be the same.
Further if we take a look we see again that it all begins back 3,000 years
ago with the prophets which have been beckoning the hearts of man to turn from their evil
and adulterous ways and return to the original faith of our fathers, a faith for a salvation
which would reach all mankind. Three thousand years ago was also when jews began awaiting
the birth of a messiah to come and be Lord of all the earth.
For three days and nights Jesus has been in the heart of the earth. This is the
countdown to his imminent return.
(g) As we take a look at the term "Judgement" it is defined as pronouncing to be not what
ought to be; to utter disapproval; to express objection of something that is wrong; to
pronounce to be unfit for use or service. Judgement is the act of passing a decision
on a matter; tha act of judgement which is wise, skillful, with good sense, discernment,
understanding; opinion formed by consideration; a determination of the mind so formed
which offers a proposition; the final trial of the human race.
The bad news is wrong. God's righteous judgement is not the same as the judgement of man.
Having personally experienced my judgement from the mouth of God, before I've passed on,
I am most qualified to share what God's righteous judgement is.
Judgment is designed to bring light to a wrong, but righteous judgement is always on the
side of the accused, and it is always followed by mercy.
When we stop judging others, God no longer holds judgement against us. I am reminded of
the lovely scripture found in 1 Cor 4:5. Therefore judge nothing before the time of the Lord
comes, who both will bring light to the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest
the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.
Therefore, you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing
judgement on another you condemn yourself." Romans 2:1
It is the same for God as He asks from us. So how can he do anything more than to judge
us all with righteousness lest He condemn Himself?
(h) The meaning of condemn is to pronounce to be utterly wrong, to utter disapproval; to
express objection of something that is wrong; to pronounce to be be undit for use or
service. Reproach, to declare the suffering caused by a wrongdoing; a censure of something
considered outrageous or shameful; expression of disgrace.
In the Jonah scriptures the condemning going on here I believe is utter disapproval.
(i) Looking back to the story of Jonah, his message was not one of condemnation, but
reproach. A forgiven nation does not use condemnation but reproach to approach the
wrongdoings of others; but an unforgiving nation will certainly be condemned by their
own conscious.
Repent - Creep; to feel pain or sorrow or regret for something done or left undone by
one's own self; to experience such sorrow for something that it changes one's life.
To remember with self-reproach; to feel grief on account of; the state of being penitent,
such sorrow for past conduct which produces a new life.
(j) Queen of the South
Queen: kween, n [OE cwen, a queen, a wife (akin quean) = Goth. Qvens, qveeins; a woman;
Icel. Kvdn, a wife, kona, a woman; Dan. Qvinde, gyne, Skt. Jani, a woman - root gan, Gr.
and L (gen), to produce]
The spouse or consort or widow of a king; a woman who is over a kingdom; a preeminent
woman; a playing card on which a queen is depicted; chess the most powerful of all the
pieces in a set; entom. the fertile female in a colony as of ants or bees. Slang,
a very attractive girl or woman; a male homosexual.
My Concordance lists three references to queens:
1 Kings 10:1 Now when the Queen of Sheba heard
Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south will rise up
Revelation 18 Says in her heart, "I sit as queen...,"
The Queen of Sheba is one mention of the term queen in the Bible, and Jesus refers to the
queen of the south in the second reference. The final reference to queen which is found
in revelation is the mystery Babylon.
With reference to the scriptures we are examining, historically theologians and scholars
have linked the first two together as meaning one in the same. But if you look at scripture
as it has been rewritten from its original text, scribes have transformed from the original
interpretation, "A queen of the south," or, "a southern queen," to currently we find it to
read "the queen of the south" and "the Queen of Sheba," as is accepted as it's meaning by
many scholars and theologians today.
The word in Hebrew, translated "regina" and primarily used to define "queen" also bears the
meaning of "belle" and enables the original scripture to also be rightly interpreted as
"A southern belle."
South: allied to the sun; being the region of the sun, also known as a section of the US
below the Mason Dixon line and east of the Mississippi river. A woman from this southern
region as defined by Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary is commonly known as a "Southern
Belle."
There are perhaps as many similarities as there are differences when it comes to comparing
and contrasting how the queen of Matthew has its symbolism cast from the Queen of Sheba
mentioned in 1 Kings.
Sheba was the great trading center of southwestern Arabia and during this time history
was the great trading community of southwestern Arabia and controlled the over land
trade routes.
The story of the Queen of Sheba shows us just how the surpassing wisdom of Solomon was
so great that it spread throughout Arabia among those very tribes which were most famous
for their wisdom from even ancient times.
The Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem with hard questions and to see for herself what
she had heard of his incomparable wisdom and wealth. She came to Jerusalem with over
abundant gifts meant to impress even the greatest emperor.
Once she held the splendor of Jerusalem she admitted that Solomon surpassed in wisdom
and prosperity more than what was told to her. She lost her courage to compete with
him and in her enthusiasm she cried, "Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted
in you and set you on the throne of Israel!"
Other kingdoms had strict caste systems dividing classes of people according to wisdom
and wealth and mistreated and shunned those who did not have important status, but in
Solomon's kingdom even the lowest servants were dressed impressively.
Solomon answered all her questions and when she waw his wisdom, his home, the meat at
his table, how people were cared for and treated with respect in addition to the burnt
offerings and temple that were the center of Solomon's worship she was left breathless.
The record of the Queen's visit closes when King Solomon gives the Queen of Sheba all
that she desires, whatever she asked for in addition to what was already given her by
the King.
(k) The Wisdom of Solomon - Solomon was the child of David and Bathsheba who was promised
the throne. He was taught all that priests and prophets were taught. Once Solomon was
anointed king never before, or after, did Israel as a kingdom take its place among the
great monarchies of the East. Large treasures accumulated over many years were at his
disposal. Solomon was considered "fairer than the children of men," and "altogether
lovely." He possessed all the gifts of a noble and far-reaching intellect, compassionate,
a playful sense of humor, his lips were "Full of grace," and his soul was "anointed,"
"with the oil of gladness."
The king possessed large quantities of abounding plenty. He completed his father's
temple. Solomon prayed that the glory of the temple might turn the minds of foreign
visitors to "know Thy name and fear Thee." (8:43)
God in a vision offered Solomon the choice of good things he would have, he chose
wisdom over riches, or honor or long life. God gave him wisdom in great measure.
His wisdom varied ranging from nature, animate and inanimate, the lives and characters
of men, but the highest wisdom was what he wanted for his highest work, which was
to govern and guide.
While in other kingdoms it was clear to distinguish the servants from the ministers
or officials by their attire, wealth, health, education and social status; King Solomon's
servants were dressed on a grand scale.
Solomon later turned to other gods and not only did he condemn the Canaanites to
bondage but he fell from the loftiest height of his religious life to the lowest
giving himself to "strange women" and "strange gods."
(l) Something greater than Jonah/Solomon is here!
What is the sign of Jonah spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 12:39-42? The statement
by Jesus is a concealed prophecy. Though it foreshadowed the resurrection of Jesus,
so the resurrection of Jesus has foreshadowed the revelation of this prophecy to us
today - The Sign of Jonah.
Jonah was told by God to go to the most heathen city and cry out against their
wickedness and call them to repentance. This sign is a message of repentance.
Jonah's experience foretold the breadth of God's saving love, mercy, and forgiveness,
Which opposes sectarianism and exclusivism. Today I call Religion and churches to
this same repentance who claim to have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof.
The point of the book of Jonah was that God is a universal God; and the sign which
foreshadowed not only the death and resurrection of Christ, but was a potent sign
forshadowing God's awesome mercy throughout all generations and especially what He
has planned to be a sign of the events which will take place at the end of this age.
But this preaching will not be regarded as a sign at all by an unrepentant generation.
This message is the sign by the spirit with power to convince men of God's reality,
righteousness, judgement and mercy. If the preaching of Moses has convincing power
how much more persuasive will this message be?
Paul regarded the preaching of such a message as an act of God, a miracle to show
His great power. It's preaching demonstrates the spirit and power as a sign, which
is not only about the miracle and mystery of Christ, but a part of God's continuing
miracle.
The fact that men fail to see the light, keeps asking for a sign doesn't mean that the
light is out but that their spiritual eyes are not healthy - therefore they aren't able
to see things the way they really are. God's light can only shine where people have
eyes to see it. God cannot reveal things men will not accept or comprehend. The
kingdom of God is with men, but some do not see it all all; while others see it as the
kingdom of evil.
This generation is evil because it is full of pride and greed and jealousy. Because
of the darkness of ignorance and perverted understanding of Christ, their blindness
is complete and very destructive. It is not ignorance, but false knowledge, which
causes them to perpetuate evil. Their pride will not admit they've been wrong.
Jesus has authority over demons, disease, nature, tradition, the effects of sin and
all people and every realm; the Lord has conquered them all. The wisdom of man is
foolishness to God. His ways are not our ways. God's judgement is always followed
by mercy. God judges us with equity and in righteousness. Nothing evil is in the
presence of God and nothing is hidden from Him. He created all things.
God's righteous judgement always stands on the side of the accused. Love NEVER fails.
The underlying message of the sign of Jonah is that God's providence is over all
nations and He cares for all of His creatures in an intimate way making the sun to rise
on the wicked as well as the good. He starts at the bottom and works His way up.
That this generation is evil and adulterous is shown by the fact that it does not
recognize the truth and practices apostacy. They have forsaken God. God is love,
and amidst the sin and shame of human life it is a Father who pleads with His children
to return to our first love, the hope of our faith for a salvation which will redeem
all mankind under one Father, our God. It is exactly what Christ did on the cross
that covered the sins of all mankind without partiality.
Even Isaiah, whose fate it was to pronounce a judgement against a people he loved,
before he said a single word about the divine andger, pleaded with men to consider
the suffering of a Father's love over his lost children. This was the underlying
theme of all the prophets as they warned against chasing after false Gods. The
church has been committing spiritual adultery.
The Sign of Jonah is a sign of preaching which emphasizes forgiveness and repentance.
Complete forgiveness is what we require from God, so complete forgiveness is what is
required from us. This is the key to being rapture ready, it gives sight to the blind,
makes the lame to walk and opens our ears to the truth of the depth of God's love.
Jonah had no credentials except the credential of God's truth making its impact on
guilty hearts to bring repentance. The Sign of Jonah prepares for a resurrection more
wonderful than the deliverance of Jonah from the whale or the resurrection of Christ;
this sign will bring stern judgement, but it will not convince the enemies of Christ
for they won't be persuaded even if one rose from the dead. Something greater than
Jonah is here.
A southern [belle] will rise up in the judgement with this generation and [call it to
repentance] because she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom
of Solomon. I was raised in Mississippi. My name means "full of grace" and God gave me this Jonah message to share with the world.
The Sign of Jonah is a far-reaching wisdom that instantly pierces the soul. The belle
was so eager for wisdom she traveled very far in her faith to satisfy her deep longing
to know God.
The queen is a heathen just like the Ninevites. Like Jonah she has no credentials
except the commission of God; this is what makes her the most appropriate witness.
She sends a warning to critics who do not desire the truth; in their pride they hate
the light. How will she reawaken in Christians a sense of their destiny and make
them put away man made traditions for God's great truth that the love of God is
bigger than the measure of man's mind?'
This truth is a constant rebuke to our narrow judgements and our divisions. Many people
today will not see the moving spirit of God as it points to a more equal world instead
of continuing to revel in the good ole days of privilege and separation.
The meanness and foolishness of men is against the greatness and goodness and love
of God. The great dream of God's people, of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus was for
an inclusive and universal brotherhood, firmly grounded as one with God over all.
Our faith is based on the words of our fathers who did strive for the reconciliation
of mankind, but the false doctrines of men have taken us off that path. The choice
we are faced with is this: Do we continue to follow the teachings of men (foolishness),
or seek God's face and do His will? (understanding) God wants to revive the unfit,
He's not interested in the survival of the fittest. Our forefathers had a firm
belief that God's mercy is extended to all mankind.
God asked me to bring this message that all men be judged with righteousness.
Righteousness is incapable of unforgiveness. When we walk in righteousness we are
able to overcome every power of satan himself. Love never fails.
THIS IS A CALL TO REPENTANCE FOR THE CHURCHES. The sin of religious piety is a lower
more attainable standard, which keeps us from the depth of God's love and the
unattainability of any righteousness of our own. Once we get rid of all of our
condemnation, judgement and unforgiveness we are no longer slaves. As a man freely
accepts the promises of God, he is more able to obey God's greatest command to love
one another and all.
I am not proclaiming the gospel of a new religion, but the fulfillment of the very one
you should already know - the message of complete reconciliation of God's Creation.
The believers that look the most hopeless to this world are actually not as hopeless as
the world believes they are. The more a person seeks righteousness the greater likelyhood
of their suffering.
It is not hard for God to save anyone and He saves us in our lowest moment of despair.
The more rejected and outcast by the world that a God fearing person becomes, the
closer they get to the proverbial narrow road. We come to a point where all we have
left is God.
When we count ourselves as the lowest among men, this is what it means to be humble.
Humility was one of Jesus' most obvious qualities. A humble person feels unworthy of
casting judgement on others. Those who are truly in Christ do not see condemnation
toward others. When we stop judging others God no longer holds judgement against us.
The crucifixion planned by hearts full of hate remains the only way we have of ending
hate that this world has ever seen. Jesus gathered up unto Himself the sins of the
whole world, took them with Him to the cross, bore the quilt which no man can bear for
himself; satisfied once for all what ever needed to be satified in the justice, holiness
and love of God and finally made possible the full and complete forgiveness for every
human being, in every age, under every condition for all eternity.
The Son of God is the King of kings who rules by enslaving Himself and by dying for
His whole creation. He descended into hell and took the keys of hell and death and
set the prisoners free.
Just pray about it and realize that Jesus took His ministry out to the hopeless that
the church rejected and proved they could be saved, and quite easily at that. They
had no pride or hope for heaven, that is what truly makes it a gift. They have no
works to justify why the should receive salvation, but cry to God in their hearts
anyways. Like lambs let to the slaughter they have accepted that death is their fate
without resistance.
What lie has been put into our hears for teh false pens of scribes and the traditions
of man that would have our King to be found insufficient, mocked, His mercy to be lacking,
and His love to fail even one.
The world teaches us that God starts saving at the top with the really "good," really
"easy" ones and works His way down to the more questionable characters. The people at
the bottom have little to no hope of being saved. This is a lie.
God starts at the bottom with a firm foundation and then builds His mansion upwards.
It is not difficult for God to save anyone; it shows no awesome power to save the "easy"
ones first. It's like building a roof before the foundation; and an awesome God could
not do anything less for His creation than for His unlimited love to race instantly
to the point of its greatest need and overcome it.
I am not willing for one to be lost. God is not either. If we expect Him to give us
complete forgiveness, then we are completely forgiven when we completely forgive.
For if we do this it will never again be a question of which of us shall be lost. And
that is the way the Law of Love says it should be. The last shall be the first and
the least shall be the greatest.
God does not judge us for what we do not know. If we knew better we could do better.
We, as Christians should know better, that these words are not the proclamation of
some sort of new "religion" but the fulfillment of the same faith we claim to have
and should already know.
This is the God I serve, God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Lord of my life
Jesus Christ. They didn't believe God would half way save the world and I don't
either. I cannot follow any other shepherd for I am sure that if any sheep are
lost, Jesus will leave the others on the mountainside and search for the lost one
until it is found. And when He finds it, truly, He rejoices over it more than the ones
who were never lost. This world belongs to God and everything in it. Every knee will
bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord and King over all the Earth.
Either Jesus was the perfect sacrifice or He wasn't. Jesus came to save the world and die
for all sin. Period. I know He has accomplished what He came to do. In the end all souls
will return to a knowledge and presence with God.
The churches are teaching that we are all seperate spirits and that a great deal of God's
creation is, "bad." Why? He called it good.
That is the fruit from the tree of good and evil. That is the lie that perpetuated from
the seperation that occured in the garden of eden. It gives us the illusion that evil
has power. It teaches us that Love fails. It produces unforgiveness, it leaves us starving.
Suppose we are separate beings as our flesh decieves us into believing. If pieces of our
foundation were broken or lost than our foundation is not solid, and our house will not
stand. That would be like a house built on the sand.
The fruit from the tree of life is quite another story indeed. When you eat from it you
turn from evil. We see the thruth that we are all created in the image of God. That our
spirit should be united as one and either we all stand together or together we all fall.
Savor forgiveness and see that it is good. Offer the fruit to all mankind. For if you
eat of it you will never hunger again. This is is the house that was built on a rock.
My faith has the power for salvation of all mankind. It is the exceeding measure of faith
that God had given me in that He demonstrated His love for me of which I cannot escape.
The same love is avalable to all of His creation.
The faith of others seems to be only for themselves and a select few. It is a shaky
faith at best. It takes more faith to believe that Jesus came to save the world and has
won victoriously that it does to believe that He is only able to salvage a small portion
because satan has sooo much power. All things were given to Christ by the Father and in
Him are all things. Once again the Pharisees are crucifying our Messiah, hanging him
back on the cross proclaiming that what He did was not good enough.
Why are men teaching that Christ came to save the world and failed?
If it is God's will that none shall be lost, why is that not our will?
Why do we pray His will be done [that none shall be lost] and then believe it won't?
What is powerful enough to overcome His will?
Why do we believe that worldly success is evidence of God's favor?
Why do we believe that it is difficult for God to save certain people?
Why do we believe that making mistakes takes one farther from God rather than closer
while going through our trials and tribulations?
Our love for them (or not) IS our trial. It is not our choice to judge anyone and
decide they cannot come.
God would not have us to be as tax collectors throwing rocks at our brothers and
sisters; the very one Jesus based His ministry around; the rest of His creation
that He called "very good." God chose what is low and despised in this world to shame
the wise, so that no man can boast.
Jesus will lose nothing but raise it all in the last day. John 6:39
Yes, this sign is a spiritual resurrection more wonderful that the deliverance of Jonah
from the whale.
Inclusion:
The Jews have stumbled, when we open the story in Romans 11:11-12
"So I ask, have they stumbled as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles so as to make Israel jealous. Now if theier stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for the gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!"
The later scriptures explains the lot of the Gentiles in Romans 11:28-32 "As regards to the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake; but in regards to being chosen they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; for the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now recieved mercy because of their disobedience. So they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you, they too may recieve mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so He may be merciful to all."
See, I am the Lord, God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for me? Jer. 32:26
What other information or allusions to this event are hidden in God's Word?
My explanation for the revelation of the Sign of Jonah that God has given to me to share,
along with the message which implements this revelation are included in this book.
First is a copy of the Biblical text in which Jesus speaks of the Sign of Jonah. Then
will follow a breakdown of each term in the text, which defines meanings attributed to
these words. Third will be a summary of statements, which have been posed by Theologians and
Biblical Scholars throught the centuries concerning the Jonah passages. Finally, the message of the Sign on Jonah followed by a call to repentance for the churches.
Since very early childhood I cried to God to find me, use me to articulate God's glory:
to help all hurting people,. Don't let me miss Christ's second coming: let me see the
Sign of Jonah when it appears. And please, give me a double dose of the wisdom given
to Solomon. - give me more than wisdom, give me understanding.
Through agonizing years of diligently reading God's Word and begging to understand;
through claiming every promise over and again; through begging not to be left behind;
Through trespasses and trials too unspeakable to bear; from the depths of my closet
prison where at last God revealed His meaning to me with a promise that my place is
with Him; to His commission for me to go forth. Give sight to the blind, bind up the
broken hearted, teach the lame to walk, feed the hungry and set the prisoners free.
Through years of praying for the strength, ability and stamina to put it all together
and present it to the world - through all of this is the message of the meaning of the
Sign of Jonah delivered to you today.
I was the ameoba at the bottom of the septic tanks underneath the bowels of hell and
even there God found me and lifted me, and so he shall do for all of his creation.
Please pray that God reveal this message in your heart as you read each part of it
carefully. God bless you and thank you for allowing me to share it with you no matter
what your reaction may be.
Lets begin by looking at the scriptures that reference the sign of Jonah event.
In Matthew 12:39-42 Some of the Scribes and Pharisees were asking Jesus for a sign.
Jesus answered tehm, 'an evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign
will be given to it except the sign on the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three
days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, for for three days and three
nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. The People of Nineveh will
rise up at the judgement with generation and condemn if, because they repented at the
proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!
The queen of the south will rise up in judgement with this generation and condemn it,
because she came to the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see,
something greater than Solomon is here!
In Matthew 16:4, again Jesus addresses the Pharisees and Saducees who came to test
Jesus and asked for a sign from heaven. "An evil and adulterous generation asks for
a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Then Jesus left them
and went away.
The crowds were increasing in Luke 11:29-32 as Jesus began to say, "This generation is
an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the
sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of
Man will be to this generation. The queen of the south will rise in judgement with
the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came to the ends of the
earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is
here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and
condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah and see, something
greater than Jonah is here!"
We can best understand the rich depth of meaning contained in these passages if we
take a look at each term and examine it carefully.
Lets break the scriptures down as follows:
(a) The "scribes and Pharisees" asked Jesus
for a sign. Jesus told them that it is
(b) "an evil and adulterous generation" that
seeks a sign, but no
(c) "sign" would be given to it except the sign of
(d) "the prophet Jonah." For just as Jonah became a sign to
(e) the people of "Nineveh," so the Son of Man will be to this generation.
Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so
(f) for "Three days and nights" the Son of Man shall be in the heart of the earth.
The people of Nineveh will rise up
(g) at the "judgement" with this generation and
(h) "condemn" it because they
(i) "repented" at the proclamation of Jonah.
(j) The "queen of the south" will rise up at the judgement of this generation
and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earthe to listen to
(k) the "wisdom of Solomon."
(l) "Something greater that Jonah and Solomon is here."
(a) Who were the Scribes and Pharisees? Three definitions connected with scribe are to
write accurately, to set in order, to count. A Scribe being a Jewish doctor of the law
who classified and arranged its precepts; counted with scrupulous minuteness every clause
and letter it contained. Scribes served as the kings secretaries, writing his letters
drawing up his decrees, managing his finances and appears at times to point to military
functions of some kind, Scribes transcribed old records and became a class of students and
interpretersof the law, boasting in their superior wisdom.
Never perhaps was so important a work done so privately. Scribes devoted themselves to the
careful study of the text and laid down rules for transcribing it with the most scrupulous
precision. As time passed on the "words of the scribes" were honored above the actual law.
It became a greater crime to offend against them than against the law.
This eventually led to the Scribes taking steps toward annulling commandments of God for
the sake of their own traditions, evading the plainest of duties, tampering with conscience.
Following the captivity the office of Scribe became prominent, because the Jewish exiles
were anxious above all things to preserve the sacred books, the laws, the hymns and
the prophecies of the past.
Scribes were honored as the men of the Great Synagogue. The Scribes were worldly and
enjoyed salutations in the public places wearing long robes; and enjoyed the best places
at feasts and chief seats in the synagogues.
We can, therefore, understand why the Scribes, along with the Phariseeds were constantly
denounced by Jesus. While the Scribes carried on the traditions of the elders, Jesus
"spoke as one having authority," "not as the scribes." While Scribes confined their
teachings to the class of scholars, Jesus "had compassion on the multitude." While the
Scribes were found only in the councils or their schools, Jesus journeyed through the
cities and villages. The Scribes spoke vaguely of the kingdom of God as if it were far
off, while Jesus proclaimed that it had already come nigh unto men.
Taking a look at the Pharisees they are defined as a separated sect among the Jews.
Pharisees were distinguished by their strict observance of rituals, rites and ceremonies
and of the traditions of the elders, and considered themselves as more righteous than
other Jews. A Pharisee was a strict observer of outward forms or ceremonies in religion
without the spirit of God in it Pharisees were hypocrites when it came to their pious
behaviour.
We can further define the Pharasees as a religious group of people who existed among the
Jews, whom may be described as the formalists, free thinkers and the Puritans.
Take a look at Matthew 5:20 where Jesus proclaimed that unless our righteousness exceeds
that of the scribes and Pharisees we can never enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus'
teaching was in most respects totally antagonistic to them, because His teaching often
denounced them with the bitterest of language.
While it was Jesus'aim to call men to the law of God itself [spiritually], the Pharisee
tried to maintain the letter of the law [according to the flesh], hemming in and burdening
without on every side by its instructions and exclusivity. The Pharisees traditions and
trifling regulations esteemed the Mosaic Law or Ten Commandments.
The Pharisee's religion may be described not in terms of forgiveness and humility, but in
pride and self-righteousness. With all their pretenses they were in reality impotent.
Pharisees sought converts to their very narrow and exclusive view, and bitterly forced
them into believing that the flesh is whow we ar; never realizing that by their actions
the very evil and unclean thens they condemned and despised was blindly the same spirit
which lived within themselves.
It is plain to see that although they claimed to possess a perception of the Spirit of
God, the offices of Scribe and Pharisee relied heavily upon the actions and perceptions of
one another in the flesh, rather than in the confidence of God's Holy Spirit.
How could they claim to be wise; that the law of the Lord is with you when in fact the
lying pens of Scribes has produced falsehood? Jeremiah 8:8
(b) In the scriptures we are examining in Matthew and Luke, Jesus calls it an evil and
adulterous generation which seeks a sign.
Evil has been defined as having bad qualities of a moral and natural kind, which opposes
good. Meanings attributed to evil include: corrupt, injurious, criminal, vicious, perverse
wrong, vile, depraved mischievous, unfortunate.
An evildoer is one who commits sin or wrong or causes pain. A kind of influence super-
stititiously ascribed in former times to certain persons whose glance was intended to
injure.
Lookin at the definition of adulterous it means mixed; to debase or deteriorate by an
admixture of foreign or baser materials. An adulterer is a violator of a vow or covenant
with one who is not his or her own partner. It also means illicit; such as proceeding
from adulterous commerce or trade.
Spiritual adultery occurs by mixing forms of other religions into our faith.
We are not called to be religious but are called to faith in a one true God who is
Lord of all.
(c) Moving forward from the terms evil and adulterous, which we see have a very harsh
definition we begin to seek meaning for the reference to Signs.
Signs have amny meanings among them are: a mark or seal by which something is made
known or represented; anything visible that indicates the existence or approach of things
to come. A token, an indication, a motion or gesture by which a thought is expressed
or intelligence commuunicated, an omen, a miracle, a wonder, and external symbol which
represents something internal or spiritual, something conspicuously placed on or near a
building indicating the occupation of a tenant or giving notice of what is sold or
made within.
Another type of sign is a character indicationg the relation of quantities or an operation
performed on them. To make known by gesture, to affix a signature in one's own handwriting
is a meaning of sign. To specify something which is imminent. Suggestive of something
more than what appears standing as a sign of something important or momentous.
In astrology or astronomy it refers to one of the twelve divisions of the ecliptic
containing 30 degrees and named in succession Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo
Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Pices.
Here is what two Biblical Astrologists had to say which concern the Sign of Jonah:
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and stars, which
Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou dost take thought of him? Psalm 8:3-4
David knew that God created the stars (Genesis 1:4-19). He also understood that
it was God, not chance, Who set them in their specific places (Psalm 8:3). Even
more important, he knew that God gave names to the stars (Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26)
David like most of his contemporaries, also knew the meanings of the names of the
stars. In his native language of Hebrew, the names of the stars were commonly used
in Messianic prophesies and aspirations of God's ancient people. He could point to
the well-known bright stars of the sky and deditate on their significance.
Not only did David know that the names of the starshad meanings, but he also
knew that the stars had divine purpose: "They shal be for signs, and for seasons,
and for days and years" (Genesis1:14). The stars were to be for signs to indicate
happenings. I am convinced that these "signs" comprised a pictoral presentation of
what God is doing in history, especially concerning the suffering and glory of the
coming Savior.
David knew, like Job, that God caused the twelve signs to appear in their regular
order during the course of the year (Job 38:31-32). Each of the twelve signs
pictorially represents a prophetic event in relation to the unfolding story of
salvation in the history of the world. The prophecy in the signs of the heavens
follows the same order as that in the Word of God. David knew this and exulted,
"The heavens declare the glory of God!"
It is true that astrology uses the signs of the zodiac in a corrupted form, but it
is not true that astrology invented or even originated them. What astrology has
done is to currupt them and change their use from that which God originally
intended -- Kenneth C. Fleming
Earth's magnetic pole currenly points to a place in the heavens between the
constellations Pices the fish and Aquarius the man. Thus, Earth is now in the
transitional stage of fish/man or Jonah. It is a transitional plase where the
indwelling Christ begs to manifest in each of our hearts.
Jonah is the fish-man and that happens to be the present location of planet Earth
as she wobbles in a backward precession against a backdrop of constellations. Indeed,
Earth's celestial pole is now in transition between Pices the fish and Aquarius the
man; a condition we may describe as a the fish-man interlude.
Over two thousand years ago a World Savior hung upon His cross at Golgotha, the place
of the skull. He was called Yehesua, the Christ, the Anointed One and in Hermetic
circles, Lumnious Jesus - the Son of the sun. Yeheshua spilt His blood - The blood
of the lion - upon the earth, thereby quickening our planet's spiritual centers of
force.
Yehesua established a new covenant for the Picean age and its keynote was Love.
Love one another as I have loved you. Unconditional love, service and sacrifice was
and continues to be the levy - the tax- imposed upon humanity in exchange for its right
to inhabit the Earth - the battleground - where the potential exists for spirit to
experience and ultimately conquer matter. The challenge to love was also imposed upon
the soul of the Earth - our motherland. She too must pay her taxes and does so daily
by working with and through humanity, unconditionally, in a physical-spiritual sense.
When questioned by the scribes and Pharisees concerning the sign of judgement day,
Jesus replied: An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall
be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Gor as Jonah was three days and
three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth... (Matthew 12:38-40).
Jonah, like Vishnu the Preserver symbolizes the candidate who is buried in the belly
of a whale (the tomb, cave, ship and sarcophagus) where he is carried to the heart of
the earth and to the heart of the sun during and initiatory journey for "three days
and three nights." Crucified before the sun, Christ himself "descended into hell and
on the third day arose from the dead."
What is in store for humanity?
In the not too distant future, a new and stronomically ordained covenant will be
established as Earth submits to the sacred rites. Are we also ready to advance in
partnership with the spirit of our Earth? Has humanity fulfilled the charge imposed
by the Picean age: to love one another? Has it properly prepared itself to move on
to a loftier rung in the evolutionary ladder? For the measure you give will be the
measure you get back. (Luke 6:38).
The condition of the fish-man is presently upon us as the celestial pole advances away
from the constellation Pices toward that of Aquarius. Astronomically speaking, the
sign of Jonah is close at hand. -- Joan S.
The birth of David and the birth of Christ are just two events that were declared by
signs in the heavens. Just as there are many examples in the Bible of signs in the
heavens; so there shall be a sign which declares the coming of the message of Jonah and
the rescue of Jesus' elect from the earth.
(d) Let us explore the next reference of Christ's statements specifically now the
significance of the reference to Jonah.
Jonah whose name means "dove" was a prophet to Israel. Israel was going through political
revival when God sent Jonah to Nineveh. But not before he shrank back from the
commission which he felt sure would result in the sparing of a hostile and heathen
city.
In the years during the Exile there grew up in Israel a bitter and vengeful spirit toward
other lands. The nation had endured so much at the hands of their enemies that they
were not inclined to keep alive the vision of Israel as God's servant called to share the
redemptive truth that one day would reach all men. Israel's passionate wish was that
God would consume all of it's enemies with wrath rather that the earth to become one
with God as Lord of all.
The same way the Jews wanted the Ninevites to be condemned, so religious churches still
do today. They pull out their spiritual measuring sticks and decide who is good enough-
or not.
(e) The next reference is to Nineveh, which was the capital of the ancient kingdom and
empire of Assyria which is first mentioned in the Old Testament. It is mentioned in
relation to the primitive dispersement and migrations of the human race and was believed
to have began with a colony of people from Babylon.
The Ninevites worshipped idols and false gods in barbaric magnificence, complete with
drunkards, notorious heathens, yet one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world
and rival to the nation of Israel.
They were responsible for a number of Israel's greatest disasters. During 800-700BC
they invaded Palestine again and again, burning, looting cities, laying waste the
countryside and deporting the inhabitants. This capital of the Assyrian Empire was
th most hated and feared of Israel's oppressors.
Perhaps God chose Nineveh to display the depth of His mercy because its inhabitants
were more hated by Israelites than the people of any other city. It is important to note
here that there were some Jewish people of that day who did not feel as the majority
did.
The Ninevites were considered evil heathens and Jonah understood that politically much
of Israel would rather see their enemies destroyed than saved by God. Jonah was not a
coward, he was unwilling to proclaim God's judgement upon the people of Nineveh
bacause of his fear they might repent and thereby saved from certain destruction. So,
he tried to escape Tarshigh thinking that by running away from Israel he could run from
their God.
The providence of God watched over him first in a storm and again when he was swallowed
by a large fish for three days and three nights. After he was delivered, he proceeded
to Nineveh and the king, believing him to be sent by a supreme God and having heard of
Jonah's miraculous deliverance ordered a fast and turned away the threatened judgement.
His entire kingdom repented with ashes and sackcloth and even put sackcloth and ashes
on their animals to express their complete repentence for all they had done.
When the whole population with the king as its head, repented and humbled itself and was
spared, Jonah did not act as one might expect. His message produced an ironical conversion
of the heathen. Instead of refoicing in the success of his preaching he was angry and
heartbroken.
Jonah, not from personal but national feelings grudged God's mercy shown to a heathen
nation. Yet in this experience Jonah learned the capacity of Gentiles for salvation,
and the intentional design of God to make them partakers of it. In other words, it is
not difficult for God to save anyone.
(f) Moving on to the three days and nights of Jonah in the whale. Jesus spoke of Jonah's
being in the whale's belly for three days and three nights, which has traditionally been
identified as a symbol of Jesus' own death and resurrection and is commonly accepted as
the meaning among Theologians today. Throughout the entire course of my research every
Biblical Scholar, Theologian, Preacher, Commentaries, or religious information which has
been made available to me has stated that the sign of Jonah was fulfilled with the death
of Christ and his being ressurrected from the tomb after three days.
As God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, I submit to you now that there is a
third fulfillment being spoken of by Christ as a future event to herald His return for
His chosen from this earth.
2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this on thing, dear friends; with the Lord a day is like
a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping
His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to
perish but everyone to come to repentance.
This scripture does not define a day because it does not say,"A day is a thousand years."
The correct understanding is derived from the context. To the eternal creator of time, a short period of time and a long period of may well be the same.
Further if we take a look we see again that it all begins back 3,000 years
ago with the prophets which have been beckoning the hearts of man to turn from their evil
and adulterous ways and return to the original faith of our fathers, a faith for a salvation
which would reach all mankind. Three thousand years ago was also when jews began awaiting
the birth of a messiah to come and be Lord of all the earth.
For three days and nights Jesus has been in the heart of the earth. This is the
countdown to his imminent return.
(g) As we take a look at the term "Judgement" it is defined as pronouncing to be not what
ought to be; to utter disapproval; to express objection of something that is wrong; to
pronounce to be unfit for use or service. Judgement is the act of passing a decision
on a matter; tha act of judgement which is wise, skillful, with good sense, discernment,
understanding; opinion formed by consideration; a determination of the mind so formed
which offers a proposition; the final trial of the human race.
The bad news is wrong. God's righteous judgement is not the same as the judgement of man.
Having personally experienced my judgement from the mouth of God, before I've passed on,
I am most qualified to share what God's righteous judgement is.
Judgment is designed to bring light to a wrong, but righteous judgement is always on the
side of the accused, and it is always followed by mercy.
When we stop judging others, God no longer holds judgement against us. I am reminded of
the lovely scripture found in 1 Cor 4:5. Therefore judge nothing before the time of the Lord
comes, who both will bring light to the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest
the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.
Therefore, you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing
judgement on another you condemn yourself." Romans 2:1
It is the same for God as He asks from us. So how can he do anything more than to judge
us all with righteousness lest He condemn Himself?
(h) The meaning of condemn is to pronounce to be utterly wrong, to utter disapproval; to
express objection of something that is wrong; to pronounce to be be undit for use or
service. Reproach, to declare the suffering caused by a wrongdoing; a censure of something
considered outrageous or shameful; expression of disgrace.
In the Jonah scriptures the condemning going on here I believe is utter disapproval.
(i) Looking back to the story of Jonah, his message was not one of condemnation, but
reproach. A forgiven nation does not use condemnation but reproach to approach the
wrongdoings of others; but an unforgiving nation will certainly be condemned by their
own conscious.
Repent - Creep; to feel pain or sorrow or regret for something done or left undone by
one's own self; to experience such sorrow for something that it changes one's life.
To remember with self-reproach; to feel grief on account of; the state of being penitent,
such sorrow for past conduct which produces a new life.
(j) Queen of the South
Queen: kween, n [OE cwen, a queen, a wife (akin quean) = Goth. Qvens, qveeins; a woman;
Icel. Kvdn, a wife, kona, a woman; Dan. Qvinde, gyne, Skt. Jani, a woman - root gan, Gr.
and L (gen), to produce]
The spouse or consort or widow of a king; a woman who is over a kingdom; a preeminent
woman; a playing card on which a queen is depicted; chess the most powerful of all the
pieces in a set; entom. the fertile female in a colony as of ants or bees. Slang,
a very attractive girl or woman; a male homosexual.
My Concordance lists three references to queens:
1 Kings 10:1 Now when the Queen of Sheba heard
Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south will rise up
Revelation 18 Says in her heart, "I sit as queen...,"
The Queen of Sheba is one mention of the term queen in the Bible, and Jesus refers to the
queen of the south in the second reference. The final reference to queen which is found
in revelation is the mystery Babylon.
With reference to the scriptures we are examining, historically theologians and scholars
have linked the first two together as meaning one in the same. But if you look at scripture
as it has been rewritten from its original text, scribes have transformed from the original
interpretation, "A queen of the south," or, "a southern queen," to currently we find it to
read "the queen of the south" and "the Queen of Sheba," as is accepted as it's meaning by
many scholars and theologians today.
The word in Hebrew, translated "regina" and primarily used to define "queen" also bears the
meaning of "belle" and enables the original scripture to also be rightly interpreted as
"A southern belle."
South: allied to the sun; being the region of the sun, also known as a section of the US
below the Mason Dixon line and east of the Mississippi river. A woman from this southern
region as defined by Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary is commonly known as a "Southern
Belle."
There are perhaps as many similarities as there are differences when it comes to comparing
and contrasting how the queen of Matthew has its symbolism cast from the Queen of Sheba
mentioned in 1 Kings.
Sheba was the great trading center of southwestern Arabia and during this time history
was the great trading community of southwestern Arabia and controlled the over land
trade routes.
The story of the Queen of Sheba shows us just how the surpassing wisdom of Solomon was
so great that it spread throughout Arabia among those very tribes which were most famous
for their wisdom from even ancient times.
The Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem with hard questions and to see for herself what
she had heard of his incomparable wisdom and wealth. She came to Jerusalem with over
abundant gifts meant to impress even the greatest emperor.
Once she held the splendor of Jerusalem she admitted that Solomon surpassed in wisdom
and prosperity more than what was told to her. She lost her courage to compete with
him and in her enthusiasm she cried, "Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted
in you and set you on the throne of Israel!"
Other kingdoms had strict caste systems dividing classes of people according to wisdom
and wealth and mistreated and shunned those who did not have important status, but in
Solomon's kingdom even the lowest servants were dressed impressively.
Solomon answered all her questions and when she waw his wisdom, his home, the meat at
his table, how people were cared for and treated with respect in addition to the burnt
offerings and temple that were the center of Solomon's worship she was left breathless.
The record of the Queen's visit closes when King Solomon gives the Queen of Sheba all
that she desires, whatever she asked for in addition to what was already given her by
the King.
(k) The Wisdom of Solomon - Solomon was the child of David and Bathsheba who was promised
the throne. He was taught all that priests and prophets were taught. Once Solomon was
anointed king never before, or after, did Israel as a kingdom take its place among the
great monarchies of the East. Large treasures accumulated over many years were at his
disposal. Solomon was considered "fairer than the children of men," and "altogether
lovely." He possessed all the gifts of a noble and far-reaching intellect, compassionate,
a playful sense of humor, his lips were "Full of grace," and his soul was "anointed,"
"with the oil of gladness."
The king possessed large quantities of abounding plenty. He completed his father's
temple. Solomon prayed that the glory of the temple might turn the minds of foreign
visitors to "know Thy name and fear Thee." (8:43)
God in a vision offered Solomon the choice of good things he would have, he chose
wisdom over riches, or honor or long life. God gave him wisdom in great measure.
His wisdom varied ranging from nature, animate and inanimate, the lives and characters
of men, but the highest wisdom was what he wanted for his highest work, which was
to govern and guide.
While in other kingdoms it was clear to distinguish the servants from the ministers
or officials by their attire, wealth, health, education and social status; King Solomon's
servants were dressed on a grand scale.
Solomon later turned to other gods and not only did he condemn the Canaanites to
bondage but he fell from the loftiest height of his religious life to the lowest
giving himself to "strange women" and "strange gods."
(l) Something greater than Jonah/Solomon is here!
What is the sign of Jonah spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 12:39-42? The statement
by Jesus is a concealed prophecy. Though it foreshadowed the resurrection of Jesus,
so the resurrection of Jesus has foreshadowed the revelation of this prophecy to us
today - The Sign of Jonah.
Jonah was told by God to go to the most heathen city and cry out against their
wickedness and call them to repentance. This sign is a message of repentance.
Jonah's experience foretold the breadth of God's saving love, mercy, and forgiveness,
Which opposes sectarianism and exclusivism. Today I call Religion and churches to
this same repentance who claim to have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof.
The point of the book of Jonah was that God is a universal God; and the sign which
foreshadowed not only the death and resurrection of Christ, but was a potent sign
forshadowing God's awesome mercy throughout all generations and especially what He
has planned to be a sign of the events which will take place at the end of this age.
But this preaching will not be regarded as a sign at all by an unrepentant generation.
This message is the sign by the spirit with power to convince men of God's reality,
righteousness, judgement and mercy. If the preaching of Moses has convincing power
how much more persuasive will this message be?
Paul regarded the preaching of such a message as an act of God, a miracle to show
His great power. It's preaching demonstrates the spirit and power as a sign, which
is not only about the miracle and mystery of Christ, but a part of God's continuing
miracle.
The fact that men fail to see the light, keeps asking for a sign doesn't mean that the
light is out but that their spiritual eyes are not healthy - therefore they aren't able
to see things the way they really are. God's light can only shine where people have
eyes to see it. God cannot reveal things men will not accept or comprehend. The
kingdom of God is with men, but some do not see it all all; while others see it as the
kingdom of evil.
This generation is evil because it is full of pride and greed and jealousy. Because
of the darkness of ignorance and perverted understanding of Christ, their blindness
is complete and very destructive. It is not ignorance, but false knowledge, which
causes them to perpetuate evil. Their pride will not admit they've been wrong.
Jesus has authority over demons, disease, nature, tradition, the effects of sin and
all people and every realm; the Lord has conquered them all. The wisdom of man is
foolishness to God. His ways are not our ways. God's judgement is always followed
by mercy. God judges us with equity and in righteousness. Nothing evil is in the
presence of God and nothing is hidden from Him. He created all things.
God's righteous judgement always stands on the side of the accused. Love NEVER fails.
The underlying message of the sign of Jonah is that God's providence is over all
nations and He cares for all of His creatures in an intimate way making the sun to rise
on the wicked as well as the good. He starts at the bottom and works His way up.
That this generation is evil and adulterous is shown by the fact that it does not
recognize the truth and practices apostacy. They have forsaken God. God is love,
and amidst the sin and shame of human life it is a Father who pleads with His children
to return to our first love, the hope of our faith for a salvation which will redeem
all mankind under one Father, our God. It is exactly what Christ did on the cross
that covered the sins of all mankind without partiality.
Even Isaiah, whose fate it was to pronounce a judgement against a people he loved,
before he said a single word about the divine andger, pleaded with men to consider
the suffering of a Father's love over his lost children. This was the underlying
theme of all the prophets as they warned against chasing after false Gods. The
church has been committing spiritual adultery.
The Sign of Jonah is a sign of preaching which emphasizes forgiveness and repentance.
Complete forgiveness is what we require from God, so complete forgiveness is what is
required from us. This is the key to being rapture ready, it gives sight to the blind,
makes the lame to walk and opens our ears to the truth of the depth of God's love.
Jonah had no credentials except the credential of God's truth making its impact on
guilty hearts to bring repentance. The Sign of Jonah prepares for a resurrection more
wonderful than the deliverance of Jonah from the whale or the resurrection of Christ;
this sign will bring stern judgement, but it will not convince the enemies of Christ
for they won't be persuaded even if one rose from the dead. Something greater than
Jonah is here.
A southern [belle] will rise up in the judgement with this generation and [call it to
repentance] because she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom
of Solomon. I was raised in Mississippi. My name means "full of grace" and God gave me this Jonah message to share with the world.
The Sign of Jonah is a far-reaching wisdom that instantly pierces the soul. The belle
was so eager for wisdom she traveled very far in her faith to satisfy her deep longing
to know God.
The queen is a heathen just like the Ninevites. Like Jonah she has no credentials
except the commission of God; this is what makes her the most appropriate witness.
She sends a warning to critics who do not desire the truth; in their pride they hate
the light. How will she reawaken in Christians a sense of their destiny and make
them put away man made traditions for God's great truth that the love of God is
bigger than the measure of man's mind?'
This truth is a constant rebuke to our narrow judgements and our divisions. Many people
today will not see the moving spirit of God as it points to a more equal world instead
of continuing to revel in the good ole days of privilege and separation.
The meanness and foolishness of men is against the greatness and goodness and love
of God. The great dream of God's people, of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus was for
an inclusive and universal brotherhood, firmly grounded as one with God over all.
Our faith is based on the words of our fathers who did strive for the reconciliation
of mankind, but the false doctrines of men have taken us off that path. The choice
we are faced with is this: Do we continue to follow the teachings of men (foolishness),
or seek God's face and do His will? (understanding) God wants to revive the unfit,
He's not interested in the survival of the fittest. Our forefathers had a firm
belief that God's mercy is extended to all mankind.
God asked me to bring this message that all men be judged with righteousness.
Righteousness is incapable of unforgiveness. When we walk in righteousness we are
able to overcome every power of satan himself. Love never fails.
THIS IS A CALL TO REPENTANCE FOR THE CHURCHES. The sin of religious piety is a lower
more attainable standard, which keeps us from the depth of God's love and the
unattainability of any righteousness of our own. Once we get rid of all of our
condemnation, judgement and unforgiveness we are no longer slaves. As a man freely
accepts the promises of God, he is more able to obey God's greatest command to love
one another and all.
I am not proclaiming the gospel of a new religion, but the fulfillment of the very one
you should already know - the message of complete reconciliation of God's Creation.
The believers that look the most hopeless to this world are actually not as hopeless as
the world believes they are. The more a person seeks righteousness the greater likelyhood
of their suffering.
It is not hard for God to save anyone and He saves us in our lowest moment of despair.
The more rejected and outcast by the world that a God fearing person becomes, the
closer they get to the proverbial narrow road. We come to a point where all we have
left is God.
When we count ourselves as the lowest among men, this is what it means to be humble.
Humility was one of Jesus' most obvious qualities. A humble person feels unworthy of
casting judgement on others. Those who are truly in Christ do not see condemnation
toward others. When we stop judging others God no longer holds judgement against us.
The crucifixion planned by hearts full of hate remains the only way we have of ending
hate that this world has ever seen. Jesus gathered up unto Himself the sins of the
whole world, took them with Him to the cross, bore the quilt which no man can bear for
himself; satisfied once for all what ever needed to be satified in the justice, holiness
and love of God and finally made possible the full and complete forgiveness for every
human being, in every age, under every condition for all eternity.
The Son of God is the King of kings who rules by enslaving Himself and by dying for
His whole creation. He descended into hell and took the keys of hell and death and
set the prisoners free.
Just pray about it and realize that Jesus took His ministry out to the hopeless that
the church rejected and proved they could be saved, and quite easily at that. They
had no pride or hope for heaven, that is what truly makes it a gift. They have no
works to justify why the should receive salvation, but cry to God in their hearts
anyways. Like lambs let to the slaughter they have accepted that death is their fate
without resistance.
What lie has been put into our hears for teh false pens of scribes and the traditions
of man that would have our King to be found insufficient, mocked, His mercy to be lacking,
and His love to fail even one.
The world teaches us that God starts saving at the top with the really "good," really
"easy" ones and works His way down to the more questionable characters. The people at
the bottom have little to no hope of being saved. This is a lie.
God starts at the bottom with a firm foundation and then builds His mansion upwards.
It is not difficult for God to save anyone; it shows no awesome power to save the "easy"
ones first. It's like building a roof before the foundation; and an awesome God could
not do anything less for His creation than for His unlimited love to race instantly
to the point of its greatest need and overcome it.
I am not willing for one to be lost. God is not either. If we expect Him to give us
complete forgiveness, then we are completely forgiven when we completely forgive.
For if we do this it will never again be a question of which of us shall be lost. And
that is the way the Law of Love says it should be. The last shall be the first and
the least shall be the greatest.
God does not judge us for what we do not know. If we knew better we could do better.
We, as Christians should know better, that these words are not the proclamation of
some sort of new "religion" but the fulfillment of the same faith we claim to have
and should already know.
This is the God I serve, God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Lord of my life
Jesus Christ. They didn't believe God would half way save the world and I don't
either. I cannot follow any other shepherd for I am sure that if any sheep are
lost, Jesus will leave the others on the mountainside and search for the lost one
until it is found. And when He finds it, truly, He rejoices over it more than the ones
who were never lost. This world belongs to God and everything in it. Every knee will
bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord and King over all the Earth.
Either Jesus was the perfect sacrifice or He wasn't. Jesus came to save the world and die
for all sin. Period. I know He has accomplished what He came to do. In the end all souls
will return to a knowledge and presence with God.
The churches are teaching that we are all seperate spirits and that a great deal of God's
creation is, "bad." Why? He called it good.
That is the fruit from the tree of good and evil. That is the lie that perpetuated from
the seperation that occured in the garden of eden. It gives us the illusion that evil
has power. It teaches us that Love fails. It produces unforgiveness, it leaves us starving.
Suppose we are separate beings as our flesh decieves us into believing. If pieces of our
foundation were broken or lost than our foundation is not solid, and our house will not
stand. That would be like a house built on the sand.
The fruit from the tree of life is quite another story indeed. When you eat from it you
turn from evil. We see the thruth that we are all created in the image of God. That our
spirit should be united as one and either we all stand together or together we all fall.
Savor forgiveness and see that it is good. Offer the fruit to all mankind. For if you
eat of it you will never hunger again. This is is the house that was built on a rock.
My faith has the power for salvation of all mankind. It is the exceeding measure of faith
that God had given me in that He demonstrated His love for me of which I cannot escape.
The same love is avalable to all of His creation.
The faith of others seems to be only for themselves and a select few. It is a shaky
faith at best. It takes more faith to believe that Jesus came to save the world and has
won victoriously that it does to believe that He is only able to salvage a small portion
because satan has sooo much power. All things were given to Christ by the Father and in
Him are all things. Once again the Pharisees are crucifying our Messiah, hanging him
back on the cross proclaiming that what He did was not good enough.
Why are men teaching that Christ came to save the world and failed?
If it is God's will that none shall be lost, why is that not our will?
Why do we pray His will be done [that none shall be lost] and then believe it won't?
What is powerful enough to overcome His will?
Why do we believe that worldly success is evidence of God's favor?
Why do we believe that it is difficult for God to save certain people?
Why do we believe that making mistakes takes one farther from God rather than closer
while going through our trials and tribulations?
Our love for them (or not) IS our trial. It is not our choice to judge anyone and
decide they cannot come.
God would not have us to be as tax collectors throwing rocks at our brothers and
sisters; the very one Jesus based His ministry around; the rest of His creation
that He called "very good." God chose what is low and despised in this world to shame
the wise, so that no man can boast.
Jesus will lose nothing but raise it all in the last day. John 6:39
Yes, this sign is a spiritual resurrection more wonderful that the deliverance of Jonah
from the whale.
Inclusion:
The Jews have stumbled, when we open the story in Romans 11:11-12
"So I ask, have they stumbled as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles so as to make Israel jealous. Now if theier stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for the gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!"
The later scriptures explains the lot of the Gentiles in Romans 11:28-32 "As regards to the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake; but in regards to being chosen they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; for the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now recieved mercy because of their disobedience. So they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you, they too may recieve mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so He may be merciful to all."
See, I am the Lord, God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for me? Jer. 32:26
posted by Sign of Jonah at
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