Jonah

My word arose in Jonah's ear To Nineveh say, "The judgment’s near; Now harken unto My decree, For your wicked ways have come to Me." But from My presence Jonah fled Down to Joppa so he sped To Tarshish he bought a fare In a ship to take him there. The ship was battered by winds intense The cargo lost at great expense The captain cried, "Why do you sleep? Entreat your God, our souls to keep." The one was sought and lots were cast It fell on Jonah - the truth at last. "I am a Hebrew, I fear the Lord; Save yourselves, throw me overboard." "Do not charge us for Jonah's life By ridding him we'll end this strife." With fear and dread they threw him in A fish prepared to swallow him. Three days and nights he suffered hell A time to think from where he fell From the mouth of Sheol repentance grew And onto land the fish did spew. The streets of Nineveh heard that day A prophet's warning to obey. A fast was called, the city spared The prophet left, his anger flared. Another slap, it came his way The mercy of God to those who obey The sun, the shelter, the worm, the vine The love of God meant to refine. The storms of life are there to warn Of impending judgement about to dawn As My people run from Me A fish I send to set them free.