IT took Jonah some time to learn that salvation is of the Lord. If we read this chapter carefully we find him quoting Scripture, but that did not avail to deliver him from the belly of the great sea-monster. He looked in spirit toward Jehovah’s temple, made vows, and offered prayers, but still he remained a prisoner in that dark dungeon; but the moment he turned from self altogether and cried, “Salvation is of the Lord,” Jehovah spoke unto the fish and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. We too have to learn the same lesson. Self-effort avails nothing: the Lord alone saves the trusting soul.
“Saviour, I look to Thee,
Let me Thy fullness see,
Save me from fear;
While at Thy cross I kneel,
All my backslidings heal,
And a free pardon seal,
My soul to cheer.
Saviour, I look to Thee,
Thine shall the glory be,
Hearer of prayer:
Thou art my only aid,
On Thee my soul is stayed,
Naught can my heart invade,
While Thou art near.”
—Hastings.