[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

How amazing that sin cost Jonah both money and effort; he paid the fare for the journey to accomplish his sin. As for grace, we obtain it free. It is amazing that we toil for our own hurt, expending money and effort. Perhaps it would have been a blessing to Jonah if he had not the money at the time to help him travel and disobey.

When Jonah paid the fare of the ship, he suffered a double loss. He lost his money, his obedience and purity of heart.

This is a glimpse of Jonah's faults when he fled and disobeyed. What was God's attitude?

It is amazing that God used Jonah's disobedience for good. Indeed God is able to use all things for the glory of His name.