It is entirely natural for God to communicate with all of His creation.
Fantasy and Inspiration
Author Hugh Lofting wrote a fantasy story called Doctor Dolittle. The inspiration for his book came as he wrote to his children from the trenches during World War I.
The plot involves a parrot named Polynesia, who teaches Doctor Dolittle the language of animals. The doctor then takes up a veterinary practice, communicates with animals, helps them, and embarks on overseas adventures.
The book became one of the classics in children's literature.
Fantasy Rooted in Reality
Hugh Lofting’s children's books are mainly nonreligious.
Still, I do wonder whether the true biblical story of Jonah influenced him when writing Doctor Dolittle. The idea of communicating with the animal world or talking intelligently to animals in their own language. Fantasy worlds are often shaped by elements of reality.
The Historical Jonah
Jonah, son of Amittai, lived during the reign of Jeroboam II, who was the 13th king of the northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 793–753 BCE).
Jesus interpreted all the events of Jonah as historical fact (Matthew 12:39–41). Therefore Jesus confirms the truth and details of Jonah's story.
God's Communication with Creation
Jonah records God communicating with various life forms and we see that God knows the language of animals.
‘Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights’ Jonah 1:17.
Fish are animals. There are approximately 8.7 million living animal species on earth, and God can communicate fluently with all of them.
Christians know that God is holy, righteous, just, and all-powerful. But how many realise that God is the original and ultimate hyperpolyglot?
God comprehends every language and communicates with all creation.
God spoke to a fish and assigned it the task of rescuing Jonah. God communicates with the atmosphere, and the wind responds. God conveys messages to plants, and the plants respond to divine guidance.
God's Appointments
The term ‘provided’ in ‘the Lord provided a huge fish’ for Jonah means ‘appointed’ or ‘selected’.
To appoint is to officially select. God sent a large fish to swallow Jonah and later commanded the fish to safely release Jonah onto dry land (Jonah 2:10).
The same word ‘appoint’ appears in Jonah chapter 4 verses 6–8.
4:6 God appoints a leafy plant (vine).
4:7 God appoints a worm (invertebrate animal).
4:8 God appoints a scorching wind.
God told a fish what to do, and the fish obeyed.
God told a plant what to do, and the plant obeyed.
God told a worm what to do, and the worm obeyed.
God told the wind what to do, and the wind obeyed.
God speaks to humans too, but we don't always act in accordance with God's requests.
God's Appointment for Humans
Did you know that God has appointed you a time in history, to live the life you are now living? Why? So that you might reach out for God and perhaps find Him.
Acts 17:26–27.
God's Communication through Jesus
‘in these last days God has spoken to us through his Son Jesus Christ’
Hebrews 1:2.
Some of the things that Jesus said have been recorded in the Bible so we can read them and follow God’s instructions.
Teachings of Jesus
Jesus tells us,
"Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).
"Do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12).
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17).
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1).
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven"(Matthew 5:16).
"Turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39).
"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33)
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