Among all the parts of speech, prepositions are the most difficult to learn for Filipinos writing in the English language. It’s because Filipino prepositions (pang-ukol) are few and therefore not meticulously studied in Filipino subjects.
It is always a challenge for us, therefore, to choose from among many English prepositions such as: in, on, at, from, with, etc. Almost all translate to “sa” and “ng.”
Our pastor piqued my interest when he started saying “preposition” from the pulpit during Missions month. Grammar lesson?
In a way, yes. He mentioned three prepositions that encompass prophet Jonah’s attitude when he was being sent out by God on a special mission to Nineveh.
Jonah was to convince the people to confess their evil deeds to God, or the Lord would destroy the nation. Nineveh was an enemy of Jonah's country, Israel, so he refused to go there.
First preposition: from
Jonah ran away from God. He traveled elsewhere, by ship. But there was a terrible storm, The sailors decided that Jonah was to blame so they threw him overboard and the storm suddenly stopped. God sent a large fish to swallow Jonah so he would not drown. In the belly of the fish for three day and three nights, Jonah realized that his troubles arose from resisting God. He asked for the Lord’s forgiveness and thanked Him for rescuing him. God then caused the fish to throw up Jonah to the shores of Nineveh.
Second preposition: to
Jonah finally went to God. He warned the people that they should confess their wickedness within 40 days so the Lord would spare their land. The people obeyed Jonah and God saved them all from being wiped out.
Third preposition: with
Now Jonah was with God. In the Christian world, this symbolizes new life after three days and nights of death in the fish's belly. This would be reflected in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Simply put, if we are with God, we will bask in His grace and His love forever and ever and ever.
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