"Jonah:AProphetWithABadAttitude"

"ABibleCommentaryOnTheBookOfJonah"

"EffectiveExpositionsForLife"

WrittenBy:Dr.StanA.FryePresidentof

GatewayInternationalMissions,Inc.P.O.Box667

Taylorsville,NC28681OfficePhone:828-632-2344

E-MailAddress:gimi@charter.netWebSite:gatewayinternationalmissions.com

Introduction:

Aswebegin thisversebyversestudyof theBookOf Jonah, I thinkwe justneedtostopandreflectupontheimportanceofthis littlebookintheentireBible.There is probably no other book of the Bible that has suffered such disbelief,accusations,criticism,anddownrightmockeryashasthisspecialbooktuckedawayinthemuchneglectedandforgottenMinorProphets.Withoutadoubt,Ibelievethatthe reason behind all of these attacks and castigations is just simply because theBookofJonahisoneofthestrongestpresentationsoftheGospelmessagethathaseverbeengivenbyourLord,andthusSatanhatesittremendously.Hopefullybythetimethatwearefinishedwiththisstudy,youtoowillagreewithmethatthisistrulytheGospel comingout of theOldTestament.And just remember that inMatthew12:38-41, Jesus told the religious scribes andPharisees that theonly sign thatHewasgoingtogivethemwasthesignof Jonahwhosestorywoulddepictthedeath,burial and resurrection. Read carefully these words.Matthew 12:38-41, "ThencertainofthescribesandofthePhariseesanswered,saying,Master,wewouldsee a sign from thee. But He answered and said unto them, An evil andadulterousgenerationseekethafterasign;andthereshallnosignbegiventoit, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonaswas three days and threenights in thewhale's belly; so shall the Sonofmanbe threedays and threenights in the heart of the earth. Themen of Nineveh shall rise in judgmentwith this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at thepreachingofJonas;andbehold,agreaterthanJonasishere." Inotherwordsfolks, if JesusChristvalidatedtheimportanceoftheBookofJonah with His statement about this being the only sign that the Jewish peoplewould get, then itwould behoove us to consider in depth the significance of thisprecious little book. And,wemust also notmiss the practical applications of thisbooktothe livesofbelieverswhohavebeencalledbyGod,andyet theyhaverunfromthiscall.Aswewilllearninourstudy,itistrulyadangerousthingtorunfromGod'scall,becausewhenwedo,wenotonlyendangerourselves,butweendangeralsothemultitudesofotherswhomaybewaitingforthemessageofGodwhichwehavebeencalledtodeliver.And,justlikeJonahwhowashiddenawayinthebottomoftheshipthinkingeverythingwouldbeokay,wetoomaysurelyendangerthosearound us as Jonah did the rest of themarinerswhowere on the same ship.Mypoint is, disobedience to God always brings danger and hurt to our families, ourfriends,our travelingcompanions,ourcommunities,andyes, to thosewhoshouldbereceivingourmessagewhichGodcalledustowarn.Inotherwords,beingcalledbyGodisaveryseriousbusiness. Beforemovingon to theversebyversecontentofourverses, letmesharewith you that scholars tell us that Jonah probably preached to the NorthernKingdomaboutthesametimethatElishadid,andduringabouttwentyyearsofthereignofJeroboamII.YoucanfindthementionofthisinIIKings14:25,whereweare told that Jeroboam II, though a very evilman,was allowed byGod to initiatesomewhatofasecularrevivalinSamariabyenlargingitsterritoryandrestoring

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some of its lost power. Jonah had prophesied that thiswould happen, but he yetpleadedforaspiritualrevivalwithintheland.Thisrevivaldidn'tcome,andlaterin722 B.C., the Assyrian Empire of which Nineveh was the capitol, came into theNorthernKingdomthroughSyriaandliterallydestroyedthetentribesintheNorth.Afterthisinvasion,thesetentribeswereneverheardfromagain,exceptinthefalseprojectionsofsomeofthecultslikeMormonismandBritishIsraelism.TheNorthernKingdomwasnowgone,andallbecauseofrebellionagainstGodandthepreachingofgreatprophetswhichGodsenttowarnthem. Wedon'tknowforsurewhenGodcalledJonahtogotoNinevehandcryoutagainsttheirwickedness,butsomesaythatitmayhavebeenbetween786B.C.and746B.C.,whichwouldhavebeenjustabout25yearsbeforetheNorthernKingdomfellundertheAssyrianinvasion.Ican'tprovethisBiblically,butIthinktherewereseveral reasons for God to call Jonah toNineveh, but one stands out inmymind.Thatwouldbe so that ifNineveh repented at thepreachingof Jonah,maybe theywould not eventually carry out the attack against the Northern Kingdom. Butbecausewecan'tgetallofthedatesinline,wecan'tbesure.However,wedoknowthatGodgave Jonaha secondchance, andevenwith the resentmentof Jonah, thepeopleinNinevehdidrepent inresponsetoJonah'swarning.Thus,maybeJonah'spreachingafterGodgavehimthesecondchancemayhavesoftenedtheblowtotheIsraeliteswhoweretakenintocaptivitybytheAssyrianswhowereknownfortheirbarbaricbehavior.Yet,wedoknowthatJonahwasnotpleasedattherepentanceofthepeoplejustsimplybecausehe,beingaJew,hatedtheseGentilepeople.Inotherwords, we might say that Jonah was extremely racially prejudiced. To be exact,Jonahhadaterriblybadattitudeduringthisentirestory.Itismyprayerthatnotoneof us who study this book will follow the poor example of Jonah the dove whobecameanangrypreacher.Now, let's takea lookat thesewonderfulchaptersandversestoseewhatGodistryingtoshowtousaswesincerelytrytoanswerGod'scallforourlives!

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"Jonah'sDisobedience"

Scripture:Jonah1:1-17

I.JONAH'SCALLSHOULDCHALLENGEEVERYCHRISTIAN.vs.1-2 ItismybeliefthatsinceJesusChristputsomuchemphasisuponthestoryof JonahasHeconversedwiththescribesandPharisees,wetooshouldspend muchtimeinthisstudytryingtodiscernwhatGodistryingtoshowusaswe seektofollowHiswillforourlives.Youmightjustsaythat,"Godwantsusto trulylearnfromJonah'stragicmistakes."So,let'sopenourears,oureyes, andourheartsinordertoexperiencewhatGodwantstogetacrosstoevery bornagainchildofGod.TherearehundredsofNinevehswaitingforthe prophetsandpreachersofGodtocomewithGod'swarningbeforeitistoo late.PleasejoinmeintryingtoruntoNinevehandnotdowntoJoppainan attempttofleefromGod'spresence.AsJonahsoonlearned,thereisnoplace tohidefromHispresence. A.NoticethatJonahreceivedADivinecall.v.1 1.Thiscallcametoahumbleperson.v.1a ThenameJonahmeans"dove."Thisremindsusofthehumble spiritwhichJonahmusthavehadwhenGodfirstcalledhim. Jonahwasteachableuptoapoint,butwhenGodtoldhimof HisplanforhimtogotoawickedGentilenation,thenJonah's meeknessturnedintofearandanxiety.Humilitymustbe accompaniedbyastrongfaithifwearetogetoutofourboxes andanswerthecallofGod.Itisonlythenthatwewill experiencethepeaceandconfidencethattranscendsourfears, overcomesourprejudices,andremovesourreluctanceto answerthecallofGodforourlives. TheverythoughtthatGodalmightywouldcallahumble servantfromtheworldoftheunknownandplacehimorherin thefrontlinesofworldmissionsisjustbeyondmy comprehension.Andyet,thatiswhatGodistryingtodoevery daywithHissavedservants.IbelieveHerelishesthethought oftakingnobodiesanddoingextraordinarythingswiththemif theywilljustobeyHiscall.Yet,somanyofGod'schosen servantsarenotwillingtopaythepriceforwhateverreasonto becometheusefulvesselinthehandsofalmightyGod.But,I cantellyouthatnotonepersonwilleverbehappyandoutof

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cataclysmicdangerifheorsherunsawayfromthecallofGod. Iwouldjustremindallofusthatthereisnoplacetorunandno placetohide.So,webestjustsurrenderandsayfiguratively speaking,"GodshowmethewaytoNinevah." 2.Thiscallcametoahistoricalperson.v.1b Inthelastpartofverseone,wearetoldthatJonahwastheson ofAmittai.ThenameAmittaimeanstruth,anditreveals thetruththatJonahwasindeedagenuinehistoricalperson, andnotjustamythwhichsomepeoplechoosetobelieve.In otherwords,ifyoucantracetheheritageofaperson,thenthat personistrulyarealpersonorcharacterfromhistory.Of course,thisaloneshouldbeconvincingtothemajorityof people,butsooftenwhenpeoplecan'tacceptthemiraculous, thentheytrytotheorizeawaythetruthwhichisevident.This isexactlywhathashappeneddownthroughtheyearswhen peopletrytonegatetherealityofanactualhistoricalJonah whowasaprophetandonethatranfromthecallofGod.No matterifJesusdidauthenticatethepersonandstoryofJonah inMatthew12,peoplestilltrytobesmirchthetruthofthis wonderfulscripture.Ittakesfarlessfaithtobelievethetruth ofthispassage,thanitdoestobelievethefar-fetchedtheories bytheskepticsandnaysayers. B.NoticethatJonahreceivedadifficultcall.v.2 1.Hewascalledtowitnesstoagreatcity.v.2a LittleisreallyknownaboutwhereJonahcamefrom,exceptin IIKings14:25,wearetoldthathecamefromthetownofGath- hepher,whichwasinGalileeintheallottedlandgivento Zebulon.Verylittleisknownaboutthistown,exceptitwas smallanditsnamemeans"winepressofthediggings",which impliesthatitwasatownwithvineyards.Therefore,thislittle knownservantofGodwascalledbyGodfromthislittle inconspicuoustowninGalileetogotothegreatAssyrian CapitolofNinevehandcryoutagainstitswickedness.Thevery thoughtofthisscaredJonahtodeath,andhetookoffrunning intheoppositedirectionjustlikemanydotodaywhenGod callsthemtoleavetheir"littlestuffandgotogreaterstuff." Truly,thegreatesthindrancetodoinggreatthingsforGodisto besatisfiedandcomfortablewithamuchsmalleropportunity orministry.Manyhavebeentheprophets,preachers,pastors, andotherchurchleaderswhohaveonlygottenavisionofwhat

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couldhavebeenjustsimplybecauseoftheirfearofbigger opportunitiesandtheiracceptanceoffarlessthan responsibilities.ManyservantsofGoddon'twanttheir territoriesenlargedlikeJabezjustbecausetheydon'twantany moreresponsibilitiesorobligations.Godwillnevergivelarger opportunitiesuntilwehavethefaithtosubdueourfearsand anxieties.WemustbereadytogotoourNinevehs,evenwhen wearescaredtodeath.Greateropportunitiesalwaysbringa greaterdependenceuponGodanditstretchesourfaithbeyond calculation. 2.Hewascalledtowitnesstoagodlesscity.v.2b AtthetimewhenGodcalledJonahtogotoNinevehandcryout againstitswickedness,thecityprobablyhad600,000toone millionpeople.ItwasnexttotheTigrisRiver,andmostofthe religionsinNinevehwerefromtheBabylonians,andtherefore filledidolatryandpaganism.ThecityofNinevehwasloosely runbyalmostwarlordsandtherewasmuchanarchy.The peopleweregiventoterribleimmoralityandperversions.And, mostscholarstellusthattheAssyrianswerebrutaland barbaricintheirbehavior,especiallydealingwithother countriesandpeoples.Theywererenownforkillingothers, rapingwomen,andevenrippingthebabiesfromthewombsof pregnantmoms.SoundslikeAmericatodaywithourabortion industry.TheAssyriansshowedverylittlemercywhichleads onetowonderwhyGodwouldshowthemsomuchgraceand mercythroughthewarningofJonah.Andyet,thisisthevery natureoftheGodweserve.Heismercifulandgracious,and beyondthis,Heisverypatientwithwickedpeople.Goddidn't havetosendJonahtowarnthepeople,butHedidbecauseof Hisunconditionallove.Andyes,Jonahthengotmadbecause Godchosetoredeemacityforashortperiodoftime,insteadof destroyingthemunderthemightyhandofGod.Andyet,wedo knowthatlater,theBabylonianarmyincoalitionwithseveral othercountrieseventuallyoverthrewthebrutalAssyrians. Thus,wemightsaythatnotonlydidBabylonlatersack JerusalemandtheSouthernKingdom,italsooverthrewthe Assyrianswherethetentribeshadbeentaken. Sofolks,Jonahwascommissionedtogoandpreachtoa godlesscity,andbecauseofhisficklenessandfear,hedecided totrytorunfromGod.Wemustunderstandthatonlyfaithand trustinGodwillhelpustoovercomeourfearandgowhere Godsendsus;whetherwewanttogoornot.

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II.JONAH'SCONDUCTSHOULDCAUTIONEVERYCHRISTIAN.vs.3-17 NowwecometotheseriousnessofJonah'sfearfulandoutrightdisobedience tothecallofGod.ItwouldseemtomethatJonah'sJewishandreligious pride,hisobviousracialprejudice,andhisferventhatredfortheGentiles stoodinthewayofhiscompleteobediencetoGod'scall.Hewasmore concernedabouthisownprejudiceandbitterhatredtowardothersthanhe waspleasingtheJehovahGodthatheasaJewsaidhebelievedin.Inother words,JonahhadtakenapossessiveownershipofHisGodandhewantedno partinbelievingthatthissameGodhadloveandcompassionfortheGentile nationofAssyriabecausehefeltthatJehovahwasjustforhispeoplealone. So,Jonah'sself-centeredattitudewasconcernedwithnooneoutsideofhis ownpeople.Thissameattitudeisstillpresentintheworldtoday.Wemust receivethestrongcautionthatJonah'sattitudeandactionsbringstous today.Wedarenotallowourprejudicesandfearofotherracesandethnic groupshinderusfromobeyingthecallofGodtotakeGod'smessageofgrace tothelostworld.Now,let'slookmorespecificallyatJonah'sconduct. A.Jonah'sconductwasdisgraceful.vs.3-10 1.Jonah'sconductwasdisgracefulbecausehelefttheplaceofthe Lord.v.3 JustthinkofhowseriouslydisgracefulJonah'sdecisionwas.He wassohell-bentonrunningfromGod'scallandwillthathe justdecidedtochoosesideswiththeworldofstrangersgoing intheoppositedirectionfromGod'scommand. a.Obviously,hepreferredtheplaceofsinners.v.3a Jonahjustbelievedthathewouldbemorecomfortable runningfromGodandassociatingwithwickedsinners thanhewouldbeintheperfectwillofGodrunningto theplacewhereGodhadsenthim.Myfriends,ifwe wouldratherhangoutwithwickedsinfulmenand travelevenincognitowiththemthantobeintheperfect willofGod,thereissomethingdramaticallywrongwith ourrelationshipwithGod.Therefore,IassessthatJonah wasalreadybacksliddeninhisheartandattitudebefore Godevencalledhim.NochildofGodtryingtolivein closeproximitytoGodwouldhavebeensoquicktorun fromGodifheorshehadagenuineheartrelationship withGod.Therefore,thecautionforusisthatwedon't liveinaprofessingcasualrelationshipwithGoddaily

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becauseifweare,andGodcallsustoanewfieldof opportunity,wewillrunfromthecallbecauseofour fear,anxiety,hatredofothers,orjustsimplybecauseof ourlackoffaithandtrustinGod.Sofriend,ifyouwant toknowwhetheryouarelivingtoodistantfromthe Lord,allyouhavetodoistojuststopandthinkabout whomyouwouldratherspendyourtimewith,or maybeeven,whatkindofpeopledoyoufeelmore comfortablewith.Thisshouldtellyouimmediately whetheryouarebacksliddenonGodasawayward believer,ormaybeitwillshowyouthatyouaren'teven saved.Savedpeoplearenevercomfortableoratpeace runningawayfromGod. b.Obviously,hepaidthepriceforsinning.v.3b Inversethree,wearetoldthatJonahwentdownto Joppaandfoundashipthatwasgettingreadytodepart forTarshish,whichwashundredsandhundredsof milesawayinSpain.Thiswasthecompleteopposite directionfromwhereGodhadtoldJonahtogo.So,we findinthisversethatJonahpaidthefaretogetonthe ship,butinreality,thepricehepaidfortheticketwas nothingcomparedtothepricehewasabouttopayfor runningfromGod'swillforhislife.Justalways remember,thereisapaydaysomedayforthosewho trysohardtorunfromGod'swillandcommand.Jonah paidthefaretogetontheship,butverysoon,he wouldbepayinganenormouspriceforhis disobedience.Thepricewouldbehislifeinthebellyof afish. c.Obviously,hepreferredthepresenceofsinners.v.3c Wellnow,Jonahhaspaidthepriceofhisticketandheis nowonboardtheshipheadingfordisasterbecausehe didn'treallytakeseriouslythecallofGod.Hehad decidedtonotonlychangehisplaceofresidencetrying toliveforGod,buthedecidedthathewouldratherhave thepresenceofsinnersthanhewouldtohavethe righteouspresenceofGod.Inotherwords,hemadethe mistakeasmultitudesdobythinkinghewouldfleefrom thepresenceofGod,wheninreality,thereisnoplaceto runandhidefromGod.Godknewwherehewas,where

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hewasplanningtogo,andHeknewthathewouldbe downinthebottomofashiptravelinginthepresence ofsinnersratherthanbeinginthepresenceofGod goingtowardtheplacewhereGodsenthim.Oncemore Iwanttosay,ifyouhadratherhavethecompanyof sinnersthanlivewiththepresenceofalmightyGod, somethingistremendouslywrongwithyour relationshipwithJesus! 2.Jonah'sconductwasdisgracefulbecausehelostthepresenceof God.vs.4-10 a.Becauseofhisconduct,Jonahfacedthestormalone.v.4 MayItellyouthatitisaveryseriousmattertorunfrom thecallofGod.Jonahthoughtthathewouldrunaway fromdoingGod'swill,andinsodoing,hegothimself intoahorriblesituation.Andyet,thisishappeningtoso manybelieversinthisgeneration.Godcallssomeoneto aplaceofserviceortotheirappointedmissionfield, andforwhateverexcuse,theydecidenottoobeyGod's call,andtheygetintoaterriblemessunderthe chastisementofGod.NowIknowthatitisnotpopular tosharethistruthinthispoliticallycorrectage,butGod stillchastisesthosewhorebelagainstGod'swill.What Jonahdidwassofoolish,becausejustassoonashe thoughthewasperfectlysafefleeingfromthecall,God sentahugeunexpectedstormandnowJonahwasina terriblemessandhadtodealwiththestormof chastisementalone.Folks,itisdifficultenoughtohave todealwiththestormswhenweareinthewillofGod andhaveotherstohelpus.But,itiscompletelyanother story,whenduetoourdisobedience,wehavetofacea stormwithoutthepresenceofGodandthe encouragementofothers.So,ifyouaregoingthrougha stormrightnow,isitofyourownmaking?Ifitis becauseofyourdisobediencetoGod,thenyouwillnot onlyfacetheraggingofthestorm,butyouwillbe exposedforyourrebellionanddisobedience.aswas Jonah.PleaseknowthatasJonahlearned,itisavery seriousmattertofleefromthecallofGod.Somyfriend, ifyouarerunningfromGod,pleasestop!

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b.Becauseofhisconduct,Jonahfacedthestormasleep.v.5 DowninthebottomoftheshipwhichJonahhad boardedtofleefromthecallofGod,hewassound asleepbecauseofhisfalsesenseofsecurity.Atthevery momentthathewasasleep,Jonahwasquiteoblivious tothestormragingoutside.Butitwouldnotbelong beforeherecognizedtheseriousnessofthesituation, becausehisdisobediencetothecallofGodhadputthe livesofeveryotherpersonontheshipindanger.The crewoftheshipwascryingouttotheirfalsegodsfor help,butnohelpcamebecausetheirgodsreallydidn't exist.TheonlymanontheshipthathadtherealGod wasfastasleep.AndasmuchasIhatetoadmitit,inour daywhentheworldseemstobespinningoutofcontrol withwickednessandevileverywhere,itwouldseem thatscoresofgenuinebelieversintheonlytrueGodare fastasleepwhentheyoughttobeonthedeckofthe shipbeggingGodtostillthestormsthatareraging.But wemustremember,God'schildrenrunningfromGod's callhavenoprivilegesofansweredprayeruntilthey repentandstartinthedirectionwhereGodhascalled them.Therefore,wemustawakeandrepentofoursin andpleadforthedivineinterventionofGodtocome andstillthestorms.Weareinmuchtrouble,anditis onlyadirectinterventionfromGodthatcantrulysolve theproblem.Weneedrevivaldesperately,andthisis theonlythingthatcansaveAmerica.Pleaseremember, wemustfirstawaken,thenrepent,andthencryoutto GodforHisinterventiontostopthestorms. c.Becauseofhisconduct,Jonahfacedthesinnersaccused. vs.6-10 Inversesixofourtext,wearetoldthatthecaptainof theshipcamedownintothebottomoftheshipand awakenedJonahsomewhatroughly.HeaskedJonah whyhewasasleepinthemidstofthestormwhenso manypeople'sliveswereatstake.Theshipmaster chidedJonahfornotbeingawakeandprayingtohis Godwhenalltheotherpeoplewereprayingtotheirs. Again,theonlymanontheshipthathadthetrueGod wassoundasleepwhilethestormswereraging.

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Ijusttrulywonderhowmanythousandsofsoulsinthe worldaretodayinjeopardybecausescoresofJonahs arerunningfromthecallofGod,andareinthebottom oftheshipfastasleep?MayIaskwhattheshipmaster asked,"Howdarewebeasleepwhensomanypeople arewaitingtohearthemessageofGod'samazing grace?"JustrememberthatwhileJonahwasasleepona vesselfleeingfromthecallofGod,thousandsofsouls werestilllostinNinevehwaitingforsomeonetowarn them. Inversesevenofthetext,thepeopleontheboatall agreedthatitwastimetocastlotstoseewhowas causingalloftheproblems.InhisgreatbookonJonah, pages33-40,thelategreatpreacherandmedical doctor,M.R.DehaansaidthatGodallowedthesesailors andpossiblyotherpassengerstousethismethodin ordertopointanaccusingfingerattheculpritwhowas causingthestorm.AlthoughIamsurethatthemariners hadseenstormsmanytimesbefore,therewas obviouslysomethinguniqueaboutthisstorm.Ibelieve theyjustsensedthatthisstormwasdifferent.Maybeit wasbecauseofitsseverity,ormaybeitwasthewrong timeofyearforthisgreatstorm.Regardlessofwhythey sensedthisstormwasdifferent,thesailorsknewthat thishadtobethejudgmentofagodorthealmighty God.So,theycastlots,andJonahwasexposed.His rebellionagainstGodandhisattempttofleefromGod's presencehadnowbeendisclosedandtherewasnoway thathecoulddenythathewasthecauseofthestorm. Iwanttostoprighthereandtrytoclearupsome erroneousthinkingaboutcastinglotsandgamblingin thisdispensationoftime.IntheOldTestamentGoddid allow,andevensometimesdirectedthepeopletoseek Hiswillbythemeansofcastinglots.Thiswasprobably becausethepeopledidnothaveacopyoftheWordof Godaswedotoday,soheallowedthismethodologyto showthepeopleHiswill.Infact,heevenallowedthe highprieststousethestonesfromthevestureofthe UrimandThummintodetermineGod'swill.Itis believedthatthebadstonewasblackandthegood stonewaswhite.Thus,thepeoplewouldknowyesorno baseduponthestonethatwaswithdrawnfromthebib ofthegarment.

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ManytimesintheOldTestament,thepeopleusedthe methodofcastinglotstomakedecisionsandfindGod's will.Timeorspacewon'tallowmetolistthemany incidentsintheOldTestament,butletmejustsaythat whentheOldTestamentwascompleted,therewasno longeranyneedforcastinglotsorstonestofindGod's will.WhenwecometotheNewTestament,castinglots areonlymentionedintwoplaces.OneisinActs1, wherePeterledtheotherdisciplestoprematurely selectMatthiastoreplacethefallenJudasIscariot.I believethiswasatragicmistake,andafterthis selection,Matthiaswasneverheardfromagain. ThesecondplacewherewefindcastinglotsintheNew TestamentisfoundinMatthew27:35,wherethe horriblepeoplethatweretakingJesustoCalvarytodie foroursinscastlotsforourSavior'sclothing.Iwould justsaythattheseonlytwotimesintheNewTestament werebothusedforthewrongpurposes,andthennot oneothertimewascastinglotsuseintheentireNew Testament.Wedon'tcastlotstofindGod'swill.Weseek anddiscoverGod'swillthroughtheWordofGodandby theleadershipoftheHolySpirit.Therefore,anykindof gamblingiswrongandsinfulbecauseitisaperson's questtomakemoneyfromthelosesofothers.Godhas toldusexplicitlythatwearetoworkforourfood,and notplaythelottery.Andtruthfully,whatdamage gamblingcostsindividuals,families,communities,and societyisfargreaterthananymoneythatcouldeverbe wonthroughit.Theloveofmoneyistherootofall kindsofevil,andgamblingisthisloveandgreedoutof control.Thereisnogoodthatcancomefromgambling. So,pleasedon'tallowSatantotemptyoutothrowaway yourmoneyandlivesonafantasy. Inverses8-10,wediscoverthatthemarinersonthe shipinterrogatedJonahmorepointedlytofindoutwho hewas,whatisoccupationwas,andwhatpeopleand countrydidhecomefrom.MuchtoJonah'scredit,he didn'tlietothesailors,buthetoldthemthathewasa JewandthathefearedtheGodwhohadcreatedthe seasanddryland.Ofcourse,hemayhavestretchedthe truthjustalittlewhenhetoldthemthathefearedGod. HadhereallyfearedGod,hewouldnothavebeen runningawayfromhiscall.

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Inverse10,wecanseetheimmediateeffectsJonah's testimonyhadonthesailorsandotherpeopleonthe ship.Thisversetellsusthatthepeoplebecame exceedinglyfearfulandaskedJonahwhyhehaddone thisterriblething.Jonahhadtoldthemthathewas fleeingfromthepresenceofGod,andthismadethe peoplemoreafraidthanJonahhimselfwasatthistime. Itisratherironicthatthesailorsontheshipwhodidn't evenbelieveinJonah'sGodweremorefearfulofHim thanJonahseemedtobe. MayIsaythatthereisagreatlessonhereforallofusas believersinChrist.WhenwebackslideonGodandrun fromHiscall,wedogreatdamagetoourtestimony whichultimatelyresultsinanegativeinfluenceon others.Ourdisobediencewillnegativelyinfluenceour spouses,ourchildren,ourfamilymembers,ourfriends, ourworkcolleagues,andeverypersonwhoknowsus. Wemuststopandconsiderjusthowmuchdamageour decisiontorunfromGodwillcostbeforewedecideto gointheoppositedirectionfromthewaywhereGod hassentus. B.Jonah'schastisementwasdreadful.vs.11-17 Notmuchisheardthesedaysaboutchastisementforbelieverswho getoutofGod'swill,orthosewhorunfromHiscall.Andyet,theBible isveryclearabouthowGodchastisesthosewhoaredisobedient believers.IntheBookofHebrews,Chapter12,verses6-8,wefind thesewords."ForwhomtheLordlovethhechasteneth,and scourgetheverysonwhomhereceiveth.Ifyeendurechastening, Goddealethwithyouaswithsons;forwhatsonishewhomthe fatherchastenethnot?Butifyebewithoutchastisement, whereofallarepartakers,thenareyebastards,andnotsons."In otherwords,GodlovesHisbornagainbelieverssomuchthatHe refusestoallowoneofHischildrentobackslideintorebellionwithout Godspankinghimorherfortheirowngood.Itisjustlikethe necessityofparentswhohavetodisciplinetheirchildrenwhenthey dowrongsothattheywillthendoright.Therefore,thischastisement ofGodisseriousbusiness,andnothingtobelaughedat.Why? BecausetheseversestellusinHebrewsthatifwedon'treceiveGod's disciplineorchastisementwhenwesinagainstGodtheFather,than wearebastardsorillegitimate.Thedisciplinethenrevealsthatwe belongtotheFather,andHegivesitbecauseofHisloveanddesire thatwedon'tkeepgettingintoworsetrouble.

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Sofolks,thisdreadfulchastisementthatJonahreceivedwasbecause ofGod'sloveforhim,andbecauseGodwantedhimtoreturntoHim liketheprodigalsondidtotheFatherinLuke15. 1.ThepriceofJonah'schastisementwasdreadful.vs.11-16 a.Jonahhadtorepentpublicly.vs.11-12 Jonah'schastisementwasverycostlybecausehehadto choosewhathispunishmentwouldbeinordertostill thestorm.Inverse11,wearetoldthatJonahwasgiven thechoiceofwhatthesailorsshoulddowithhim.He confessedthathehadfledfromthepresenceofGod, andinverse12,hetoldthemarinerstothrowhim overboard.Myquestionis,"whydidn'thejustjump overboard?"Yousee,itwouldseemthatJonahmay haveconfessedbecausehewasfoundout,whichleads metobelievethatinitiallyhisrepentancewasnot genuine.Ihaveseenthismanytimesworkingwith prisonerswhohaveshownnodesiretorepentuntil theywereprovenguiltyandgenuinelyexposed.Real repentanceiswhenapersonconfessesthathehas willfullyandopenlysinnedagainstalmightyGod.Any otherkindofrepentanceisjustmerelyremorsebecause hegotcaught.Alwaysrememberthatwemaysinin secretandhideinthebottomoftheboat,butwewill eventuallybeexposedpublicly. b.Jonahhadtoreceivepublicly.vs.vs.13-14 (1)Hehadtoreceivegracehewasnotwillingtoshow totheNinevites.v.13 Inverse13,wenoticethatthesailorstriedvery hardonemoretimetogettheirboatunder controltokeepfromhavingtothrowJonah overboard.Inotherwords,theyweretryingto showJonahundeservedgrace,buttheirefforts couldnotstopthestorm.So,inalastditch effort,themarinerstriedtopreventhavingto tossJonahintothesea,buttheireffortsfailed. Folks,Ithinkitisamazingthattheselostwicked sailorstriedtogivegracetoJonahwhenhe wantednopartoftakingGod'sgracetothe Ninevites.SometimesGodusesdifficultstorms

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toteachussomelessonsthatwewouldnotlearn anyotherway.And,IseeinthisversethatJonah hadtoreallyhumblehimselftoreceivethis kindnessfromthemariners.Thereisagreat lessonhereforallofus.Sometimeswemightfeel soimportanttobelievethatwewon'treceive gracefromothersbecausethismightbebelow us.But,attimesGodusestheleastlikelypeople toputusintoourplacesowewillbecome humble.Apride-filledmanrunningfromthecall ofGodneedstobehumbled. (2)Hehadtoreceivegoodnesshewasnotwillingto showtotheNinevites.v.14 Inverse14,wefindthatthemarinershadcome totheconclusionthattheymusttossJonah overboard,buttheytriedtoavoidthistothelast momentbecausetheydidnotwanttobeguilty ofkillingthisman.Yet,nothinghadworked,and theyhadtodoit.Buteventhoughtheywere forcedtomakethisharddecision,theystilltried toshowgoodnesstoJonah,somethingwhichhe didnotwanttoshowtheNinevites.Thus,hewas runningawayfromNinevehtokeepfrom preachingamessageofwarningandhopetothe GentilesintheAssyriancapitol.Sometimes,God hastoofferuskindness,evenwhenwedon't offerittoothers. c.Jonahhadtoreappublicly.vs.15-16 Thetimehadnowcome.Jonahhadbeenexposedand nothingelsewouldwork,sothemarinersthrewJonah overboard.Whentheydid,thestormceaseditsraging. Jonahhadnowreapedwhathehadsown.Hehadsown tothewindinrunningfromGod,andnowheisreaping whathehadsown.God'schastisementhadcomeand thebackslidingprophetwasnowreceivinghispayday forhisdisobedience.Letmesayjustonemoretime. WhenwesinbyrunningawayfromGod'scall,wewill ultimatelyreappubliclywhatwehadtriedtohidefrom Godandothers.Whateverwedointhedarknesswill eventuallybeshowninthesunlightofGod'srighteous illumination.

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2.TheplaceofJonah'schastisementwasdreadful.v.17 Jonahistossedoverboardintothesea,andheisswallowedup byabrandnewhugefishsentbyGodtocatchthedisobedient prophet.Thetimeofhisrunningisnowover,andheisinthe placewherehewouldneverhavethoughthewouldhavebeen. So,hewentdownintothefish'smouthandthefishwentdown intothedepthsofthesea.Wewouldassumethatthiswouldbe theendofJonah,butGodwasnotthroughwiththisprophet. Heisnowdyinginthefish'sbelly,buttherewillbea resurrectioninthreedays.Whenthethreedaysinsheolwas over,Jonahwasvomitedoutofthemouthofthefishontothe shoresofIsraelandhestartedrunningtotheplaceGodhad initiallysenthim.Jonahbecametheperfectanalogyforthe death,burial,andresurrectionofourLordJesusChrist.Now, wewilltakealookatJonahdowninthedepthsofthefish,and listentotheprayerheprayedfromthefish'sbelly. a.Thedarknesswasdreadful.v.17a WedonotknowhowfarJonahhadsailedinthe shipafterheleftJoppauntilhewastossedover boardandswallowedbythegreatfish.Butthere isonethingwedoknow.ThatisthatJonahhad neverexperiencedsuchadayofdarknessinhis entirelife.FromtheshoresoftheEastern MediterraneanSea,Jonahnowisinthedarkness ofthisterriblefishandthefishisdowninthe darknessofthesea.MayIsaythattherecanbe nogreaterdarknessfortheservantofGodthan thekindheorshewillexperienceiftheytryto runfromGodindisobedience.Yes,Jonah's darknesswastrulydreadful,andsowilloursbe ifwerunfromthecallofGod. b.Thedurationwasdreadful.v.17b WenowcometotheconclusionofChapterOne bysayingthatJonah'sdarkanddreadful chastisementhadcome,andhewoulddieinthe depthsofthefish.Hisdeathoccurredandhe wouldremaindeadforthreedaysandthree nights,justlikeourSaviorexperiencedyears laterwhenHediedonthecross,wasburiedina borrowedtomb,andthenarosefromthedeadon

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thethirdday.ThemaindifferencewasthatJonah deservedwhathegot,whileJesuswas completelyinnocentandhadnevercommitted onesin.Jonah'schastisementwastrulyserious, buthegotwhathedeserved.Jesus'crucifixion wasnotdeserved,andyetallofusare responsibleforthejudgmentHereceived.There isjustnowaythatwecouldevercompletely understandthesufferingJonahreceivedduring thosethreedaysinthefish,butworseyetwas theterriblejudgmentwhichthesinlessSonof Godexperiencedinourplace.Theverythought ofwhatJesusboreforoursinsshouldmake everyoneofusaschildrenofGodbefaithfulto HimandneverrunfromHiscall!

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"Jonah'sDistress"

Scripture:Jonah2:1-10

I.JONAH'SDISOBEDIENCEBROUGHTRETRIBUTION.vs.1-6 Jonah'srunningfromthecallofGodhadnowbeenstopped,andhewasbeing swallowedbyagreatfish.Ican'tevenimagineorcomprehendthehorror thatJonahwasexperiencingashewasbeingdigestedbythefish.Nodoubt, hebegantocryouttoGodforhelpfromthemomentheenteredthefish,but shortlyhewoulddieandwhilestillinaconsciousstate,hewouldprayto Godferventlyfromthepitofsheol,theplaceofdepartedspirits!Ifyoudon't believethatJonahdiedandwasstillconscious,thenpleasereadLuke16:19- 31,andstudythestoryoftherichmanwhodiedandfromhades(theplace ofdepartedspirits),hecriedouttoFatherAbrahamtopleasesendLazarus thebeggarwhohehadsoneglected,backtotheearthtowarnhislostfamily memberslesttheytoocometohellalso.Therichmanhaddied,buthewas stillconsciousintheplacecalledhadesintheNewTestamentbutitwas calledsheolintheOldTestament.Jonah'swillfulsinandrebellionwasnow repaidwithdivineretribution.RegardlessoftheliesSatantriestotellus, whenwetrytorunfromGod,Godwillalwaysrepayuswithhisdivine retribution. A.Jonah'sdisobediencepaidoffindeath.vs.1-2 Throughoutthepasthundredsandhundredsofyears,skepticsand doubtershavecriticizedtheBookofJonahbecausetheyswearthatno humanbeingcouldpossiblybeswallowedbyahugefishandthat personliveinsidethefishforthreedaysandthreenights.Yet, althoughthiswouldtrulybeamiracle,thegreatermiraclewasthat Jonahdidactuallydieinthefishandthenwasresurrectedfromthe fish.ThisfishwasapictureoftheborrowedtombinwhichJesuswas tobeburied.ThestoryofJonahistrulyamiracle,butnotbecauseof Jonahstayingaliveinthefish,butbecausehediedandthenwas resurrectedfromthedeath.Thus,inMatthew12,wefindJesus affirmingthedeathandresurrectionofJonahasapictureofHisown comingdeath,burialandresurrection.Therefore,wemustnotonly believeinthemiracleofJonah,butwemustbelieveinthegreater miracleofChrist'sdeath,burialandresurrection.Tofailtobelievein thisGospelmessagewillcauseonetobelostforeveranddieandburn inthelakeoffireratherthandrowninanoceanofwater!Thestoryof JonahistrulythepresentationoftheGospelmessageintheOld Testament.

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1.Jonahsufferedagonizingdistress.vs.1-2a

NowthatwehavecometotheconclusionthatJonahdiddie literallyinthebellyofthefish,Ithinkweneedtorecognizejust howterribleanddistressfulhisdeathwas.Truly,thisservant ofGodsufferedanagonizingdeathbecauseofhissinof disobedience.Ithinkwecanhonestlysaythathecommitted thesinuntodeaththatisdescribedinIJohn,ChapterFive.In otherwords,Jonahwasgivenaprematuredeathunderthe chastisinghandofGod,buthewasalsoshowntremendous gracewhereinGodgavehimasecondchance. a.Jonah'sprayerrevealedhisdistress.v.1a ItisveryobvioustomethatJonahwastrulyinastateof distressashewentdownintothefish'sbelly.Thefish musthaveswallowedhimwithonelargegulp,because itseemsthathewasimmediatelyinthefish'sbellyand hebegantocryouttoGod.Justtrytoimaginewithme theterriblepainanddistressthatJonahwasin.Ashort timebefore,hewasdowninthebottomoftheship feelingsomewhatsecure,andnowheisbeingdigested bythisterribleseamonster.Thereisnodoubtthat Jonahknewhislifewasover. ThisstoryofJonahmustremindallofusthat sometimeswhenGodcallsustogotoanewfield outsideourcomfortzone,wereallybecomedistressed. But,webetternotforgetthatthetemporarydistress broughtonbytheuncertaintyofanewfieldofserviceis nothingcomparedtothedistressthatmaycomewhen GodchastisesthedisobedientservantofGod.Ifwe willmakethiscomparisoninthestoryofJonah,I believewewillalwayssay,itismuchbettertosuffera littledistressonthewaytowhereGodsendsus,thento suffermajordistressbecauseofourdisobedience. JonahcriedouttoGodfromthefish'sbellybecausehe wasdyingandgettingreadytobedigestedbythe digestivejuicesandacidsinsidethefish'sstomach.This wasnotaverypleasantplacetodie. b.Jonah'spositionrevealedhisdistress.vs.1b-2a JonahcriedtoGodandtoldHimofhisterrible

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affliction.IwouldsaythatJonah'safflictionwastruly indescribable!Thereisjustnowaytounderstandhis painandsufferingonthewaytohisdeath.But,aswe willsoonsee,Godhadmercyonhimandgavehim anotherchance.TheonlythingIcansayhereisthatif JonahwouldhavebeencryingouttoGodforcourageto gotoNinevehbeforethisfishencounter,thenhewould nothavebeeninthisterribleplaceofafflictionatthe moment.Surely,itismuchbettertocryouttoGod whilelivingforHim,thantohavetocryouttoGod whendyingwhilerunningawayfromHim. 2.Jonahsufferedactualdeath.v.2b Inthislastpartofverse2,wefindthesewords,"outofthe bellyofhellcriedI,andthouheardestmyvoice."Theword hellhereintheKJVBibleistheword"sheol",anditmeansthe placeofthedeadortheplaceofdepartedspirits.Therefore,as Istatedearlier,IbelievethatJonahdiedphysicallybut remainedconsciousinhissoul,anditwasfromthatstatethat hesincerelycriedouttoGodtohelphim.And,inthelast phraseofthisverse,JonahrevealshistremendousfaithinGod, becausewithstrongaffirmation,hesaidthatGodheardhis plea.Aswewillsee,Goddidanswerhisprayerfromsheol andHegavehimanotherchancebecausehewasthreedays laterresurrectedfromthedeadandfromthefish. B.Jonah'sdisobediencepaidoffindespair.vs.3-6 1.GodallowedJonahtorealizehiswish.vs.3-4 Jonah'swishwastofleefromGod'scallandgosomewhere farawayfromwhereGodhadsenthim.Hewantedsomuchto befreefromtherestraintsofGod'swillandthatresponsibility. So,heranhurriedlyandnow,hehaddiedinthefish'sbellyand isprayingoutofhissoulinthedepthsofthesea. a.ButfreedomfromGod'swillbroughtnojoy.v.3 BythetimeJonahwascastintothesea,Ibelievethathe hadprobablycometoacceptthefactthathislifewas over.Hispresentcircumstanceswhichledtohisdeath weresobadthatnowitseemedthatinhisprayerhe justblamedGodforbringinghimtothispoint. ThepointisthatJonahwantedtobefreefromGod's

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willforhimtogotoNineveh,andnowhediscoversthat freedomfromGod'swilldidnotbringanyjoy,but instead,broughttotaldespair.Readversethree andIbelieveyouwillseehowterriblehisdespairwas. b.ButfreedomfromGod'sworshipbroughtnojoy.v.4 Inversefour,weseehowdistantJonahfelthewasaway fromGod.WhenhespeaksofGod'sholytemple,it revealstomethathelongedtobebackinthepresence ofGodwithGod'sfavorsothathecouldtrulyworship theLord.And,IbelievethatinthisverseJonahis basicallytellingGodthatifHewouldgivehimanother chance,hewouldbebackinclosefellowshipwithand worshipofGodalmighty.YoumightsaythatJonahwas repentingandlookingtoberestored. Iwouldliketostophereandsaythatscoresandscores ofpeopletrytorunfromGodsothattheywon'thaveto doGod'swillandsurrendertoHiscall.But,thereisone thingwebetterremember.Thatis,ifwearetrulysaved andamemberofGod'sfamily,wewillneverexperience thejoyoftheLordbecausewecan'tbecoldtowardGod andabsentfromHisworship,andyetenjoyHis presence,becauseHispresencewon'tbethereinour lives.AndImustsaythroughmyownexperienceof servingtheLordforover50yearsthatthereisnomore miserableplaceonearthforabelieverthantobeoutof therevealedpresenceofGod'sHolySpirit.Thereisno miserygreaterthanhavingGod'spresenceand awarenesstakenawayfromus. 2.GodallowedJonahtoreaphorriblewages.vs.5-6 a.Jonah'sdisobedienceproducedhelplessness.v.5 VersefiverevealsthehorriblepaydaythatJonahhad beengivenbyGod.Justashorttimebefore,Jonahfeltso confidentinhisownstrengthandabilitythathe thoughtthathecouldjustfleefromGod'scallanddohis ownthingwithoutpersonalconsequences,butnow frominsidethefishhedescribestheawfulnessofhis helplesssituation.Pleasenoticethecontentofverse5. "Thewaterscompassedmeabout,eventothesoul: thedepthclosedmeroundabout,theweedswere

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wrappedaboutmyhead."Jonahwasjustconfessing toGodthathewashelpless.Heknewthatiftherewas anywayforhimtogetoutofthisstateofdeathburied intheseaweedsandsurroundedbydeepwaters,God wastheonlypersonthatcoulddeliverhim.So,hewas prayingtoGod,tellingHimthathewashelplessunless Godsawfittointerveneonhisbehalf.Jonahwas learningthetragicresultsofdisobediencetothecallof God.IwouldtoGodthateveryoneofyoureadingthis commentarymightlearnthislessonwithouthavingto beswallowedbysomefishorhavingtodieapremature death.Thereisnogreaterandsaferplaceonthefaceof theearththanintheperfectwillofGod.Folks,don't waituntilGodmakesyouhelplesssothatyouwill followHiswill.Respondpositivelytodayand experiencethefeelingofhopethatonlyaservantofGod livinginthewillofGodcanknow. b.Jonah'sdisobedienceproducedhopelessness.v.6 Inversesixofthissecondchapter,weseethe hopelessnessthatJonahwasexperiencing.Jonah describestheprisonandseeminglyendlessbondagehe wasin.Payattentiontothefirstpartofthisverse."I wentdowntothebottomsofthemountains;the earthwithherbarswasaboutmeforever:"Beloved, justtrytoimaginethehorriblefearthatJonahwasinas herealizedthathislifewasover.Seeminglyendless prisonbarswerearoundhim,anditseemedthatthe verymountainsinthedepthsoftheseawereclosingin aroundhim.Youtalkabouthopelessness,Jonahjust knewthathislifewasgone.Yet,fromtheconsciousness ofhissoul,hecriedouttoGodwithfaithandclaimed hisdeliverancefromdeathandcorruption.Byfaith,he wastrustingGodtogivehimanotherchancetoliveand comeforthoutofthepitwherehewas.Heprayedasin thepresenttenseasifhewerealreadysetfree.This tookatremendousamountoffaith,butbetterstill,it tookalovingmiracleworkingGodWhoalonecould bringhimbacktolifeagain.Jonah'shopewasinGod Almightyalone,andsoisours.Wemustjustsimply praiseGodthatHeistheGodofthesecondchance,and thethird,andthefourth,andmanymore.Truly,God lovedHisbacksliddenprophet.And,Helovesusaswell.

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II.JONAH'SDESPAIRBROUGHTREMEMBRANCE.vs.7-9 IfonlyJonahwouldhavestoppedtorememberthegoodnessofGodbefore hehadtobeswallowedbythefish,whatadifferenceitwouldhavemadein hisexperiencewithGod.JonahhadbegunhisexodusfromGod'scall,and nowheisexperiencingtremendoussufferingatthehandoftheGodhe hadrunfrom.And,whilehewasrunningfromthecallofGodinthedirection ofTarshish,Jonahwasinnoshapetopray.Butnowafterbeingthrownover boardandlandinginthefish'sbelly,hereallybegantopraybecauseofthe seriousnessofhischastisement.Jonahhadnowmetdeath,butbeforethis terribleexperience,hehadalreadyapersonalrelationshipwithGod.Nowit wastimetocallouttoGodfromthedepthsofsheol. A.Jonah'schastisementmadehimgladtopray.v.7 Inversesevenofourtext,JonahhasmetGodindeathbutheisstill consciousinhissoul.Fromthedepthsofsheol(theplaceofdeparted spirits),hecriesouttoGodbecausehischastisementhasbeenso severe.And,fromthisversewecanseethatittooktragedytoremind Jonahoftheimportanceofprayer.So,itwasthehopelessnessand helplessnessthatcausedJonahtoprayagain.Butyet,thistragedy wouldprobablyneverhavehappenedhadhemaintainedafaithful prayerlifebefore,especiallywhenGodcalledhimtoNineveh. Throughdedicatedprayer,hewouldhavefoundthestrengthand couragetoovercomehisfearandracism,andhewouldnowbeonhis waytoNineveh,ratherthandeadinthefish'sbelly. Folks,thereisatremendouslessonhereforallofus.Godhasaplan andpurposeforeveryoneofHischildren'slives,butwewillneverbe abletopositivelyrespondtothecallofGodanddiscoverHiswill, unlesswemaintainaconstantandregularprayerlife.Isn'titacrying shamethatitoftenhastotaketragedyinourlivesunderthe chastisementofGodbeforewegetbackonourkneesandmeet regularlywithGod. 1.DisobediencecausedJonah'sforgetfulnessinprayer.v.7a ItwasbecauseofJonah'srebellionanddisobediencethathe forgotthegoodnessofGod.Youseefolks,whenyouaretrying torunfromGod,thelastthingyouwanttodoistotalkwith God.Itissomewhatlikehavingabrokenrelationshipwith someone.Ifyouareatoddswithaperson,thenthelastthing youwantistospendtimewiththem.Thiswasthereason JonahforgotthegoodnessofGod.And,Iwillsaythatwetoo forgetthekindnessandgoodnessofGodifwetrytorunfrom

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Hiscall.So,let'sbeencouragedtokeeptheprayerlinesopento God,andlet'srespondpositivelytoHiscalltopreventhaving tobechastisedlikeJonahwas. 2.DespaircausedJonah'sfervencyinprayer.v.7b Inthelastpartofthisverseseven,JonahtellsGodthathehas hadenough,andthatheisprayingtoHimferventlywitha confidentfaiththatGodwillanswerhisprayer.And,Jonah obviouslybelievesthatGodwillrestorehislifeandlethim worshiptheLordagain.Truly,JonahhadhadenoughofGod's chastisement,andbecauseGoddoesgivesecondchances,heis abouttobeforgivenandsupernaturallyresurrectedontothe dryland. OncemoreIwanttoremindallofusthatifwewouldkeepup ourferventprayerstoGodwhenthingsaregoingwell,thenwe mightnotbesoinclinedtorunfromthecallofGod,andthento experiencethechastisementofGodbecauseofour disobedience.Therefore,letmeadmonishyouthereaderto stayclosetoJesusinregularferventprayer,andthenbeready tosayyestowhatevercallGodextendstoyou. B.Jonah'schastisementmadehimgladtopreach.v.8 Theremaybesomeonereadingthiscommentary,andGodhasbeen callingyoutopreachtheGospelorgoasamissionarytoaforeignfield foralongtime.Willyoujuststopandponderthechastisementthat JonahreceivedbecauseofhisdisobediencetoGod?Doyouwantto sufferasimilarchastisement,orpossiblyaprematuredeath?Doyou wanttotakethechanceofmissingGod'sbestforyouandyourfuture? Thenrightnow,surrendertoGod'scallandmakeitknownpubliclyso thatyoumightsealitinyourheartandbeforeGodandothers.Your runningawayfromGodhastostop!Ifyoudon'tstop,troubleis coming! JonahhadexperiencedthechastisementofGodandinhisconscious soul,hewasnowreadytogopreachtheWordofGodtoNinevehlike Godhadcalledhimtodotobeginwith.Whataboutyou,mydear brother?AreyounowreadytogopreachtheGospelasaGod-called manofGod? 1.DisobediencehadcausedJonahtofleefrompreaching.v.1:3,v.8a

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Iwantustolookcarefullyatverse8.Inthisversewefinda trueconfessionfromJonah.Hestatesthatthosewhochase lyingvanities,willendupforsakingorrejectingthemercyof God.JonahreallycametounderstandthatSatandoescause somepeopletoliveinafantasyworldwhiletryingtogetaway fromGod.ButasJonahcametounderstand,runningfromGod whilechasingemptydreamsandfantasieswillalwaysresult inthelossofGod'smercyandresultindivinechastisement. So,webetternotgochasingvanityifwewanttofind happinessinthisworld.RememberwhatSolomonsaidin Ecclesiastes1:1-2,"ThewordsofthePreacher,thesonof David,kinginJerusalem,Vanityofvanities,saiththe Preacher,vanityofvanities,allisvanity."Inotherwords, Solomonlearnedthatchasingthewindlookingforhappinessis afoolishthing.Hetriedeverythingcomingdownthepiketo findhappiness;work,farming,ranching,business,wine, women,andevenbandsandorchestrasplayingmusic,onlyto findoutthattheonlywaytodiscoverhappinesswastolive righteouslyforGod.Helearnedthehardwaywhattruelifewas allabout,andsodidJonah. 2.DisasternowcausedJonahtowanttoferventlypreach.v.8b

BeforewemoveontoanotherpointaboutJonah's chastisement,Iwanttomentionsomethingthatreallystands outtomeasapreacheroftheGospel.Godcalledmetopreach over50yearsago.Sincethattime,Ihavenevergottenoverthe factthattheGodofuniversewouldchoosemetorepresent Himhereonthisearth.Therefore,Ihaveaburningpassionin mysoultopreachwhereverGodleadsoropensthedoors.Yes, sometimesIhavebeendisappointedinthelackofresponse, whileatothertimes,Ihavebeensaddenedbythenegative responsetothetruthoftheGospel.Andhonestly,thethingI hatemorethananythingisthelackofbeliefintheWordofGod thatIseeeverywhere,especiallyhereinAmerica.Ipreachthe WordofGodcarefullybecauseIamtotallyconvincedthatitis God'sWordtoman.But,Iseesolittlerespectforandresponse tothetruthwhichwedeclare.Itisalmostlikepeopleseeno differenceinGod'sinerrantandinfalliblewordthantheydoin anyotherbook.However,becauseGodhascalledmetopreach it,Iwanttonotrunfrompreachingit,butinsteadruntowhere Icanpreachit.Theonlyproblemisthatmyoldbodydoesn't wanttokeepupwithmymentalwantto!Ihopeyoucan

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understandit.Somybrothers,ifGodhascalledyoutopreach, don'tevergetoverthewonderofthefactthatHehaschosen you! C.Jonah'schastisementmadehimgladtopay.v.9 Jonahhashadenough!Hehassufferedshame,embarrassment, death,humiliation,andutterdespair.Now,heisreadytoget outofthegraveandanswerthecallofGod.And,inversenine, hesaysthatheisreadytopaythepriceforobediencetoGod, whereasoriginally,hepaidthepricetorunfromGod. 1.Jonah'schastisementbroughtcompletededicationtoGod.v.9a Folks,Iloveversenineinourtext.Why?Becausewecannow seethetremendouschangeinJonah'sattitude.Hewilllater haveanotherbadattitude,butfornow,heisreadytototally surrendertoGod'swillandpaywhateverpriceisnecessaryto befoundfaithful.Inthefirstpartofversenine,hetellsGod thathewillmakeasacrificeofworshiptoGodforhiswrong, andthathewillpayhisvowstoGodwithoutreservation.And inJonah'sdesiretobecompletelydedicatedtoGod,hestates emphaticallythatsalvationisonlypossiblethroughtheLord. 2.Jonah'schastisementbroughtcompletedependenceuponGod.v.9b AsIstatedinthelastparagraph,Jonahcametolearnthrough sufferingthattruesalvationanddeliverancecouldonlybe foundinGod.Therefore,insteadofrunningfromGod,Jonah wasnowreadytoberesurrectedandrunforGod.Ijust wonderhowmanyGod-calledservantshavetosuffer inexplicablechastisementbeforetheywillgointhedirection whereGodcallsthem?IhopeyouandIwillneverbeguiltyof runningawayfromthewillofGod.Why?BecauserightnowI amanoldman,andIdon'twanttospendwhatfewyearsI haveleftsufferingunnecessarilythechastisementof almightyGod.Isurelyhopeyouhavethesamedesire.III.JONAH'SDECISIONBROUGHTRESTORATON.v.10 Mybelovedfriends,IthankGodforverseten.Ifitwerenotforthis wonderfulverse,JonahwouldneverhavemadeittoNineveh,andanentire cityofprobablymorethan600,000peoplewouldnothaverepentedoftheir sins.ThankGodthatHeisreadytogiveasecondchancetothosewhotryto

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runfromhim.Jonahisnowgoingtoberesurrectedontothedrylandwhere hewillstarttowardNineveh,theplacewhereheshouldhavegonetostart with. A.JonahwasdeliveredbyGod'somnipotentpower.v.10a GodhadmadethisterribleseamonstertoswallowJonah.Therefore, Heknewhowtospeaktothefishandthefishknewthathebetter respondtothecommandofitscreator.So,thefishheadsforthe westernshoreofIsraelandvomitsJonahoutontothedryland. RememberwhatJesustoldtheJewsinMatthew12:40,"ForasJonas wasthreedaysandthreenightsinthewhale'sbelly;soshallthe Sonofmanbethreedaysandthreenightsintheheartofthe earth."Jonahwasnowmiraculouslyresurrectedfromthedeadand givenanewstarttolife.Isn'tthiswhathappenswhenapersoncomes toChrist?Thepersonrepentsandputstheirfaithinthedeath,burial andresurrectionofChrist,andthenthepersonisresurrectedfrom spiritualdeathandmadealiveanew.JustasGoddeliveredJonahwith hismightypowerafterthreedaysandthreenightsinthebellyofthe fish,sowasJesusresurrectedbythepowerofGodfromthetombjust outsideofJerusaleminthreedaysandnights.PraisetheLord!Heis alive! B.JonahwasdeliveredforGod'soriginalpurpose.v.10b JonahisnowoutofthefishandonhiswaytoNineveh.Goddelivered himfortheoriginalpurposeHehadcalledhimtobeginwith. Hopefully,JonahwouldnotonlybeobedienttothecallofGod,buthe wouldalsobringglorytoGodwithhisfaithfulaction.Becausewe knowtheremainderofthestory,Jonahdidgoandpreachthemessage Godintendedforhimtopreach,butaswewillsee,itmadehimmad whenthecityofNinevehrepented.Hewasstillaselfishbigotedman whothoughtheknewsomuchmorethanGod.Now,insteadofbeing angryattheNineviteswhichheseemedtohateatthestart,Jonahis angryatGodbecauseHedidn'tdestroythepeopleJonahhated.

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"Jonah'sDiscovery""RealRevivalComesToNinevah"

Scripture:Jonah3:1-10

I.JONAHDISCOVEREDTHEREQUIREMENTSFORNATIONALREVIVAL.vs.1-9 AswebeginchapterthreeofthiswonderfulBookofJonah,westartoutwith muchexcitementbecauseJonahhasjustbeenvomitedoutontodryland, andheisonhiswaytoNineveh.Godhadgreatthingsinstoreforthatwicked city,andthosethingspertainedtotheobedienceofthisoneJewishprophet namedJonah.ItwouldseemthatJonahhadlearnedthelessonGodhadand hasforallbackslidingpeople,butwewillsoonseethatJonahstillhadalot moretolearn.Butfornow,wewillgowithJonahandseethestepsor requirementsthathadtobetakenandmetinorderforGodtosendtrue revivaltothisterriblywickedAssyriancapitol.Wewillsurelylearnthat beforeGodcouldsendrevivaltoanation,Hehadtosendrevivaltotheheart ofamisguidedpreacher. A.Revivalcommencedwiththepreacherrepenting.vs.1-4 1.JonahhonestlyacknowledgedGod'scommands. InorderforustoseethatJonahdidindeedhonestly acknowledgeGod'scommands,wewillneedtogobackto

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Chapter2,andtakeanotherlookatafewverseswhichwe havealreadycovered. a.HerememberedGod'sSovereigncharacter.v.2:7a InthemidstofJonah'schastisement,heremembered howgreatandmightyGodreallywas,andheknewthat whenthereseemstobenohope,thereisstillhopein God.Jonahhadcommittedthesinuntodeath,but Godhadpowertoresurrecthimfromthedead,and alsotoresurrecttheentirecityofNinevehfrom spiritualdeath.IfJonahwouldnothaveremembered WhoGodwas,thenhewouldneverhaverepentedofhis sinofdisobedience,andhewouldnothave acknowledgedWhoitwasthathadgivenhimthe commandtogotoNineveh. b.HereverencedGod'sSovereigncharacter.vs.2:7b-9a

NotonlydidJonahrememberWhoGodwas,but throughhissuffering,hecametoreverencetheGod whocalledhim,thenchastisedhim,andeventually wouldforgivehimofhisbacksliding.Jonahhada distinctfearofGodnowinhislife,butitwasashame thatittookaprematuredeathtogethimtothepoint wherehedidreverenceGodandHisSovereignty. c.HereceivedGod'sSovereigncommand.v.2:9b GoingbacktoChaptertwo,wediscoverinthelastpart ofverseninethatJonahinthemidstofhisdeath experiencecametounderstandthattheonlyway anyonecouldeverbesaved,wasthroughtheSovereign Godoftheuniverse.Therefore,ifsalvationonlycomes throughGod,thenJonahdecidedthatifhewasgivena secondchance,hewouldforsureobeythepersonal commandwhichthisSovereignGodgavetohim.He wantednothingelsetodowithrunningawayfromthe willofGod. d.HereceivedGod'ssecondcall.v.3:1 JonahhadrunvigorouslyfromthepresenceoftheLord whenGodinitiallycalledhim,resultinginsevere chastisement,evenuntodeath.Nowheisonthedry

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landbecauseofthefish'sregurgitation,andheisso happyatasecondchancetoliveandgetstartedinthe directiontheLordwantedoriginallyforhimtogo. Idon'tknowaboutyou,butfolksIamthrilledthatGod doesgivesecondchancestothosewhowillseriously repentandturnbacktoHim.Iamhappythatoverand overagainifwearesincereinourbrokennessand contrition,Godwillextendacomfortingandguiding handoncemore,andgiveustheopportunitytorecover atleastsomeofourlostterritory.ThequestionthatI haveforallofyoureadersis,"Istheresomelost territoryyouneedtorecoverinyourlife,inyourfamily, inyourchurch,inyourcommunity,andmaybeeven yourplaceintheworldofservicewhereGoddidindeed sendyou.Pleaserepentandturnbacknowifyouare runningawayfromGod'scall.Nowisyoursecond chance!

2.JonahhumblyacceptedGod'scommission.vs.3:2-4 WhenJonahtriedtofleefromGodthefirsttimeGodcalled him,heleftinarageofarroganceandrebellion.Hehadmade uphismindthathewasn'tgoingtoNinevehregardlessofwhat Godsaid.HewasdeterminedtofleefromthepresenceofGod (sohethought),buthesoonfoundoutthatyoudon'tfleefrom thecallofGodunlessyouwantthechastisementofGod.So,he fled,andthendiedinthebellyofthefish. ImentionthesefewthingsfromtheoriginalpartofJonah's storyjusttoshowyouhowJonahhumbledhimselfbeforeGod, evenifhishumilitydidn'tlastverylong.Therefore,wesee hereinverses2-4whereJonahnowhasateachablespiritand heisrespondingimmediatelytothesecondcallfromGod.In verse2,GodtellsJonahtoariseandgotoNinevehandpreach whatGodhadtoldhimtopreach.And,inversethree,Jonah respondsrightawayandheadsforNineveh.Hehad experiencedenoughdivinechastisementbecausehefledfrom God'sfirstcall.NowthatGodisgivinghimanotherchance,he doestherightthingandstartsmakinghastetogettothat wickedGentilecitywhereGodwassendinghim. a.Inversetwo,GodtellsJonahwhentopreach.v.3:2 WhentopreachisrightnowwhenGodcalledhim.

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Therewasnolongerargumentordebateaboutthecall. Jonahwasgiventhissecondchance,andheneededto respondimmediately.Andfolks,thisshouldbeour responsetothecallofGod.Wemustnotarguewith God,butweneedtosay,"yesSir",andgoquicklyto whereGodsendsus. b.Inversethree,GodtellsJonahwheretopreach.v.3:3

JonahwastogotoNineveh,thathugecity,andcryout againsttheirsin.ThiswasthesecondtimeGodhas distinctlygiventhedirectionheshouldgo,andhebest notrunthistime.So,ontoNinevehJonahrapidlygoes. ThecityofNinevehwasanexceedinggreatcity accordingtoversethree.Thisverseseemstotellus thatthecitywassolargethatitwouldtakethreedays justtowalkfromonesidetotheother.WarrenWiersbe saysinhisBeSeriesCommentaryonJonah,page84, thatNinevehhada60mileradius,andthatoneside wallwouldbeeightmileslong.Wiersbealsosaysonthe samepage84,thattherewereasmanyas1,500towers ononeoftheeightmilesides.Thus,itwasahugeplace withbetween600,000andonemillionpeople,asI mentionedearlier.Jonah'staskwasagreatone,butall thathehadexperiencedinthebellyofthefishhad trulychangedJonah'sattitudeasIstatedearlier,and nowheisreadytopreachthemessagethatGodhad commandedhimtopreach. c.Inversefour,weseewhatGodtoldJonahtopreach.v.3:4 Inversefourofchapter3,Jonahgoesintothecityone dayswalkandbeginstocryoutagainsttheterrible wickednessofthatcity,andbelieveitornot,he presentsgracewithhismessage.Hetellsthepeople thattheyhavefortydaysbeforethejudgmentofGod, andiftheywouldrepent,thejudgmentwouldbe withheld.FortyintheBibleisthenumberoftesting,so theNineviteswouldbegivenatestofgraceforforty daysinwhichtheycouldgetrightwithGod.Ofcourse, weknowthatJonahreallyhatedthesepeople,andI believethathereallywantedtoseeGoddestroythem.

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Andbeforemovingon,Ijustwanttoremindyouhow wickedtheNinevitesreallywere.Letmequotefrom WarrenWiersbe'sBeCommentaryagain,page85, "Ninevehwasgreatinsin,fortheAssyrianswere knownfarandwidefortheirviolence,showingno mercytotheirenemies.Theyimpaledlivevictimson sharppoles,leavingthemtoroasttodeathinthedesert sun;theybeheadedpeoplebythethousandsand stackedtheirskullsupinpilesbythecitygates;and theyevenskinnedpeoplealive.Theyrespectedneither agenorsexandfollowedapolicyofkillingbabiesand youngchildrensotheywouldn'thavetocareforthem (Nahum3:10)."Truly,thesepeopleweresomeofthe mostruthlesspeoplethateverlivedonearth.NowI believewecanunderstandsomeofJonah'sfearand Jewishhatredofthesepeople.But,Godhadtrulycalled him,andnowaftertravelingformorethantwomonths ormorefromtheseacoastoftheMediterraneanSea, Jonahgoesonedayintothecityandbeginstocryout againstthesinofNineveh.

B.Revivalcontinuedwiththepeoplerepenting.vs.3:5-9 TherevivalthatwasabouttohappeninNinevehhadbegunwiththe preacherrepentingaftercommittingthesinuntodeath,andnow whenJonahbeginstopreachtheWordofGodinthecity,thepeople begintorepentwithbrokennessandhumility.Manypeopleaskthe question,"WhywouldsuchwickedpeoplerepentandturntoGodso quickly?"IamnotsurethatIreallyknowtheanswertothisexcept thatwhenoneofGod'sservantsobeysthecallofGodtogoandpreach God'sWord,ifthatpreacherhasacleanlifeandexemplifiesthe messageheproclaims,thenGodblessesitwithmultitudesturningto God.Ofcourse,wedoknowthepricethatJonahhadalreadypaidto gethimbackintothewillofGod,sowecanrightlyassumethatJonah hadgottenthingsrightwithHisheavenlyFather,andnowhewas readytobeausefulvessel. Folks,Iwilltellyouthatwecouldseemillionsofpeoplerepentof theirsinsandcometoChrist,ifGod'srealpreacherswouldgetright withGod,cleanuptheirlives,andgowhereGodsendsthem.The worldisstillbeggingforsomeseriousprophetswhowillcryout againstthevilesinsofthepeopleinthesewickeddaysinwhichwe live.Thereisverylittledifferenceintheworldtodaywhenitcomesto theviciousnessandevilthatprevailseverywhere.WehaveISIS cuttingtheheadsoffofChristians,suicidebombersblowing

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themselvesupinordertokillmultitudesbelievingtheliethatthiswill takethemtoparadise,andthen,wearewatchingfromadistance whensocallededucateddoctors,nurses,mamas,andotherwicked peoplebrutallykillmillionsofunbornbabiesbyabortion.Andthese murderersaresayingthatthisistherightofwomentodoso.Then, wehavetheacceptanceofpervertedsexualsinsbeingcrammed downourthroatsbydeceivedpoliticians,eviljudgeswhomakelaws ratherthaninterpretthem,andbythosewhowanttobepolitically correctandnon-offensiveregardlessofthedastardlydeedsofblatant foolsanddiabolicalidiots.Nowonderthatourcountriesareona collisioncoursewithcomingjudgment.MayGodgiveussometrue preachersandprophets!Iwanttosay,"YougoJonah!" 1.Noticetheprofessionofthepeople.v.5a Inthefirstpartofverse5,theBiblesaysthatthepeople believedGod.Thisisaprofoundprofessionbythesewicked people.Theyprobablyhadneverevenbelievedintheexistence ofJehovahbecausetheyweregiventoidolatry.Yet,justas soonastheyheardGod'smessagethroughJonah,they immediatelybelievedit.Therehadtobeanunusual demonstrationofthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Wedoknow thatintheOldTestamentage,theHolySpiritdidnot indwelleverybeliever,butHedidcomeuponGod'speopleand usethemmightily.Therefore,wemustbelievethatGod's powerwasmovingeverywhereinNineveh.Andthus,the peopleimmediatelyprofessedGodastheonlyGod.Andyes, folks,thisiswhatweneedfrompeopletodaywhentheyhear thepreachedWordofGod.MayGodgiveussomerepentant Ninevites,maybeevenstartinginWashington,DC. 2.Noticetheproclamationofthepeople.v.5b Inthelastpartofverse5,theBibletellsusthatthepeople proclaimedanimmediatefast,putonsackclothasan expressionoftheirhumility,andfromthegreatesttotheleast, theyrepentedoftheirsins.TheresponsetoJonah'spreaching wasnotjustoneortwopeople,buttherewasamassive responsewhichbroughtbrokennessandcontrition everywhereinthecity.Truly,thiswasacitywiderevival.And bearinmind,therewerenomicrophones,loudspeakers,P.A. systems,oranyotherinstrumentthatmagnifiedJonah's message.Sothepeoplehadtohavestartedsharingthe warningfromonetoone,andineverysetting.Ibelievethe entirecityhadasolemnsacredfearsweepoverthepeople.

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MayGodgiveusthistypeofgenuinerevivaltoday. 3.Noticetheproclamationofthepotentate.vs.6-9 ThepeoplestartedoutrepentingandwhentheKingheard whatwashappening,fearmusthavesweptalloverhim.He camedownfromhisthrone,tookhiskinglyrobeoff,clothed himselfwithsackcloth(likeburlapsacks),andsatdownina pileofashes,whichwasatruesignofhumilityandbrokenness. Thismanwastrulyrepenting,andifassomebelieve,hewas Tiglath-PileserIII,oneofthemostwickedKingsAssyriaever had,thentrulythiswasagenuinerepentancebyahorrible man.And,justassoonasherepented,hesentoutaformal decreethateveryoneinthecityshouldrepentoftheirsinsand turntoGod.Whyfolks,thiskingevengavetheorderthatthe animalsweretobedrapedinsackclothandnotreceivefoodor water.And,hedemandedthatthepeoplewouldturnfrom theirevilandviolentways.Thiskingwassincereabouthaving GodtostoptheimpendingjudgmentuponNineveh.Itwasall becausehebelievedtheWordofGodwhichJonahhad preached. Dearfriends,justtrytoimagineifBarackObamaorsome otherrulerwouldsendadecreetotheentirenationof Americademandingthatwerepentinsackclothandashes. Why,wehaveDonaldTrumprunningforPresidentrightnow, andhehasneverneededtorepentinhisentirelife.Whatego- centricfoolsourAmericanleadershavebecome!We desperatelyneedrevivalandahumilitybeforeourrighteous andholyGod. Inverse9,thekingsays,"WhocantellifGodwillturnand repent,andturnawayfromHisfierceanger,thatwe perishnot?"Itisratherunusualforapersontomentionthat Godmightneedtorepent,butthebetterwordmightberelent. ThismeansthatthekingwantedGodtochangeHismindand notbringjudgmenttotheirland.AgainIwanttosay,"how refreshingitwouldbetohearoneofourleaderspleadfor God'srestraintinbringingjudgmentuponourland."Butyet,it seemsthatwehavegonepastGod's"fortydays"forus.Ipray not,andjustmaybeGodwillseefittogiveusalittlemoretime andatleastsavearighteousremnantlikeHealwayspromised toIsrael.

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II.JONAHDISCOVEREDTHERESULTSOFNATIONALREVIVAL.v.10 A.GodsawtheNinevites'contrition.v.10a Versetenisawonderfulverse.ThisversetellsusthatGodsawthe repentantworksoftheNinevites,andHeshowedgreatsympathyand loveforthesebrokenpeople.Hesawtheirhumblebrokenheartsand thattheyindeeddidturnawayfromtheirsinandevilways.Because ofthisbrokenness,Godrespondedpositivelyandheardtheprayersof thekingandhispeople.GodstayedHishandofjudgmentand extendedgraceinstead.Truly,truly,thisisamiraclestory,butone thatweshouldlearngreatlessonsfrom.Whenthekingandhispeople turnedfromtheirsins,Godwasreadytoforgivethem.Wearenot surehowlongthisrepentantbrokenspiritlastedinNineveh,butwe doknowthatGodhonoredHispromiseandchangedHismindabout sendingjudgment. 1.GodhadpitywhenHesawtheirfaith. 2.GodhadpitywhenHesawtheirfruits. Folks,itisonethingtosaythatwebelieveGodandrespectHis will,butitisanotherthingtodemonstratefruitswithactions. Whenwereallyrepent,wejustdon'taskGod'sforgiveness,but wegoandsinnomoreasJesustoldthewomantakeninthe veryactofadulteryinJohn,Chapter8.Ifwereallyhave repented,therewillbeademonstrationofchangedlives.In otherwords,ifwehaverepented,weshouldgoandsinno more! B.GodsparedtheNinevites'country.v.10b Thelastpartofverse10isawonderfulreminderofthepityandgrace ofGod.Goddidn'tnecessarilyrepentlikewethinkofit,butHe repentedorrelentedasIsaidbefore,andHeneverbroughtjudgment uponthecityofNineveh.GodchangedHismind,butHealreadyknew beforethefoundationoftheworldthatNinevehwouldrepent,and therefore,HehadalreadychangedHismindaboutbringingjudgment uponthecity.Idopraythatourcountrywillrepent,andthatGod alreadyknowswewillandHewon'thavetobringcataclysmic judgmentuponthisbeautifulland. 1.TheprophetsaidGod'spitywasconditional.v.3:4 Backinversefourofchapterthree,Jonahdeclaredthemessage toNinevehthatGod'spitywastrulyconditional.Thepeople

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neededtorepenttobringforgivenessandthestoppageof God'scomingjudgment.Thepeopledidrepent,andthey receivedthetrueforgivenessandpityofGod.Itistrulya wonderfulthingtoknowthatGodneverbreaksapromiseto Hispeople.TheNinevitesbecameHispeople,andHefulfilled Hispromiseofgraceandforgiveness.WhatamightyGodwe have! 2.ThepeoplesawthatGod'spitywascertain.v.10b

Yes,whenGodpromisessomething,Healwaysfulfillsthe promise.HetoldthepeopleinNinevehthroughJonahthe prophetthatiftheywouldsincerelyrepentthatHewould withholdHisjudgmentandextendthemforgiveness.They repented,andGodhonoredHisWord.Weoftenbreakour promises,butGodneverdoes.

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"Jonah'sDispleasure""APoutingPreacher"

Scripture:Jonah4:1-11

Aswebeginchapter four, Imustconfess thatasmanofGod, Ican'tevenbegintoimagine or comprehend how a true preacher of God's Word could get mad andangrywhenastheresultofhispreachinganentirecityrepentsandturnsfromtheirsin to God. And yet, that is exactly what has happened as we open up this lastchapterofJonah.TheloveofGodhassupersededthejudgmentofGodbecausethepeopleinNineveh,fromthecommonpeopleonthestreetstothekinginthepalace,getunder such convictionbecauseof their fearofAlmightyGod, and fall down inhumble contrition and confession of sin. God took this reluctant prophet namedJonahandinspiredhispreachingwithsuchpowerandauthority,thatthewholecityrepented. Andnow, this so called prophet of Godwhohad tried to run fromGodoriginally,wasnowmadandextremelyangrythatthepeoplereceivedhismessageand turned to God. Jonah's racial prejudice, hatred for the Gentiles, and his self-centeredego-centricattitudenowcametofruitioninamadfitofmaliceandanger.MayItellyouthatIhaveneverseenanentirecityofpeoplerepentattheresultofmypreaching,butIdidseeover7,000peoplepraytoreceiveChrist inaprisonof10,000inthecountryofRwandabackin2006.Thisisthecountrywhereonemillionpeoplewerekilledinjust100daysin1994inwhatisknownasthegenocide.But,IassureyouthatwhenIwalkedoutofthegateofthatterribleoldGitaramaPrison,Iwasn'tmadbecausesomanycametoChrist.Therefore,Ididn'tcomeawaypoutinglikeJonahdid.Trulythismanwasangry,andhisangerstartedwithhimbeingmadat God. And, Imust tell you that there is nothingmore serious than one of God'screatedhumanbeingsmad atHisCreator. Let's takea verseby verse look at thispoutingpreacherandseewhatwecanlearnfromamanwithaheartofdispleasure.I.JONAHWASDISPLEASEDWITHGOD.vs.1-5 A.Noticethecharacterofhisdispleasure.v.1 Jonah'smadspellwasnotjustasmalltempertantrum,butitwasa full-blownexplosionaccordingtothisfirstverse.Thisversetellsus thatJonahwasexceedinglyangry.Truthfully,likealittlemadchild,he wentcrazilymadoverthefactthatGoddidn'tdestroythepeopleof Nineveh.JonahmusthavereallyhatedtheseGentilepeople.Andnow, whenhedidn'tseethepeopledestroyed,hewentabsolutelyberserk. AndthiscrazedconditionledtoJonah'sindictmentofHolyGod.I musttellyouthatIsurelyseethegraciouspatienceofGodinthis story,orGodwouldhavewipedJonahoffofthefaceoftheearth.Just

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imaginethatthisisthemanthatGodallowedtodieinthebellyofthe fishandthenresurrectedhim,andhestillhadnotlearnedhislesson. Thissurelyrevealsthedeepsinfuldepravityofman.Anditreveals justhowfarabelieverinGodcanbackslideonGod. 1.Jonah'sdispleasurecausedhimgreatanguish.v.1a a.TheNinevites'sinsdidnotgrieveJonah. b.TheNinevites'salvationdidgrieveJonah. Againbelovedfriends,itisbeyondmycomprehension thatanymanofGodcouldpossiblybefilledwithso muchhatredforaraceofpeoplethathewould absolutelygoballisticwhentheygotsavedandturned toGodinrepentance.Thistrulyshowshowaprofessing believerinGodcanstillretainsomuchbitternessand hatredthathewouldratheranentirecitybedestroyed bythejudgmentofGodthanhehadtobeembarrassed bythepeople'ssalvation.YoumightsaythatJonah's Jewishpridewasreallyshowing,andGodisgoingto havetoteachhimanotherlesson.Whatamixedup prophetJonahreallywas! 2.Jonah'sdispleasurecausedhimgreatanger.v.1b

InDr.WarrenWiersbe's"BeCommentary"onJonah,hesays someprofoundthingsaboutJonah'stempertantrum.Onpages 88-89,hestatesthefollowing."Ifinchapter1,Jonahislikethe ProdigalSon,insistingondoinghisownthingandgoinghis ownway(Luke15:11-32;theninchapter4,he'slikethe ProdigalElderBrother—critical,selfish,sullen,angry,and unhappywithwhatwasgoingon.Itisn'tenoughforGod's servantssimplytodotheirMaster'swill;theymustdo"thewill ofGodfromtheheart"(Ephes.6:6).Theheartofevery problemistheproblemintheheart,andthat'swhereJonah's problemsweretobefound."ButitdispleasedJonah exceedingly,andhewasveryangry"(Jonah4:1).

"TheremarkablethingisthatGodtenderlydealtwithHis sulkingservantandsoughttobringhimbacktotheplaceofjoy andfellowship."Ibid,page89.

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B.NoticethecauseofJonah'sdispleasure.vs.3:4;2-3

1.Hispreachingwasinvolvedinhisdispleasure.v.3:4

Obviously,Jonah'sangerwassomewhatbasedupontheshame andembarrassmentwhichhemusthavefeltbecauseofhis preachingeffortinthecityofNineveh.Hehadpreachedwitha heartfullofbitterness,andwiththedesirethatGod'sjudgment wouldcomeuponthepeople.And,havingbeenapastorfor nowover50years,Idoknowthatsometimesevenapastor canusehispulpitasawhippingposttogetbackatsomeofhis churchmembersthathemaybemadat.Thisisaterriblething, butitdoeshappen.Jonahwasjustsimplyembarrassed becausehedidnotwantsalvation,hewantedGod'sjudgment.

2.Hispridewasinvolvedinhisdispleasure.vs.2-3

a.Thisprideisrevealedinhisselfishprayer.v.2

Jonahwassofilledwithangerthathebeganaranting prayerblamingGodforhisforgivenessoftheNinevites becausehewantedthepeopletodie.Jonahwasjust simplyaverypride-filledmanwithaheartthatwas overflowingwithmalice,andsohispridewasnowhurt becauseGodshowedgraceandnotjustice.Jonahwas trulyaself-centeredmanwithapowerfulego,andeven afterGodsendinghimintothebellyofthefishand sheol,hestilldemonstratedbitternesstowardthe peopleinNineveh.

b.Thisprideisrevealedinhisself-pity.v.3

Ibelievethisverseisoneofthemostastonishingverses inalloftheBible.ThereasonIsaythisisbecauseitis oneofthemostdescriptiveversestoshowtheworst caseofselfishandself-centeredself-pitythatIhave everseen.Jonahbecomessodepressedinhisself-pity thathebegsGodtotakehisownlifefromhim.Of course,hemayfeelthiswaynow,butacouplemonths backwhenhewasgoingdownintothebellyofthefish, hewascryingoutfordeliverance.ItisalmostlikeJonah hashadanervousbreakdown.Hehasgonefrom beggingGodtosavehimfromdying,andnowheis askingGodtokillhimbecausehehashadhishorrific prideandarrogantfeelingshurttremendously.This

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showsusexplicitlywhatcanhappentoanymanor womenwhostartsoutrunningawayfromGod'scall andneverdealswiththeirpersonalprideordeep bitternessintheirhearts.Jonahnowfeelssorryfor himselfandjustdisplayshisrottenattitudetowardGod. Hehasnowcometotheconclusionthathisownself- imageismoreimportantthananentirecityrepentingin theirsackclothandashes.NowondertheBiblesaysin Proverbs16:18,"Pridegoethbeforedestruction, andahaughtyspiritbeforeafall."Jonah'sdamnable pridegothimintotroublewhenhefirststartedrunning fromGod,andnowheisabouttogetintoserious troubleagain,wereitnotforthecompassionofour Lord.

C.Noticetheconsequencesofhisdispleasure.vs.4-5

Wellfolks,JonahisabouttobechastisedbyGodalmightyagain,but thistimeinadifferentway.Insteadofsendinghimintothebellyofa hugefishtodieasHedidbefore,Godexposeshimandthentakes awayhisdignityandcomfortinordertoshowhimjusthowutterly foolishandchildishitwasforhimtoactlikehewasshowing compassionforhimself,whenhedidn'tcarefor120,000small childrenthathadnotreachedtheageofaccountability,plustheadults inthecity,aswewillseeinverse11.

1.TheconsequencescausedhimtobebesoughtofGod.v.4

PleasenoticethequestionthatGodaskedJonahinverse4!God saystoJonah,".....Doestthouwelltobeangry?"TheBible doesn'ttellusthatJonahansweredthequestionthistime,but laterwhenGodaskshimthesamequestionagain,hedoes answeryes.LikeGodaskedAdamandEveintheGardenof Eden,"Whereartthou?",whenHealreadyknewwherethey were,HeasksJonahifhereallydidwelltobeangry.God alreadyknewthatJonahdidnothavetherighttobeangry,but HewastryingtogetJonahtoseehisgravemistakeandangry attitude!GodjustmadeapointofexposingJonahandhisself- centeredattitude.

Thereisagreatlessonhereforustoday.Wemustneverthink thatwecandisplayanangryattitudewithoutGodexposingus forhavingit.Godwillalwaysturnthelightonourbadormad behaviorregardlessofwhoweare,hopingthatwewillrepent.

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2.TheconsequencescausedhimtobebacksliddenonGod.v.5

Wellfolks,Jonahhasdoneitagain!Hegoesoutofthecityof Ninevehontheeastsideoftown,andtherehebuildsalittle boothtokeepthehotsunoffofhim,andhedecidesthathewill justsitthereandseewhatGodwoulddowiththepeopleof Nineveh.ItjustseemsthathewashopingthatGodwouldrain downfireandbrimstoneupontheinhabitantsofthecity becausehejustdidn'twantthepeopletogetgraceormercy. So,Jonahsatthereintheshadowofthelittleboothwaitingto seeifGodwouldjudgetheinhabitantsandverifyhispreached messageofjudgmentuponthepeople,orwouldGodshow mercyandembarrasshimbeforethepeopleofNineveh,and probablymoresobeforehislike-mindedraciallyprejudiced bigotsbackinIsrael.Jonahwasjustacompletebasketcase withbitterhatredinhisheartfortheGentiles.Aswehearso muchabouttoday,Jonahwastrulyaverifiedbigot!

Now,let'stakealittlefurtherlookatthisverseandseewhat GodistryingtoteachusfromthebackslidingofJonah.We mightsaythatthisisroundtwoofJonah'sbattlewith backsliding.Therearethreeveryevidentstepsfoundherein versefivethatledtoJonah'sbackslidingforthesecondtime.

a.Noticefirstthathestopped.v.5a

Thefirststepintoalifeofbackslidingisjustsimplyto stopdoingwhatGodcalledustodo.Ohyes,itisalright torestnowandthen,butnottostopforthewrong reasonsaswewillseehere.Itissomuchbettertokeep movingforwardwithourministrysothatwewillnotbe temptedtodriftfurtherawayfromGod.

b.Noticesecondlythathesat.v.5b

ThesecondstepthatJonahtookinthissecondeventof backslidingwasjusttositdownandbecomea spectator.Obviously,Jonahwasangry,so,hethought hewouldjustsitdownandwatchtoseewhatGod woulddo.Thisstepinitselfshowsusthatheknewthat GodwouldforgivetheNinevites,butthisisnotwhathe wanted.Therefore,thesestepsofstoppingandsitting ledtothenextstepofsulking.

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c.Noticethirdlythathesulked.v.5c

Now,Jonah'struechildishnessandimmaturitycomes out.Hestops,sits,andnowsulksbecauseheisangry thathedidn'tgethiswaywiththejudgmenthe predictedwouldcomeonthecityofNineveh.Hehad nowbecomeatruespectatorratherthanrejoicingin therevivalthatbrokeoutinNineveh.

Beforewemove on to another discipline lessonwhichGodwill show Jonah, IwantustoreallybeattentiveasIprovideafewtremendousparagraphsfromDr.Warren Wiersbe's Be Series Commentary on the Book Of Jonah. Theseparagraphs are foundonpages 89-90 of this great commentary, and theywillshowussomeverypracticaltruthsfromtheseverseswehavejustbeencoveringfromchapterfourofJonah.

"For the second time in this account, Jonah prays, but his second prayer wasmuch different in content and intent. He prayed his best prayer in the worstplace, the fish's belly, and he prayed his worst prayer in the best place, atNinevehwhereGodwasworking.Hisfirstprayercamefromabrokenheart,buthissecondprayercamefromanangryheart.Inhisfirstprayer,heaskedGodtosave him, but in his second prayer, he asked God to take his life! Once again,Jonahwouldratherdiethannothavehisownway."Ibid,page89.

"ThispetulantprayerletsusinonthesecretofwhyJonahtriedtorunawayinthefirstplace.Beingagoodtheologian,JonahknewtheattributesofGod,thatHewas'agraciousandcompassionateGod,slowtoangerandaboundinginlove,aGodwhorelentsfromsendingcalamity'(v.2)Knowingthis,Jonahwassurethatif he announced the judgment ofGod to theNinevites and they repented,Godwould forgive them and not send His judgment, and then Jonah would bebrandedasafalseprophet!Remember,Jonah'smessagemerelyannouncedtheimpendingjudgment;itdidn'tofferconditionsforsalvation."Ibid,page89.

"Jonahwas concerned about his reputation, not only before theNinevites, butalsobeforetheJewsbackhome.HisJewishfriendswouldwanttoseealloftheAssyriansdestroyed,notjustthepeopleofNineveh.WhenJonah'sfriendsfoundoutthathehadbeenthemeansofsavingNinevehfromGod'swrath,theycouldhave considered him a traitor to official Jewish foreign policy. Jonah was anarrow-mindedpatriotwhosawAssyriaonlyasadangerousenemytodestroy,notasacompanyofrepentantsinnerstobebroughttotheLord."Ibid,page89

"Whenreputationismoreimportantthancharacter,andpleasingourselvesandour friends is more important than pleasing God, then we're in danger ofbecominglikeJonahandlivingtodefendourprejudicesinsteadoffulfillingourspiritualresponsibilities.Jonahcertainlyhadgoodtheology,butitstayedinhis

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headandnevergottohisheart;andhewassodistraughtthathewantedtodie!God's tender responsewas to ask Jonah to examine his heart and seewhy hereallywasangry."Ibid,pages89-90.Therefore,weneedsomuchtolearnthesenegative lessonsfromJonah,andthenmakesurethatwedon'tmakethesameterriblemistakesbecauseofhissinfulattitudeandheartcondition.

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II.JONAHWASDISCIPLINEDBYGOD. VS.6-11 WehavecomenowtowatchGodonceagaindisciplineJonahforhis backsliddencondition,butthistimeHewillreceivelovingchastisement,and therewillbenobigfishtoswallowhimagain.WhenthefishvomitedJonah outondryland,GodgaveJonahasecondchancetofollowthecallofGod. Now,GodisgivingJonahaseconddoseofchastisement,butHedoesitina morecompassionateway.Let'slookatGod'slovingdisciplineofJonah,the poutingpreacher. A.God'samazinggracelovinglycomfortedJonah.v.6 Inversesix,Godlovingprovidesabiggourdvinewithbigleavesto coverJonahfromthehotdesertsun.Jonahissoverypleasedwiththe gourdthatheisshelteredfrommoresufferinginthetimeofhis misguidedgrief. 1.Inthisgourdvine,God'smercyprovidedacoveringforJonah.v.6a MayIaskatthispoint,howmanytimesinourChristianlives hasGodpreparedaprotectivecoverforus,evenwhenwe didn'trealizeit?ThiscoveringforJonahsurelygoestoshow justhowmuchGodlovedthisconsistentlydisobedientprophet ofGod.And,whenGodprotectsusasfallenforgivensinners,it istrulyanactofgraciousmercy.Whenitwouldseemthat Jonahdeservedtodieagain,Godshowedhimatremendous amountofgraceandmercy.WhatamightyGodweserve! 2.Inthisgourdvine,God'smercyprovidedacomfortforJonah.v.6b Asmuchasitmayseem,anundeservedactofkindness,God doesindeedcomfortthispoutingprophetwhoistrulya whiner.ItwouldseemthatGodshouldjustzaphimandit wouldallbeover.Butno,Godcontinuedtoextendmercyto Jonah,butGodwasn'tyetthroughwithdiscipliningJonah.It wouldcomeintheformofawormthistime,notintheformof abigfish. B.God'samazinggracelovinglychastisedJonah.vs.7-8 Jonahspendsadayandanightundertheprotectivecoveringofthe largegourdvinewhichGodgivestohim.Helovesthevineforits protectionfromthesun,andnodoubt,itgavehimsomemoresecurity ashewenttosleepinthenight.But,whenthesuncameupthenext morning,somethingsuddenlyhappened.Godsentawormtoeatand

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destroyJonah'scovering,andthegourdvinewitheredaway.God destroyedthegourdvinetoteachJonahaveryimportantlesson.That wasthathewasmoreconcernedforhistemporarycomfortthanhe wasfortheentirecityofNinevehrepentingoftheirsinsandstopping theimpendingjudgmentofGod.Onceagain,Jonah'sselfish,self- centered,egotisticalattitudecomesthrough. Asthemorningsunarose,Godsentavehementeastwind;andthesun beatupontheheadofJonahuntilhefainted.Thereisalotof discussionaboutwhatthiswordfaintedreallymeans,butIjust believeitmeansthatJonahjustsimplypassedoutundertheheatand windoftheAssyriandesert.Hehadalreadydiedinthefish'sbelly, andnowheispassingoutundertheheatandwindthatGodsentto himtoteachhimanotherlesson.Andnow,inthelastpartofverse eight,wefindthesewords,"....thathefainted,andwishedin himselftodie,andsaid,Itisbetterformetodiethantolive."I wouldliketostophereandtellyouthatIwouldhatetohaveachurch memberlikeJonah.Why?Becauseheneverwashappywithanything unlesswhatwashappeningwasmakinghimfeelcomfortableand allowinghimtogethisownway.Jonahwouldbeahigh-maintenance churchmember.MayGodsendhimtoanotherchurchsomewhere! 1.Godusedawormtoremovehisworldlyprotection.v.7 Inthisversewemakeatremendousdiscovery.Thewormthat GodsenttodestroyJonah'sworldlyprotectionwasascarlet coloredwormwhichwouldattachitselftoawoodentreeor vine,andthendieleavingaredorbloodylookingplaceonthe vineortree.Thiswasthewormthatreddyewasmadefrom, anditisagloriouspictureoftheshedbloodofJesusChristthat maderedthecrossofourLordJesusChrist,andindoingso, theworldlycoveringforsinwastakenawayandmanno longerwouldneedworksforanattemptatsalvation.This pictureisoneofthegreatestOldTestamentpicturesthatwe haveoftheshedbloodofourLordJesusChrist.Godtookared wormanddestroyedthetemporarycoveringforsin,andhe madeitpossibleforJonah,theNinevites,andeverpersonsince tobewashedinthisgloriousbloodofourLordJesusChrist.So, Jonah'stemporaryshelterwasdestroyedbythewormwhich gaveapictureoftheshedbloodofJesuswhichbroughtsaving graceforeverybeliever. 2.Godusedawindtoremovehisworldlypride.v.8

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Wenowreturntoverse8foralittlemorediscussion.This versetellsusthatGodpreparedthevehementeastwindto blowuponJonah,alongwiththewormwhichdestroyedthe gourdvine.BearinmindthatwhenJonahgotupthatmorning, thegourdvineandlargeleaveshadwitheredastheresultof thebitingoftheplantbytheredworm.Now,Jonah'sshelteris goneandherecomesthisterriblewindblowinghotwindand probablydustalloverJonah.Itdidn'ttakeJonahlongtogethis mindoffofNinevehandbackontohisowncomfort.Truly, Jonahwasfilledwithanenormousamountofpride.Andso, justlikeGodpreparedthegreatfishforJonahafewmonths before,HenowpreparesagreatwindtohumbleJonah.But insteadofbecominghumble,Jonahbecomesmoreandmore angry.AsIstatedearlier,Jonahisamadmanoutofcontrol, anditwasallbecauseofhisJewishpride. Folks,Isimplywanttoremindallofusonemoretimethat prideisastrongcharactertrait,anditcanbeusedfor good,butwhenitbecomesoutofcontrolaccompaniedby intenseanger,itbecomesverydestructive.Wejustneedto rememberthatitwasthesinofpridethatcausedSatanand onethirdoftheangelstobecastoutofheaven.Maywenever harborprideinourheartsuntilwebecomeuncontrollably angry.Ifwedo,muchdestructionwilltakeplaceinourown lives,andmaybeeventhosearoundus. C.God'samazinggracecounseledJonah.vs.9-11 Inverse9,GodsaidtoJonahoncemore,"Doestthouwelltobe angryforthegourd?Andhesaid,Idowelltobeangry,evenunto death."Folks,justtrytoenvisionthedeep-seatedwraththatwas compressedinJonah'sheart!Itwassobadthathejustblurtedout withenormousangerthathehadeveryrighttobeangry.And truthfully,hehadnorighttobemad,butjustsimplytolivealifeof obediencetothecallofGod.IwillsayjustonemoretimethatJonah wassucharacialbigottowardtheNinevitesthatheexplodedwith animosityoverthefactthatthegourdvinewasnowwithered.He lovedbeingcomfortable,butheshowednocomforttootherslikethe GentileNinevites.Jonahwasaselfish,greedy,self-centeredperson justwrappedupinhimself.Andassomeonesaidalongtimeago, thereisnosmallerpackageonearththansomeonewhoiswrapped upinthem-selves!Jonahwastheepitomeofasmallguywithabig angryheart.Andyet,Godlovinglyshowedhimmuchcompassion, evenwithhischastisement.Jonahcouldhavebeencompletely destroyedthistime,butGod'sgracestillreignsoverHisjustice.

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1.GodpatientlydealtwithJonah'sanger.v.9 InRomans5:3,theBiblesays,".....knowingthattribulation workethpatience."ImustconfessthatIamnotalwaysa patientman.But,IdoknowthatIwillnolongeraskGodto makememorepatient,becauseeverytimeIusedtoprayfor patience,itseemedthatIexperiencedfarmoretribulation. Therefore,ImadeGodapromisethatIwouldnotaskHimfor patienceagain.IfHethinksIneedmorepatience,thenHewill justhavetogiveittome.Iamnotaskingforit. Bynowinourstory,itwouldseemthatJonahshouldhave beenthemostpatientmanonearth,buthewasn't.Infact, quitetheopposite.Hewasacold-heartedprophetthatloved preachingonthecomingjudgmentofGodonpeoplehedidn't like,butwhenitcametohimbecominguncomfortable,Jonah wasaquick-temperedragingmanallwrappedupinhimself.It istrulyahorribledayinthelifeofanybelieverwhenheis totallyconvincedthathehastherighttobeangry,unlessof course,thatangerisrighteousindignationagainstsin. 2.GodpassionatelydealtwithJonah'sattitude.vs.10-11 a.GoddealtwithJonah'sattitudetowardpossessions.v.10 Someonehasrightlysaid,"thatattitudedeterminesa person'saltitude."Inverse10ofthischapter,Godtells Jonahthathebecamesoangryoverthelossofthe gourdvine,butyethehadnothingtodowithplantingit, wateringit,orinmakingitgrowatall.And,itjustlived foronedayandnightwhichisnothingcomparedto eternityandlivingforever.Therefore,Jonahwas overlyconcernedabouttemporarycomfortswhenhe wasnotconcernedabouttheeternalwelfareofan entirecityoflostsouls.Jonahwassomuchlikemany Americanstoday.Wehaveconcernsaboutpleasure, money,recreation,goodtimes,travel,becoming importantpeoplewithpower,andenormous achievements.But,werarelygiveanyconsiderationto thethingsthatareeternalandforever.Wejustseemto havesomanyofourprioritieswronginlife,andthus, wehaveourfocusonourtemporarycomfortswhilethe thingsofGodandthesoulsofmen,women,boysand girlsdon'tmeananythingtous.Thereasonisthatwe

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havethewrongattitudesaboutwhywearehereand thepurposeGodhasgivenusforliving.So,ourloving compassionateGodistellingustogetour prioritiesinorderandgetfocusedonthingsthatare forever. b.GoddealtwithJonah'sattitudetowardpeople.v.11 Verseelevenofourtextisjustatremendousconclusion tothisfourchapterstudy.GodjustasksJonahifhe thinksourLordshouldnotbecompassionateandloving towardthecityofNinevehwhichincludesatleast 120,000childrenthatdon'tknowrightfromwrong.In otherwords,theyweretooyoungtobeabletomakea choicetoserveGod.Plus,therewerethousandsof othersinthecityofNineveh.AsIstatedearlierinthis commentary,theremayhavebeenasmanyas600,000 toonemillionpeopleininthecityofNineveh.Andso GodindictsJonahbyaskinghimaquestion.Jonah, "don'tyoucareforthesethousandsofsouls,whileyou docareforyourowncomfort?"Iwouldliketoaskthis questionofallofyouthatarestudyingthiscommentary withyourBiblelessonsonJonah.Folks,"don'tyoucare thatover80,000peopledieintheworldeverydayasit isestimated?""Don'tyoucarethatitisestimatedthat over30millionpeopledielostintheworldeveryyear intheworld?"Doyoulovethesoulsofmen,women, boysandgirls?Howwouldyousayyourconcernforthe GreatCommissionandthelostworldisincomparison toyourconcernforyourowncomfortandfun?Doyou haveonyourheartwhatJesushasonHisheart?Yousee folks,thestoryofJonahhasmanylessons;themainone beingthatJonah'sdeathinthewhale'sbellyisapicture ofthedeath,burialandresurrectionofJesusChrist.But, therearemanymore! Thereisthelessonabouthowwrongitistohaverotten attitudesandbeingself-centered!Then,whataboutthe primaryoneinthebookofrunningfromthecallofGod? Onandonwecouldgo,butIbelieveyounow understandthatthisBookofJonahhasmanylessonswe shouldlearnfrom.Butthequestionis,"willwepaythe pricetolearntheselessons,andbetterstill,willweput intopracticewhatwelearn?"

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Conclusion

Aswebringourstudyof theBookof Jonahtoanend, I thought itmightreallybehelpful to get some very practical truth fromour study by quoting a rather largesection of Dr. Warren Wiersbe's Be Series Commentary once again. We will bequoting some from the pages 92-93 of this good commentary. Please pay closeattentiontowhatthisdearmanofGodsays!"ThisisaverystrangewaytoendsuchadramaticbookattheBookofJonah.Godhas the firstword(Jonah1:1-2)andGodhas the lastword(4:11),and that'sas itshouldbe,butwearen'ttoldhowJonahansweredGod'sfinalquestion."Ibid,page92."We sincerely hope that Jonah yielded to God's loving entreaty and followed theexampleoftheNinevitesrepentingandseekingthefaceofGod.ThefamousScottishpreacher,AlexanderWhytebelievedthatJonahdidexperienceachangeofheart.Hewrote, 'But Jonah came to himself again during those five-and-twenty days or so,fromtheeastgateofNinevehbacktoGathhepher,hisfather'shouse.'Spurgeonsaid,'Letushopethat,duringtherestofhis life,heso livedastorejoice inthesparingmercyofGod.'Afterall,hadn'tJonahhimselfbeensparedbecauseofGod'smercy?'"Ibid,page92."Godwaswilling tospareNinevehbut inorder todo that,HecouldnotspareHisown Son. Somebodyhad to die for their sins, or theywould die in their sins. 'HesparednotHisownSon,butdeliveredHimupforusall,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings?"(Romans8:32). JesususedJonah'sministryto Nineveh to show the Jews how guilty theywere in rejectingHiswitness. 'ThemenofNinevehshallriseinjudgmentwiththisgeneration,andshallcondemnit;becausetheyrepentedatthepreachingofJonas;and,behold,agreaterthanJonasishere'.(Matthew12:41).Ibid,page93.

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