The Story of Jonah

Scripture:

Jonah 1 to 4


Observation:

1) Running from God:

Jonah didn’t like what God told him to do, so he tried to run away. But there is no getting away from God! (Psalm 139:7)

2) Turning to God:

After Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of a big fish, he was spit up onto the shore. (Side note: Jonah was part of the vomit of a very large fish. That’s disgusting. Just saying.) Once he was freed from the fish’s belly, Jonah admitted his sin and turned back to God. This is a tremendous example of both the consequences of sin, and God’s willingness to forgive when we repent.

3) Obeying God:

Jonah preached repentance to Ninevah and they listened! God, in His mercy and compassion, sent the way of salvation to the people of Ninevah. They needed to choose whether or not to accept God’s gift. They did and experienced forgiveness and entered into a relationship with God as His children. God used Jonah to bring salvation to a nation.

4) Disappointed with God:

Jonah was unhappy because God offered the way of salvation to Ninevah. Jonah acted like He knew better than God. We’ve learned in the past that this is pride. God could have been angry with Jonah and caused the ground to swallow Jonah up (like Korah in the book of Exodus). Instead, God patiently explained to Jonah why He wanted to offer salvation to the people of Ninevah. God made them, just like He made Jonah. And God loved them, just like He loved Jonah.


Application:

God is patient, gracious, merciful and loving. He knows when I am running away, angry, or disappointed. He loves me and is ready to extend his grace and mercy to me when I turn back to Him.


Prayer:

Father, for any one reading this who is trying to run from You, I pray You would remind them of Your love and Your desire for them to turn back to You. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and patience. Please keep me in the shadow of Your wings!