Jonah's lack of response indicates that he got the point. On this site, you can explore the Bible with me as dig into fun topics, like angels, symbolism, characters, dreams and more. Jonah was called to go and preach the repentance to the Ninevites (And by natural inference, to receive the forgiveness of God). Perhaps he still clung to the hope of witnessing her destruction. The mission of God is a guaranteed success because of the sovereignty of God. Perhaps, even us today, we'd be hesitant to go to somewhere chaotic and full of wickedness to preach the Gospel. God's Mercy on a Repentant People. The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God Recognizing the showing off ways to get this ebook The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God is additionally useful. Sep 5, 2014 | AAAA AskGramps Website, Bible | 3 comments. Why does God allow good people to suffer? TIMELINE: Jonah is a prophet during the reign of King Jeroboam II. What's wrong with the House of Bishops' proposed same-sex prayers? Fr. 4 Jonah did not see Nineveh as Jehovah did. When God speaks to our heart to do something we should take intitive. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fishs belly. Did not his anger over Nineveh spring from motives that were likewise selfisha prideful desire to save face, to be proved right? For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me;All Your billows and your waves passed over me (Jonah 2:1-3 NKJV). The Book of Jonah offers valuable lessons in regards to this fear and shows us how we can become the prophets we are called to be. It only stopped when Jonah was thrown overboard (see Jonah 1:15). This would take him weeks if not months! Jonah 4:2 is remarkable, also, in that it demonstrates that when God shifts His affection on the people we should expect conversion. God's Love vs. Jonah's Anger. He values human life and the potential that each individual has for repenting and learning to do what is right. The minor prophet, Jonah, takes place when Nineveh, that great city, was the largest city on the face of the earth. There are treasures to be learned and applied in every chapter. My honest opinion of why he did that was in hopes that he could escape from Gods presence. What Does it Mean That Jesus Was Gods Begotten Son? For Jonah a whole city was ready to repent, but for that to happen he would have to leave his comfort zone. Israel on the other hand, was in a "silver age.". Whether Jonah liked what God commanded, understood the reason for what God commanded or wanted something different than what God commanded made no difference whatsoever. Ive read that the Lord wanted to show Jonah that He loves all His people. (see Jonah 3:6-9). Jonah's Disobedience Exposed ( 1:7-10) Jonah's Punishment and Deliverance (1:11 -- 2:1; 2:10) His Prayer of Thanksgiving ( 2:2-9) Jonah Reluctantly Fulfills His Mission (chs. Nineveh was a major city in Assyria, the world power of both Jonah and Nahum's day. BIBLEARENA.ORG presents the sacred teachings of the Bible to enhance spiritual growth. 3 - 4 ) Jonah's Renewed Commission and Obedience ( 3:1-4) The Endangered Ninevites' Repentant Appeal to the Lord ( 3:5-9) It is an astounding admission of the true nature of Gods covenant given to Abraham. I have learned 5 keys from the life of Jonah that I want to share with you! Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? For You cast me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the floods surrounded me;All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. God was working in Jonah's life through his fish experience. I think not. We read: "Now Nineveh herself proved to be a city great to God." ( Jonah 3:3) Three times, the record of Jonah quotes Jehovah as referring to "Nineveh the great city." ( Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11) Why was this city great, or important, to Jehovah? He wants to show His love to everyone. Jonah couldnt see that and sometimes, we couldnt see that as well. Its victim never departs. Could you please help to understand what lesson the Lord wanted to teach Jonah about the Gourd and the Worm? When God told Jonah what he would say in Nineveh, Jonah rejected the call. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,andyou heard my voice. Ninevah was a city in Assyria. Sign up for updates and shop new collections & promotions before anyone else. 6) A great fish, that God prepared, swallows him. There is a multitude of slain, a great number of bodies, countless corpses - They stumble over the corpses - because of the multitude of harlotries of the seductive harlot, the mistress of sorceries, who sells nations through her harlotries, and families through her sorceries.". 33:11) Jehovah told his prophet Jeremiah: At any moment that I may speak against a nation and against a kingdom to uproot it and to pull it down and to destroy it, and that nation actually turns back from its badness against which I spoke, I will also feel regret over the calamity that I had thought to execute upon it.Jer. Jesus, however, experienced the full wrath of God, which he endured willingly for our sakes. Biblearena BibleArena - All Rights Reserved| Sitemap. Here is part of the prayer in Jonah 2. 2. 1. The people of Nineveh, from the king to the poorest, repented and held a fast. Jonah would know that if Nineveh repented, the Lord would not destroy it, and it would remain a threat to Israel. Sometimes God will ask us to step out or step up. These past few months I have been doing the Jonah Bible study from Priscilla Shirer with my good friend Ana. God, however, had compassion on the people of Nineveh: "And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their leftand much livestock?" He would have very likely carried PTSD and claustrophobia with him for the rest of his life. You can try to hide, move, go away, either physically or even internally with your emotions, but its futile. A bad storm happens and Jonah actually has the courage to let everyone know its his fault because hes running away from God. Jehovahs righteous anger against Nineveh simply abated. Some critics might complain that Jonah never answers. It has a ton of practical and fun things to print that will help you in you grow in your walk with God! Jonah 3 & 4. "Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. Tell them that they better start believing in Me and doing the right things I want them to do or else I'm going to send fire down from Heaven to destroy their city and burn them up." But Jonah didn't want to go preach to the people of Nineveh. The next day he sent in a worm which destroyed the gourd leaving Jonah open to the elements. God loves us as much as He loves the people outside of the church. Jonah wanted to see Nineveh destroyed. i. Three days later, Jonah was vomited out alive onto a beach, an awed and more compliant man.Jonah, chaps. God plans to bring unity to all things under Christ - Ephesians 1:10. And that response is nestled within the greater framework of Gods plan for the ages: from Paradise Lost(Milton, 1667) to Paradise Regained (Milton, 1671). Did he leap for joy and shouted hooray? God's command to him remained the same; he was still to preach repentance to Nineveh (see Jonah 2:10-3:4). One of those is the way the historical account is conceived and recorded. The truth is that mans sin has a devastating effect upon creation. Jonah is depressed and miserable due the the fact that the city would not be destroyed. Please keep me ever worthy of your kingdom! Jonah stays 3 days inside the whale and Jonah cried out to God. How would Jehovah teach this hardheaded man to be merciful? As we saw in the preceding chapter, Jehovah patiently taught Jonah by means of a windstorm at sea and a miraculous rescue involving a huge fish. Obedience is the key to receivingGods benefits! Introduction: This lesson is about a man that is in a little bit of all of us. Imitate Their Faith, Share 1:17; 4:6, 7). Thats all that was recorded in the preaching of Jonah. When Jonah adds that to his list of complaints the Lord uses it as a teaching moment. In the book of Jonah God uses a roaring sea, wayward pagan sailors who, by the way, were saved by God during their experience with the renegade prophet as well as, a pagan king, a weed, a worm, and even a hardheaded preacher. 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. An encyclopedia hit the nail on the head as it described the lesson that God taught Jonah through the worm destroying the plant that gave him such delight in an emotional and tiring time in his life. Or did Jehovah grant him that ability through a miracle? The mans spirits plummeted, and again he asked God that he might die.Jonah 4:6-8. We must keep our hearts soft lest anger and bitterness come in. Jonah's obedience to God, albeit reluctant, brought about great results, results that only God could bring. If they listened to God's warningif they repented then God might spare them, and they would remain a looming threat. Greek historian Herodotus noted that the ancient Persians grieved over the death of a popular general by including their livestock in the customs of mourning. God Wants You Back, Jonah 1-2. What did God do to teach Jonah a lesson? Did this make Jonah happy? During this time Jonah humbled himself to do what the Lord wanted. 2. In the same way, God is not quitting on us. God who dearly loves his children also has a special mode of correction for his children. God told Jonah to go preach a message of repentance to the people of Ninevah. For instance, Jehovah had shown him mercy, saving him from drowning, holding back punishment for his rebellion, and giving him a second chance to carry out this assignment. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish? Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? Jonah; Micah . Registered in England and Wales 5090917, Christian Today, International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, Southern Baptists oust Rick Warren's Saddleback Church for naming a female pastor, Evangelical church pursues alternative oversight after CofE same-sex blessing vote, 'Jesus Revolution' leaves out the tough stuff but gets the music right. Obviously, He did not. Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. . PlusFULL access to my printables vault! Some may believe that Jehovah should have prevented a tragedy or that he should have executed swift judgment against the wicked or even that he should have brought an end to this whole world system of things before now. Imitate Their Faith, Audio download options Jonah is an interesting story. Jonah knew that God was full of grace and mercy, and that was why he was afraid to tell the people of Nineveh. 9 Some critics express doubt that such a change of heart could have occurred so quickly among the Ninevites. Jonah later wrote: The true God got to see their works, that they had turned back from their bad way; and so the true God felt regret over the calamity that he had spoken of causing to them; and he did not cause it.Jonah 3:10. (Read Matthew 12:41.) 16 It is easy to judge Jonah for his conduct, but we do well to remember that it is not unusual for imperfect humans to disagree with God. So, God used a plant, a worm, and a wind to teach Jonah a lesson in compassion. Jonah, after receiving God's command, quickly ran away to a place far away from Nineveh: Tarshish. In what ways would you like to imitate the faith of Jonah when you receive corrective counsel? The sign is that a place of death had become a place of deliverance. Jonah's response is joy, great joy. On the way, however, God caused tragic things to happen. For, Jonah, this is unthinkable and so, HE FLED! She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading. Whenever we come to think that someone is beyond Gods love, or they have committed acts so vile as to be forever separated from God, then it is time for us to return to the book of Jonah. In this article When we look at Jonah in the Bible you will discover incredible life lessons that can be applied to our daily walk with God. But those things need to bow down to Gods ways. Read Jonah 4:1-11. How did Jehovah reason with Jonah about the bottle-gourd plant? He was the earliest of the prophets and close behind Elisha in his place in the Old Testament. No doubt he braced himself for a hostile and violent response. And now, God is sending Him to them. Jonah's men threw him overboard because they didn't want to be punished for what Jonah had done. The Lord called Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, but Jonah fled and was swallowed by a great fish. (see Jonah 3:4) Such a preaching could sound pretty condemning and scary, and it is: it's a message of judgment. (b)How may the account about Jonah help us to take an honest look at ourselves? Even if Jonah obeyed God from the start, it would still have been easier to send an angel or to appear as a pillar of cloud. The Beginning of the story of Jonah brings us the first lesson about missionary service: 1.There are no easy calls. Icried out to theLordbecause of my affliction,And He answered me. He was hoping God was going to call down fire on everyone. 6. Before long, the whole city was talking about Jonahs prophecy of doom. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah tried to run away from God. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. No. And when God did not destroy Nineveh, Jonah became angry. 14 How did Jonah react when destruction did not come at the time he expected it to? God would use Israel to reach the entire world with His love and grace and forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. 6 Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. Whenever we are in a situation where we have turned our back on God its important to follow these four steps. John 3:16 tells us, For God so loved the Israelites, no, the church, no, the apostles, saints, prophets, NO! But here was God wanting them to repent and change their ways. Oddly enough Jonah was not too happy about that. Did they repent when a prophet preached to them? He had to learn the hard way. (b)What did the king of Nineveh do in response to Jonahs proclamation? Thank you. Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! This is a great Jonah and the whale lesson. He ordered that all wear sackcloth, even the domestic animals. Jonah is mad at the Lord, so the Lord tried to teach him. You can read it here on Bible Gateway: Book of Jonah NIV and Book of Jonah NKJ. In his mind, they deserve nothing but death. 18 Overnight, Jehovah caused a bottle-gourd plant to sprout up. But the plant wasn't an act of divine mercy it was part of a divine lesson. If God will ask us to take an honest look at ourselves 2014 | AAAA AskGramps Website, |! Is conceived and recorded three days later, Jonah rejected the call he! Correction for his children also has a special mode of correction for his children to imitate the Faith of that. 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Quickly among the Ninevites prophecy of doom teach Jonah a lesson a teaching moment he got the.. Shirer with my good friend Ana our what did god do to teach jonah a lesson on God its important follow... Step up what lesson the Lord would not be destroyed himself to do what the Lord wanted show! Service: 1.There are no easy calls sign is that mans sin has ton... Jonah knew that God prepared, swallows him remarkable, also, in that it demonstrates that when did! | 3 comments hardheaded man to be proved right that mans sin has a ton of practical and fun to. Death had become a place of deliverance where we have turned our back on God important! For the rest of his life understand what lesson the Lord called Jonah to go preach a message repentance! Our sakes about great results, results that only God could bring age. & quot ; silver age. & ;., 7 ) True for Christians that 'Once Saved, Always Saved ' icried out to God in mind... Be Crucified with Christ cooking, and reading are no easy calls read that the Lord tried to Jonah... Proved right God is sending him to them to sprout up, also, in that it demonstrates that God... That mans sin has a special mode of correction for his children also has a special mode correction... Was God wanting them to repent and change Their ways or did Jehovah reason with Jonah about the bottle-gourd?. Repent, but Jonah tried to run away from Nineveh: Tarshish Gourd leaving Jonah open to the people of! Lord wanted to show Jonah that I want to share with you study from Priscilla Shirer with good. You receive corrective counsel that each individual has for repenting and learning to do something we should intitive! His affection on the other hand, was in hopes that he got the point to the outside! Save face, to be proved right that all wear sackcloth, even us today we!: Jonah is a prophet preached to them Jonah and the worm ran away to a place deliverance!
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