The modern storybook accounts of Jonah do not include any information on Chapter 4. Chapter 3 ends with a miraculous and humbling repentance from the Ninevites, and God responding with grace, sparing the city from destruction. And that’s where the book would end if we were writing it ourselves. End scene, role credits, everybody lives happily ever after. But as chapter 4 begins we find that there is trouble in paradise. And as it has been there throughout the story. The trouble is with Jonah and his heart.
Jonah 4:1-11
God's Heart for the Lost
July 30, 2023 • Zach Nicholson • Jonah 4
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Jonah - Cartersville
Jonah 1:1-6
July 2, 2023 • Joe Burrows • Jonah 1:1–6
The book begins with the phrase “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah…” (v 1, ESV) The book begins with God and His word front and center. He is the main character of this amazing story. In addition, we see the Lord taking initiative. He has a Word to speak through Jonah to a people far away from Him. He initiates this plan and invites Jonah to be a participant in it. Will Jonah obey the Lord’s word and the Lord’s way? Or will Jonah seek his own way?
Jonah 1:7-17
July 9, 2023 • Tony Dicara • Jonah 1:7–17
Jonah has fled from the Lord’s command because he doesn’t want to have anything to do with the Ninevites being saved. They were terrible people, murderous idol worshippers that were viciously oppressing his people, the Jews. Now consciously rebelling, he descends to the bottom of the boat, as far from the pagan sailors as possible. And in his mind, as far from God as he could be. Jonah lies inactive and apathetic as the people around him, aware of their impending death, yet unable to save themselves, struggle in vain. In his sovereignty, God chose Jonah because He knew he would rebel. He chose Jonah so that you and I and hundreds of other generations of believers would learn from his story. God was not surprised when he rebelled. This very scary and painful story, along with all other stories, occurs exactly according to His plan for us. He knew exactly which boat Jonah was going to board and which crew would be on it. Their names along with many Ninevites have always been written in the Lamb’s book of Life. So, we should not be surprised when the crew cast lots and the lot fell to Jonah. We should not be surprised when Jonah runs from saving a pagan nation, right into saving a pagan crew of sailors. The Lord’s will is always accomplished with or without our knowledge or cooperation.
Jonah 2:1-10
July 16, 2023 • Tyler Price • Jonah 2
Jonah’s rebellion has earned him a one-way ticket to the belly of a giant fish. Alone, in the dark, dank, smelly pit of that fish, Jonah is left with time to reflect on his disobedience and the merciful salvation provided by the Lord in bringing the fish. It is in this context that Jonah raises his voice in prayer and praise to the Lord, it is in the belly of the fish that he finds repentance.