Text: Jonah 1:12-17 (CSB) – “He answered them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea so that it will calm down for you, for I know that I’m to blame for this great storm that is against you.” Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they couldn’t because the sea was raging against them more and more. So they called out to the Lord: “Please, Lord, don’t let us perish because of this man’s life, and don’t charge us with innocent blood! For you, Lord, have done just as you pleased.” Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. The men were seized by great fear of the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
We are in a study of the book of Jonah! I have entitled our study JONAH – THE PERVERSE PROPHET. This little book is only 4 chapters long, but filled with great spiritual truths!
We will think today about Jonah’s Punishment with two main concepts - Overboard Results! And an Ocean Ride.
Jonah's answer to the question asked yesterday was simple and honest! "Throw me overboard!" This quick answer demonstrates the state of mind he was in ... while he acknowledges his sin he seeks to play the role of a martyr in the end! Martyrdom using the means of going overboard! Though he repents of sorts ... he at least assumes his death will mean that the capital city of the Assyrian empire, Nineveh won't hear and repent! While he is sorry enough to save the lives of these few Gentiles on this boat, he still hopes not to have to see hundreds of thousands saved from Nineveh! Ironically again, the men refuse this harsh treatment and continue to do everything humanely possible to save Jonah as well as themselves!
They were more compassionate towards him than he to them!
If he really was sorry for his sin, he could have just offered to jump without their help of throwing him overboard ... but he doesn't offer to simply jump himself, he wants them to throw him overboard! They realize human effort won't work ... so the PRAY TO THE GOD OF JONAH!
· They ask for God's forgiveness before they act!
· They acknowledge the innocent blood they would be spilling!
· They acknowledge the Sovereignty of God in the process!
Then they threw Jonah overboard ... and the sea immediately calmed down! This brought a great sense of conviction to them about God! Jonah's rebellion would save even these few Gentiles ... they sought for God by making sacrifices for their sins ... and making vows before the true God!
Poor Jonah, he couldn't even disobey God without someone getting saved! How ironic is God's love that even our worst actions can sometimes lead to other people's redemption!
But, God is not finished with this Perverse Prophet – He provides Jonah an ocean ride to the destination he was supposed to have gone in the first place. Jonah had an even bigger surprise waiting for him! As he fell overboard thinking, "at least Nineveh won't hear the gospel" what happens? HE GETS SWALLOWED BY A GREAT SEA CREATURE ... something as big as a whale!
He couldn't run away from God like he thought!
Now, he who rode in the belly of a comfortable ship... He would now return in the belly of a smelly fish! The ride back to God can sometimes be uncomfortable... but it is better than never returning!
Had Jonah originally gone to Nineveh it would have been a one-month trip ... now it cost him MORE time because of the detour he took!
What did he gain by trying to run from God!?
· Bitterness
· Storming climate
· Cost an entire crew their earthly supplies!
· A ride in the belly of a huge fish, slop and all! (If you think handling a fish makes you smell, try living in one for 3 days)!
How much better if he had obeyed God in the first place and not run! God got the first word and the last ... He always does you know! Jonah bought a one-way ticket and got a free return trip ... God doesn't let go of us very easily but that doesn't mean the return trip is always smooth!
Why fight it? Why run away from God?
Usually, it is because we are bitter against God ... so we think we are going to get even with Him, imagine that! Sometimes we are running away because we are afraid God might do something wonderful and then we have to adjust our hearts toward this miracle.
· It seems easier to run away!
· Sometimes we hope God won't answer because then we might have to accept something we don't really want ... so we run hoping we won't have to be responsible or so it won't happen!
God might let you run a certain distance, but remember that return trip ... the longer you're running away the more time spent in the belly of the fish
In reality, it is hard to run away from a God who is everywhere ...
· Even when you're running away from Him you are sure to run into Him!
· While you might get some satisfaction out of running away, just remember the return trip might be more uncomfortable than you would like to have
· Just ask Jonah about his return trip!
Running away NEVER gains you anything except a big fish story! It is far better to run to God than to try running from God!
Tomorrow we will look at Jonah’s Prayer in Chapter 2. In the meantime, consider your life – are you running away from God or to God?
SO IF YOU RUNNING AWAY … GIVE IT UP ALREADY!
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