Jonah Ch1: 4-16

Verse 4: God is always working and in control! Even when it appears that he is not! a. God hurled a great wind! (threw it down or across) b. a great storm! (very violent) c. the ship was about to break up!

Question: Have you ever had a great wind and storm come into your life? Did you feel like your ship/life was about to break up?

Verse 5: DON’T FORGET THE SAILORS! Those people around Jonah were drastically effected by Jonah’s decision to disobey God! They became afraid and they cried out to their god’s...... their life was in danger and it cost them financially! They threw their cargo overboard! Money loses its value and luster during the storms of life.

where was Jonah? Down in the boat, sound asleep! (being in a state of sleep with little or no awareness)

Verse 6: How can you sleep! Call on your God Perhaps your God will be concerned for us so we will not perish! SINCE OUR gods DON’T!

*does this sound familiar? John 3:16

Verse 7: casting lots? God is still working!! why do you think this pagan practice(also used by Hebrews)of casting lots pointed to Jonah?

Verse 8&9: The interrogation of Jonah by the sailors, during this vicious storm!

Jonah was truthful and testified about his God, THE ONE TRUE GOD!

Verse 10&11: OH,NO! We see another fear come upon the sailors. Remember they were already fearful of the storm and the prospect of death. Now they know what they are up against! They have heard the testimony about this God of the HEBREWS now they see that Jonah has rebelled against his God.

*catch this: GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF TO THE SAILORS AS HE DEALS WITH JONAH.....

The sailors ask Jonah “what shall we do”?

Verse 12&13&14: Jonah answers them, BUT they tried to use their own strength to row against the storm so they would not have to take the life of Jonah by throwing him overboard.

Look at the progression of the thought process of the sailors:

a. tried to solve the problem on their own: tried to row to the shore!

b. then they turned to God and earnestly prayed for God not to take their life because of Jonah’s sin of rebellion.

c. please do not put innocent blood on us!

d. WATCH THIS ONE: You, O LORD! Have done what you have pleased! They come to an understanding and knowledge of who God is! WOW!

e. they did what Jonah instructed them to do: overboard you go!

f. The storm stops raging: The sailors experience the true God! God spares their life!

g. They fear God! (respect Him for who He is) offered a sacrifice and made vows! *GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING TO BRING HONOR TO HIMSELF, WHAT AMAZING MERCY AND GRACE HE GIVES! DO YOU KNOW HIM!