The Turnaround of the Runaway Prophet

Jonah Series: Wrestling wit Obedience

Message #3

Jonah 1:17-2:10.

ETS: Jonah was rescued from the depths of the sea.

ESS: We are rescued from the depths of our disobedience through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

OSS: [Evangelistic] {I want the hearers to turn to Christ.}

PQ:

What are the aspects of this text?

UW: Aspects

Intro.: [AGS]: There are many dangerous songs on the radio today— whether that be your vehicle radio or the streaming service you use. One of those, in particular, comes to mind. The lyrics that stand out to me are as follows, “I only talk to god when I need a favor...”— granted, the artist admits to not living the best life in the song, but how much of this mentality describes our culture— sometimes even of those who occupy the pews every Sunday? Far too often, our culture reflects a people who do not live wholeheartedly for God. Rather, they acknowledge God when they are desperate and need help with something. A culture that is just fine living a totally reckless and sin-filled life day in and day out, but who expect God to act immediately and mightily in their time of need when they have not lived for Him. [TS]: Perhaps Jonah’s story resonates with such a culture. Jonah was actively running from God in disobedience while claiming to worship God. This led him to being tossed into the sea of darkness in great despair. Yet, today’s text records God acting mightily to rescue Jonah from the pit of despair and the darkness of depths of the sea. [RS]: Maybe you can relate— maybe you are even guilty of such a pattern in your life and relationship with God. Listen closely today as we dive deeper into the story of Jonah, the runaway prophet.

TS: Let us examine the aspects of the text now.

The character of God. [v. 17]

God is sovereign.

God is loving.

Romans 5:8

The distress of Jonah. [vv. 1-2]

His distress caused him to cry out to God. Oftentimes, we do not cry out to God until we are desperate.

Jonah was content with running from God. Prior to these moments, he was sleeping even amidst the storm. Indeed, often we do not cry out to God until we feel the distress of our own sin.

The testimony of the turnaround. [vv. 3-10]

Notice the running

Though not directly mentioned in this text, it is understood from context.

Notice the remorse

Again, not directly stated, it is understand.Cue the word remembered.

Notice the repentance

Remembered the Lord…I will sacrifice…I will keep my vow

Notice the rescue

You raised me from the pit

Salvation belongs to the LORD

He commanded the fish and it vomited me out on dry ground.

Response Questions:

[1] If you are not saved, you are tossed into the deep, dark sea destined for drowning because of your sin. You are in need of rescue. Do you realize that you need to be rescued?

[2] If you are not saved, your soul is in anguish and longing— a state of distress separated from the One who made you— yet, you will not realize this until the Spirit of God convicts your heart and awakens you to the reality of your lostness. Then and only then will you realize how deeply desperate you are. Are you desperate for help?

[3] If you are saved, but you resonate with the pattern of relationship described at the beginning of the sermon… only talking to god when you need a favor… then I want you to be assured of two things:

God wants to have a much closer relationship with you than just hearing from you when you need a favor. He wants to know you daily.

You can begin today committing your life to a greater life of intimacy with God.