Jonah - A Insight of God's Compassion (2)

The Perfect Storm Of Responses

Jonah 1:4-9.

Intro

Welcome

Pray

Recap

“Whoever rules the waves rules the world," - Alfred T. Mahan (Naval Officer and Historian)

Read

Yahweh’s Response (4)

Starts w/ “But” - “Yahweh, who has not actively participated in the story until this point, is introduced here in a very dramatic manner.” Hoyt

God is the creator and ruler of the seas > Chaos/instability (Gen 1:10, Mk 4:39-41).

Not a coincidence/surprise but a divine interaction.

“This was not a purposeless demonstration of the Lord’s power over the elements, nor even just to smash inflexible Jonah, but to give him a sense of concern for the sailors and thus for Ninevites.” ZBC

Since God has a heart for unconverted pagans so should we! (Mt 28:18-20).

2. Sailor’s Response (5-8)

New characters - Sailors (Phoenicians). “Known for their seamanship and navigating skills” FSB.

Became Fearful > 3 reactions 1. Religion. (Yamm), Training , Traditions (Prov 16:33, Acts 1:24-26).

“The Captain’s order echoes Yahweh’s initial command” Phillips

3. Jonah’s Response (5,9)

No coincidence the lot fell on Jonah

Contrast between Jonah and Captain

Q & A

Jonah as good theology.

Hebrew = Nationality

Fear = Worship

Heaven = Rarely used title before exile

Sea and Land = Merism. An expression using contrasting parts to indicate totality. Jonah acknowledges Yahweh’s sovereignty over all creation!

Jonah was preaching before Nineveh.

Ending

How do you respond to the challenges in your life?

Do you trust and rest in God’s sovereignty?

Pray

Preview = Jonah 1:10-16.