The Fish

Introduction:

· A near-drowning experience

FOR JONAH, IT WAS BOTH. LET’S LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS TO …BE PLUNGED INTO THE DEPTHS, CRY FOR HELP, BE RESCUED FROM DEATH.

I) Plunged into the Depths

A. God’s People Run From God

i. JONAH has “gone down” from God (1:3, 5; 2:6)

1. Jonah is a believer “going down” from God’s calling – not an unbeliever!

2. APPLICATION: not just for unbelievers – but all of us “Jonahs”

ii. Often, our foolishness pride leads to self-reliance and not trusting God (vs. 1)

1. Jonah hasn’t prayed until now: Not in travel; storm; water

2. ILLUSTRATION: Avoiding God leads to foolishness

a. For some of us: We make decisions without praying about them

b. For some of us: A hidden sin that compounds in our lives

B. God Sends Calamity Upon His People

i. We look to vain “idols” to avoid dealing with God (vs. 8)

1. Jonah’s insight: Following his own will = forfeiting God’s gracious love

2. ILLUSTRATION: We use idols to avoid God

a. Turning to an addiction to numb pain rather than bringing to God

b. Busyness (even with ministry) can be a way to avoid God

ii. Finally God gives us what We think We Want (1:3, 10, 2:4)

1. Jonah had been trying to get away from the face of God and God allows it

2. Sometimes: obedience àchaos (like Job); other times, it’s disobedience

3. ILLUSTRATION:

a. Dating a non-Christian àmarriage falls apart, à pain of divorce

b. He may allow rejection; financial hardship; loss of job

NOW THE QUESTION IS – WHAT DO WE DO WHEN THAT HAPPENS?

II) Crying Out For Help

A. Crying out for help means acknowledging the foolishness of our own sin

i. Not blame but acknowledgement (see 1:12; and vs. 3)

1. Jonah recognizes God is behind the calamity – and He is Just

2. What this prayer is…& isn’t: A dependent cry for help (but no confession)

ii. APPLICATION: How do ask for help

1. Living apart from God à chaos, exhaustion, weariness:

2. Some of us are believers fighting for control, harboring sin in our lives

3. But: Don’t just use God for rescue; confess your own sin

B. Crying out for help means trusting the Steadfast Love of God

i. In spite of all, Jonah Turns to God (vs. 8)

1. Jonah realizes that God loves in a way that idols cannot

2. Whatever you are using to avoid God, it can’t compare to God’s love

ii. APPLICATION: God’s Love is for those who don’t deserve it

1. God graciously hears undeserving Jonah’s Prayer for help

2. Some: “Too many mistakes!” But that’s the gospel: God is gracious!

HOW DOES GOD RESPOND TO OUR CRIES FOR HELP?

III) To Be Rescued From The Pit

A. God is the One Who Rescues

i. Jonah’s theme statement: Salvation is of the Lord(vs. 9)

1. The same God who sends severe mercy, spares Jonah

2. ILLUSTRATION: Me being rescued from drowning…and I didn’t help  

B. God Provides the Greatest Rescue From the Greatest Pit

i. Jesus is our greater Jonah (see Matt. 12:40)

Matthew 12:40 ESV

For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

1. Jesus went down real, death and the grave for three days

2. After 3 days God commanded the grave to spit him out and Jess rose!

ii. APPLICATION:

1. The greatest “pit” is death – but because of Jesus, it won’t hold us

2. His resurrection is your resurrection.

Transition:

Conclusion

asd