Jonah 2

Introduction

Scripture reading — Johnny

(read with, listen once, listen again)Lectio divina-ish

Responsive reading — What stood out to you?

Explanation

Start by acknowledging the tension in whether his praise is sincere

2:1 — Jonah has to go down to the depths of the sea to lift his eyes up to heaven.

When you’re at the end of your rope, there’s hope.

first time obedience/praise would’ve been ideal

2:2 — Your trust in God’s providence isn’t dependent on your ability to see the future but your ability to recall the past.

Jonah wasn’t on dry land, but he knew.

Chad S & “stones of remembrance” + “here I raise my Ebenezer”

2:8 — This will preach.

Is Jonah being insincere? Is he taking one step forward, two steps back?

Either way, it’s true

Ironically, he is idolizing a false view of God that doesn’t show grace to the unworthy, and in response, has been avoiding God’s love for him in his sin

2:9 — Resolutions without repentance won’t lead to godly transformation.

2:10 — Sometimes God’s deliverance comes through discipline.

Imagery of vomiting

Ex. of caught in addiction

Jonah’s downward slide versus God’s painful upward pull

“down to Joppa”, “down below deck”, “I sank down”

“Get up and call on your God!” “brought my life up from the pit” “onto dry land”

Sometimes God’s mercy is severe

Exhortation

Groups prayer & application

Have you been running from God? What do you need to confess in repentance?

Are you struggling to trust God? What are “stones of remembrance” you need to recall out loud to hold to faith?