The story of Jonah demonstrates why God so often leads us one step at a time without telling us more. The story of Jonah was a popular tale in Jesus' time. Knowing that the people of Nineveh were wicked, Jonah naturally wouldn't want to go there to preach. 6 Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. It tells us about the role we play in the Body of Christ, the forgiving and merciful attitude that we all should have, and the unimaginable magnitude of Gods mercy and grace not just to His people, but to the entire world. So when the Lord told Jonah that Nineveh was wicked and ripe for destruction, it would be easy to see why Jonah would be pleased by this; and why he would be less pleased to be called by the Lord to call the city of Nineveh to repentance. The lesson that God loves us while we are living in rebellion is of great hope to our nation today. We need to learn from him and his mistakes. It was vast, a metropolitan region that evidently included several other cities, requiring a man three days to walk from one end to the other. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?'" Get a focused-Bible-teaching on various subjects as they may apply to our today's lives. God does not tempt us with sin - James 1:13. And Jonah has good earthly reasons why, but God looks beyond the earthly and looks through His spiritual eyes. Instead, something remarkable happened. What Does It Mean to Wait on the Lord? God's command to him remained the same; he was still to preach repentance to Nineveh (see Jonah 2:10-3:4). by Shelby Faith. What's wrong with the House of Bishops' proposed same-sex prayers? He tried to run away from the presence of God, and enjoy himself. At one time their ancestors had known the Lord but over time the people had drifted away and taken a different path, one . Now, here was Jonah, a man who perfectly knew who the Ninevites were. God loves us as much as He loves the people outside of the church. Jonah has two different responses to God's . He was hoping God was going to call down fire on everyone. (b)Why can we be sure that Jehovahs judgment was not in error? Was the restriction of unclean foods in the Bible a commandment. The book of Jonah is remarkable for several reasons. A Heartless Prophet, Jonah 4. Instead of us being beaten, insulted, and crucified, Yahshua did it for us. The sign is that a place of death had become a place of deliverance. When we accept Jesus and our Lord and Savior, then we need t to not just talk the talk but actually walk the walk. Before long, the whole city was talking about Jonahs prophecy of doom. Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Or did Jehovah grant him that ability through a miracle? At this point we find our first great lessons regarding God's sovereignty. 2. I am so grateful for technology. 33:11) Jehovah told his prophet Jeremiah: At any moment that I may speak against a nation and against a kingdom to uproot it and to pull it down and to destroy it, and that nation actually turns back from its badness against which I spoke, I will also feel regret over the calamity that I had thought to execute upon it.Jer. I dont select the ads displayed here but generated by advertising software. The noise of a whip and the noise of rattling wheels, of galloping horses, of clattering chariots! 1) God gave Jonah a job, but Jonah didn't want to do it. All people will one day glorify God - Psalms 86:9. Or trouble within your church? As he sank deeper and deeper into the sea, he prayed to Jehovah. "He Delighteth in Mercy". View joshua.infantado.1s profile on Facebook, View joshuainfantados profile on Twitter, View joshuainfantados profile on LinkedIn, View +JoshuaInfantados profile on Google+, Follow Becoming Christians on WordPress.com. I hope they will fail., Oh why cant my angry boss just be gone., At times, we are so busy in saying that, I hope he gets what he deserves.. Or, are we angry, too? Jonah meets big fish, big fish eats him, Jonah decides if he gets out of fish alive he'll do what God says, fish throws up, and out comes a very stinky Jonah. PDF to print for family reading. MATERIALS: Learning props and toys, craft supplies, music SONG IDEAS:&a The book of Jonah is a short narrative book about a prophet who doesn't really act like a prophet of God at all. A bad storm happens and Jonah actually has the courage to let everyone know its his fault because hes running away from God. Jonah's preaching was quite short, and he probably wasn't enthusiastic when he preached it: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" In chapter 4 of Jonah, we see a man who is angry, because God decided to have mercy. To top it off Nineveh is 800 miles away. Instead, the "sign" we are offered is an invitation to die with Christ so that we can personally begin to experience the new life of the Resurrection. (John 8:57,58) The truth is, we should never assume that it is impossible for people to repentno matter how vicious they may seem to us. He knew, because of Gods incredible and unfathomable deep level of mercy, He would forgive them if they repent! Instead, the Lord saved him. Rather than the story being only about Nineveh, or about God's message, all of the lessons seem to be centered in the person of Jonah. For built into Jonah's first attempts to get away from God are two results which will inevitably follow whenever anyone tries to disobey Him. And when God did not destroy Nineveh, Jonah became angry. Jonah's reluctance to obey the Lord's call to preach in Nineveh creates a natural doubt over whether he was actually a prophet, but the Savior referred to him as . 10 How did Jehovah react to the Ninevites repentance? Covenantal-snobbery was, and can still be, a serious problem with Gods people. Nineveh was a Gentile city, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, and had no covenant with God. Though we run away from Him, He patiently waits for us. We could be in the church, but our heart is not in the church. Jonah later wrote: The true God got to see their works, that they had turned back from their bad way; and so the true God felt regret over the calamity that he had spoken of causing to them; and he did not cause it.Jonah 3:10. God is trying to teach Jonah that God can bless whoever He wishes, whenever He wishes. The commandment to Jonah was to "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me" (Jonah 1:2). God's compassion easily surpasses our love for others. You will see how this Jonah Bible study has changed the way I look at obedience and repentance. Yet he rebelled, and Nineveh accepted him as a messenger and quickly repented when he got there. He likely had to skirt the vast Syrian Desert, ford such rivers as the mighty Euphrates, and seek shelter among foreigners in the towns and villages of Syria, Mesopotamia, and Assyria. July 19, 2009. He will establish his abiding presence with his favorite children. Just like us, brethren, we have also been given a task by God to preach the Gospel to this morally decaying and dying world. It is the book itself. How does that show through the story? He had to learn the hard way. He decides the best thing to do is leave Israel and go in the polar opposite direction to Tarshish, which is said to be near Spain. Introduction. We could be studying the word of God, but our hearts are not into it. However, Bible scholars have noted that a movement of that kind was not out of keeping with the superstitious and volatile nature of people of such cultures in ancient times. This was at least part of the reason why Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh - he was afraid they would repent, when all along he wanted God to judge the Assyrian capital. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.). So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Rudyard Kipling, the great English poet of the first part of the 20th century, considered the strengths and influence of the British Empire but warned his fellow subjects of the crown that empires are fleeting. ( Jonah 3:3-4) Jonah preaches in Nineveh. If I go up to the heavens,you are there;if I make my bedin the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,your right handwill hold me fast.If I say, Surely the darkness will hide meand the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be darkto you;the night will shine like the day,for darkness is as light to you. He built a little shelter and settled in to waitand to watch Nineveh. Will the United States be on the side of Israel in the last war? God was telling Jonah to take a message of repentance to an empire destined to destroy his own nation and people. Jonahs story may help us to take an honest look at ourselves. She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Jonah was then swallowed by a great fish and was brought to Nineveh. We read: "Now Nineveh herself proved to be a city great to God." ( Jonah 3:3) Three times, the record of Jonah quotes Jehovah as referring to "Nineveh the great city." ( Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11) Why was this city great, or important, to Jehovah? If you want to learn more about Jonahcheck out Priscilla Shirer Jonah Bible Study. Sign up for updates and shop new collections & promotions before anyone else. God is eager to see the wicked repent and change their ways, as the Ninevites did. If that were so we would never be saved. He was a prophet in a nation he is proud of. He would also know that if he disobeyed the commands of the Lord, he would bring down the wrath of God on himself. The pagan city of Nineveh, the capital of an Ancient Near Eastern Empire, Assyria, was the epicenter of antagonism toward Israel, and yet, this enemy of God became the object of God's love and grace. Not to mention I did an Old Testament survey on him as well. These are only 5 thingsthere are more! His spirits lifted. God gave Jonah a job to do, and he ran away. When God speaks to our heart to do something we should take intitive. (Ezek. As a result of his rebellion, the Lord sent a wild storm. For this article, we will take a quick look at some things that Jonah's life and ministry teaches us today, in a world where man-centered Christianity has grown, and many are looking for the real deal about Christ. Why arent prophets giving us specific signs to watch for? 3. 16. We stop there and think of it as a fun story especially for childrens church. The stubborn servant felt the heat of hell until he repented. The book of Jonah exactly shows us the unlimited Mercy of God. How well are we doing our job? It is all full of lies and robbery. God let Jonah eat lavishly, then sent him to a place of famine. The word for the English, loving kindness in the text is the Hebrew, hesed. Hesed is the word used repeatedly throughout the Old Testament to describe Gods loyal love, His self-sworn obligation to love Israel, and to provide what Israel lacked (viz., sacrifice for sin and a holy life). Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. The story has a long interpretive history and has become well . Imitate Their Faith, Audio download options These results are in verse three, that is, one verse before the one that tells of God's special intervention in sending the storm . Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? Sometimes when we read Jonah we shake our heads and go seesh really? He gets tossed around by a storm and swallowed by a whale (or big fishwhatever floats your boat). If you want to learn more, read, 13 Best Lessons We can Learn from Jonah.. from the presence of the LORD. The next day he sent in a worm which destroyed the gourd leaving Jonah open to the elements. Am I Less Worthy Not Being From the Tribe of Ephraim? It is not that Jonah hesitated and, then, refused to go to Nineveh because the task would be difficult (although that is an argument from silence). Article Images Copyright , 4 Powerful Lessons from the Book of Jonah for Today. 18:7,8. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. His life and ministry, recorded in but four chapters, brings so many lessons to Christians old and new. Not stopping and chewing on what the scripture is trying to show us. Clearly the Lord knew what Jonah would do, and it seems the Lord was prepared to use that to further His own ends. Why did Jehovah refer to Nineveh as the great city, and what does that teach us about him? Sometimes God will ask us to step out or step up. God Bless Three days later, Jonah was vomited out alive onto a beach, an awed and more compliant man.Jonah, chaps. it helps to pay the bills and keeps this website running. Jonah was a prophet and the Lord told Him to go and preach against Nineveh, which was the capital of the Assyrian empire. . 12,13. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. Was it not because Jonah had allowed his thinking to become selfish? Thank you. Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. When someone repents, are we happy for the person? It seems that at this time Nineveh had a sea-oriented religious system and sea-themed Gods. Jonah was the son of Amittai, who came from Gath-hepher in Zebulun (called Gittah-hepher in Joshua 19:10-13 ). 16 It is easy to judge Jonah for his conduct, but we do well to remember that it is not unusual for imperfect humans to disagree with God. Here is part of the prayer in Jonah 2. How did Jonah show faith and courage as he preached in Nineveh? What kind of journey lay ahead of Jonah, and how did he feel about his destination? JONAH would have plenty of time to think. The Lord provided a gourd or plant that protected Jonah. Perhaps he still clung to the hope of witnessing her destruction. As we know it didnt really work too well for him. DLTK's Sunday School Lessons Men of the Old Testament Pt 1: Jonah. - Acts 20:24b Props: One Ziploc bag with a fresh piece of Play-doh inside; Second piece of Play-doh that is dried out, in no particular shape; an extra ziplock bag. He sent a worm to attack and kill the plant. However, anyone who willingly obeys God has the advantage of receiving greater benefits than a person who was coerced into obedience. God chose Jonah to go to the Ninevites and tell them that unless they turned from their wicked ways they would face God's punishment. The fast was so great that even animals fasted and cried out to God! Short little Melissa style summary and insight: *If you are not familiar with the story of Jonahspend some time reading it. As Jonah said, God is a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.. When God told Jonah what he would say in Nineveh, Jonah rejected the call. He must learn that God's love is greater and wider than he had ever imagined. acquire the The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God member that we present here and check out the link. What can we learn from Jonahs attitude toward the repentance of the Ninevites? Image what they would be thinking when he started telling them that God had a message for them, and they needed to repent or be destroyed. Jonah thought he was going to die. In the 4th chapter of Jonah, we see God's love and grace contrasted with Jonah's anger and lack of compassion. A gourd, an easterly winder, and even a worm, all over the Lord without any protests. When we begin to reduce Gods response to human sin as judgment without mercy, then it is time for us to open up the book of Jonah, and invite the Spirit of the Lord to cleanse us of self-interests, smugness, and uncaring attitudes and return to the Lord of love. We do not know. It rocks my world that Jonah is running away from God and causing a huge storm (ahemmess) actually got people to offer sacrifices and make vows to the Lord. TERMS OF USE 14. 21. Isaiah was called to preach to a derelict people: "Jerusalem is ruined, and . During this time Jonah humbled himself to do what the Lord wanted. Because God has shown us mercy, wouldnt He also show mercy to those people outside our Christian faith? How could Jonah place more value on a single plant than he did on the lives of 120,000 humans, in addition to all their livestock? Expressing hope that the true God would soften upon seeing their repentance, the king said: God may . 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And kill the plant the sign is that a place east of the Old Testament Pt 1:.! Willingly obeys God has shown us mercy, wouldnt he also show mercy to those people outside the!
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what did god do to teach jonah a lesson