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. 3. But thankfully brethren, God is not like that. Then he asked to die, saying that death would be better than life.Read Jonah 4:2,3. In truth, though, his answer is there. So, I hope my Bible study on Jonah encourages you to take a second look at Jonah. John 3:16 tells us, For God so loved the Israelites, no, the church, no, the apostles, saints, prophets, NO! The book bearing his name ends with Jehovahs question hanging therein effect, still echoing. His failure would have resulted in the destruction of Nineveh by the Lord due to their wickedness. Jesus, however, experienced the full wrath of God, which he endured willingly for our sakes. During this time Jonah humbled himself to do what the Lord wanted. Was the restriction of unclean foods in the Bible a commandment. Jehovahs righteous anger against Nineveh simply abated. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. It is the book itself. Nineveh had a huge population for that time. 1,2. It is clear that Jonah believed in the efficacy of God's message. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Yes, they do, but most of the time, Israel wont repent. Before long, the whole city was talking about Jonahs prophecy of doom. Jonah stays 3 days inside the whale and Jonah cried out to God. Please click here to learn how. 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. (a)How did Jehovah respond to the repentance of the Ninevites? God, however, had compassion on the people of Nineveh: "And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their leftand much livestock?" They are the same people who have killed a lot of Israelites. 6 It has been estimated that Samaria, the capital of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, may have had some 20,000 to 30,000 inhabitants in Jonahs dayless than a fourth of Ninevehs population. In the book of Jonah God uses a roaring sea, wayward pagan sailors who, by the way, were saved by God during their experience with the renegade prophet as well as, a pagan king, a weed, a worm, and even a hardheaded preacher. You could really see the clear intent of Jonah here that he really didnt want to do the job he was called to do. We are all sinners who are worthy of death. Jesus knew what he was talking about, for he had been alive in heaven to witness those events as they unfolded. Thank you, Jesus! The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God Recognizing the showing off ways to get this ebook The Prodigal Prophet Jonah And The Mystery Of God is additionally useful. A Heartless Prophet, Jonah 4. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me;All Your billows and your waves passed over me (Jonah 2:1-3 NKJV). Six Signs We Need to Return to God, Jonah 1. The Bible states that the Lord had Jonah caught by a giant fish for three days and then vomit him up (presumably near Nineveh). He and his wife, Mae, reside in Western North Carolina. When Jonah adds that to his list of complaints the Lord uses it as a teaching moment. Image what some of the Nineveh locals would think and say if they saw Jonah get vomited up out of a fish onto the beach. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit. God knows the future - Isaiah 46:10. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. Its like what my pastor says, Earthly obedience, brings forth spiritual release. The Lords states that Jonah mourns the loss of the Gourd which came up in a day and was lost in a daya nothing and trivial thing. Struck with godly fear, he rose up from his throne, removed his luxurious robes of state, put on the same rough clothing that his people were wearing, and even sat down in the ashes. With his great ones, or nobles, he issued a decree that turned the fast from a spontaneous popular movement into an official action of state. He had prophesied doom and destruction in the name of the Lord, but due to repentance it wasnt going to happen. He was the earliest of the prophets and close behind Elisha in his place in the Old Testament. 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. Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish's belly: Jonah was still in the belly of the fish but he knew it was enough that the LORD had heard his cry ( You heard my voice ). The next day he sent in a worm which destroyed the gourd leaving Jonah open to the elements. Could you please help to understand what lesson the Lord wanted to teach Jonah about the Gourd and the Worm? The petulant prophet is perturbed that God's grace to pagans is of greater priority to God than Jonahs comfort. The sign of Jonah was an expression used by Jesus to refer to Jonah's three days and three nights in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17). His mercy isnt just limited to His people, but He also extends it to those outside of Israel. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Clearly the Lord knew what Jonah would do, and it seems the Lord was prepared to use that to further His own ends. There might be more, but thats just what is said here. Three days later, Jonah was vomited out alive onto a beach, an awed and more compliant man.Jonah, chaps. God is determined to get Jonah to Nineveh. Jonah's response is joy, great joy. Jonah sits in the heat of Northern Iraq and is so outdone with God's grace to his enemy, seething that he has lost a gourd with its leaves to shade him, that he despairs unto death. Obviously, He did not. | These are only 5 thingsthere are more! Jonah demonstrates how God uses all of His creation to bring about the salvation of one very wicked nation. When thinking about this book as a whole, and what God is trying to teach Jonah, what does this mean for us. To top it off Nineveh is 800 miles away. How had Jonah learned that he could not run away from his assignment? Did that solve Jonahs attitude? Jonah thought he was going to die. The book of Jonah is a short narrative book about a prophet who doesn't really act like a prophet of God at all. In his heart of hearts, he knew that they deserve nothing but punishment and death. People listened! One day, God told the prophet Jonah, "Jonah, go preach to the people of Nineveh. Then, God asks a question to Jonah, which echoes through the ages down to our own lives: Jonah 4:10-11 (ESV): And the Lord said, You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. Jonah was cast into the sea and did not drown. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,andyou heard my voice. Indeed, the Bible is clear: The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples (Deuteronomy 7:7 NIV). July 19, 2009. 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. But here was God wanting them to repent and change their ways. And now, God is sending Him to them. Kia Ora Gramps.Could you please help to understand what lesson the Lord wanted to teach Jonah about the Gourd and the Worm? Jonah was a prophet who supported Israel at a time when Israel was threatened by Nineveh. Jonah had experienced God's mercy and was given a second chance in his life. He sent a worm to attack and kill the plant. He mentions one in particular: Far-called, our navies melt away;On dune and headland sinks the fire:Lo, all our pomp of yesterdayIs one with Nineveh and Tyre! 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. One could never feel any sense of accomplishment or ownership, because it is given without cause. So, you know for Jonah it would be a BIG deal to travel to Nineveh. Greek historian Herodotus noted that the ancient Persians grieved over the death of a popular general by including their livestock in the customs of mourning. 2 One thing Jonah knew for certain: He could not turn around and run away from this assignment. God rates his favorite children by their obedience. 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. He was a prophet in a nation he is proud of. by Leanne Guenther. Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm (Jonah 4:2 NKJV). . 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. This is covenantal language of the highest order. In his mind, they deserve nothing but death. Nineveh was a great wealthy city with many people ( Jonah 4:11 ). The Beginning of the story of Jonah brings us the first lesson about missionary service: 1.There are no easy calls. Jonah; Micah . When God speaks, it is up to man to obey. He asks the men to hurl him into the sea, which they do, and the storm. Jonah 3 & 4. The Pony Express riders would travel around 75 miles a day, interchanging horses every 5-20 miles. The first gentile revival just took place. Im sure it will bless you like it has blessed me. The book of Jonah demonstrates the sovereignty of the Almighty as he employs his creation to accomplish the divine plan. 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? The noise of a whip and the noise of rattling wheels, of galloping horses, of clattering chariots! It has spiritual ramifications that affects both our spiritual life, and daily life. (a)What object lesson did Jehovah teach Jonah? He tried to run away from the presence of God, and enjoy himself. The result, however, was nothing short of amazing. Digging deep and having the Holy Spirit reveal truths to us is how we start to grow and mature. Post by James Taiwo author ofBook of Prayers|Pinnacle of Compassion|Bible Application Lessons|Success Express Lane|Bible Giants of Faith& others. How would he reach these people? 2) That there's no point in striving to achieve something that isn't God's will. Only Jehovah can read what lies within the human heart. This lesson is based on Jonah's response to God's mercy to the Ninevites from Jonah 4. Covenantal-snobbery was, and can still be, a serious problem with Gods people. But did He? Why werent Adam and Eve told to plenish instead of replenish? Thank you for having available online. "Lest we forget lest we forget!". Help me to obey your instructions. Jonah's obedience to God, albeit reluctant, brought about great results, results that only God could bring. The Lord provided a gourd or plant that protected Jonah. God's Mercy on a Repentant People. The story of Jonah was a popular tale in Jesus' time. It seems that at this time Nineveh had a sea-oriented religious system and sea-themed Gods. 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. In fact, the narrator uses the same grammatical structure as in Jonah 4:1. Jonah Goes to Nineveh Main Point: We should share God's grace with others. However, Jehovah wanted to do more for Jonah than simply deliver him from the heat and from his own petulant anger. Key Verse: I want to complete the work the Lord Jesus has given me.He wants me to give witness to others about the good news of God's grace. Some critics might complain that Jonah never answers. 3 When Jehovah ordered Jonah to Nineveh the second time, the prophet obediently headed east on this long journey. We need to realize who the Ninevites were. God gave us the ability to choose - Joshua 24:15. Jonah was doing the bare minimum. It takes place in part in Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria . Jonah would have to travel this by horse/camel. Yet he rebelled, and Nineveh accepted him as a messenger and quickly repented when he got there. Ive read that the Lord wanted to show Jonah that He loves all His people. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Knowing that the people of Nineveh were wicked, Jonah naturally wouldn't want to go there to preach. The Lord called Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, but Jonah fled and was swallowed by a great fish. 1:17; 4:6, 7). Jonah repented while in the belly of a fish; God heard his voice and saved him. They had believed him. 9. How grateful we should be that Jehovah patiently teaches us to be more selfless, more compassionate, more mercifulas he is! The Lord caused a big fish to come and swallow Jonah. So, please feel free to drop me a comment or take a look at my similar posts in my Christian Faith Articles page! (Read Matthew 12:41.) Rich and poor, strong and weak, young and old were all caught up in the same repentant spirit. These results are in verse three, that is, one verse before the one that tells of God's special intervention in sending the storm . People are important to God. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? 19 Once more Jehovah asked Jonah if he was rightly angry, this time over the death of the bottle-gourd plant. I AM JOSHUA and Im on a mission to help fellow Christians build a closer and more intimate relationship with God. Read More, 3 Important Ways to Pray for Your Future Husband. [And]Jesus did not merely weep for us; he died for us. 12 Jehovah is nothing like the rigid, cold, even harsh God so often portrayed by religious leaders. (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. So God performed additional miracles. Talk about Jonah 1: 4-16: This is what it is like to turn away from God. He has composed and performed original music for five albums. TERMS OF USE Some may believe that Jehovah should have prevented a tragedy or that he should have executed swift judgment against the wicked or even that he should have brought an end to this whole world system of things before now. 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. When he determines to bring punishment on the wicked, he first uses his representatives on earth to issue warnings, for he is eager to see the wicked do what the Ninevites didrepent and change their ways. When Jonah adds that to his list of complaints the Lord uses it as a teaching moment. In what ways might some find themselves disagreeing with God, and what lesson can we learn from Jonahs example? 19,20. Obedience is the key to receivingGods benefits! But dont forget to download my free Jonah character study pdf! He built a little shelter and settled in to waitand to watch Nineveh. Learning to show mercy is often difficult for imperfect humans. i. He was then swallowed by a huge fish - his transport to Nineveh. How did Jehovah reason with Jonah about the bottle-gourd plant? Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. One of those is the way the historical account is conceived and recorded. This is an essential characteristic of God. 9) What did God do to teach Jonah a lesson? GOD TAUGHT JONAH THE LESSON OF OBEDIENCE Jonah. Because of Gods unending love, He sent His Son to die for us on our behalf. The fish did not chew him up - it just swallowed him and Jonah was safe inside. If that were so we would never be saved. 10 How did Jehovah react to the Ninevites repentance? (b)What do we learn about Jonah from the preaching work that he carried out? Instead, we see the exact opposite. I hope you learned something new about the story of Jonah. In the 4th chapter of Jonah, we see God's love and grace contrasted with Jonah's anger and lack of compassion. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org. The Bible says that God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. Not all of his prophecies are recorded, but one of his major predictions was that the northern kingdom would have peace from its enemies to the North (this was fulfilled later in the reign of Jeroboam II). Short little Melissa style summary and insight: *If you are not familiar with the story of Jonahspend some time reading it. The mission of God is a guaranteed success because of the sovereignty of God. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah tried to run away from God. 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. So, God used a plant, a worm, and a wind to teach Jonah a lesson in compassion. I enjoy the Bible study and I want to be a blessing to others. After they threw him overboard, the waves grew calm. For You cast me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the floods surrounded me;All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. My honest opinion of why he did that was in hopes that he could escape from Gods presence. Why does God allow good people to suffer? Hi, welcome to my little piece of cyberspace! There are no limits to God's grace and love, and there are no limits to his ways and means of attaining His goals for salvation. So, Yahweh "sent out a great wind on the sea." As a result, Jonah was thrown to the sea and God saved him.