From the Depths of the Grave to the Womb of New Life Jonah 1:17 – 2:10

From the Depths of the Grave to the Womb of New Life From Death to Life From the Depths of the Grave to the Womb of New Life The Grave vs The Womb Death vs New Life God’s Grace

The Runaway Missionary Jonah the prophet - ref 2 Kings 14:25 - Jeroboam II Nineveh – great city, full of wickedness God’s call for Jonah

The Runaway Missionary Jonah fled!

The Runaway Missionary God sent the storm

The Prayer from the deep In my distress, I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave, I called for help. and you listened to my cry. You hurled [threw] me into the depths, into the very heart of the sea. the currents swirled about me, all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, “I have been banished from your sight; Yet I will look again toward your holy temple.”

The Prayer from the deep The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me. seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down. the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD. And my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

The Prayer from the deep “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, “Salvation comes from the LORD.”

The Prayer from the deep Jonah was overwhelmed – nearly died At the deep – Jonah turned to God “Yet, I will look again toward your holy temple.”

The Prayer from the deep “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west So far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103: 11-12

The Prayer from the deep When we face desperate situations in our own lives … Our turning point is … turn back to God look towards His direction for help

The Prayer from the deep The big fish became a vehicle of rescue In Hebrew: “belly” can also mean “womb”

Unimaginable Rescue

Unimaginable Rescue Vietnam War Napalm strike

Unimaginable Rescue

New birth. Same calling. Jonah was called again to preach to the Ninevites Despite his experience of God’s grace, Jonah still holds onto his anger.

New birth. Same calling. “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to the thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Exodus 34:6-7a

New birth. Same calling. Q: Where do we find the strength to love and to forgive?

Jonah and Christ Jonah - a sign that points toward Christ - foreshadows what Christ accomplishes in His death and resurrection

Jonah and Christ On the cross - Christ defeated sin and death - breaks the bondage of sin loosens the grip of death and all consequences of sin So, we can say ‘YES’ to God

God’s call for us Q: Who are the Ninevites in your lives? Q: Will you choose to say ‘Yes’ to God?

God’s call for us God asked Jonah: “Should I not be concerned?” God did concern. So, will you?