Compassion for Jonah Jonah 1:1-4;15-17 Jessica Wang

Introduction Gods compassion for Ninevites :the sinful people. Gods compassion for sailors: idol worshiper Gods compassion for Jonah: a prophet Gods servant but whos disobedient.

Gods compassion for Jonah Disciplining Jonah when he ran away from God saving Jonah when he was going to die

Disciplining Jonah when he ran away from God 1 who Jonah was; 2 what God wanted him to do; 3 Jonah's rebelling.

Disciplining Jonah when he ran away from God God give Jonah the specific calling to go to Nineveh to preach. 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.' 1:2

Jonahs rebelling He ran away from the Lord. His spiritual life goes down and down. He wanted the wicked people in that city to fry.

Jonahs rebelling Many servants of the Lord may thought they could get away from the Lord. But it is impossible. Life without God will become much more difficult

Jonahs rebelling Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in 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 hand will hold me fast. ( 139:7-10)

God did not let him go God used the wind to remind him about His calling. Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 1:4

Gods discipline shows his compassion and love. as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Deuteronomy 8:5 8:5 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Revelation 3:19 3:19

It was gracious of God to seek out His disobedient servant and not to allow him to remain long in his sin. Gods purpose is not to destroy but to rebuild.

Saving Jonah when he was going to die It is well known how often sin brings insensibility with it. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 1:5

Saving Jonah when he was going to die Jonah professed faith to a sovereign God, but he himself did not fear his God ironically, the pagan sailors did. He denied his belief through his actions. but he did not realize it.

Saving Jonah when he was going to die He would rather die than to obey God's call. 'Pick me up and throw me into the sea,' he replied, 'and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.' 1:12 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 1:15

Saving Jonah when he was going to die The wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God saved Jonah's life by using a fish He brought the prodigal prophet to the place He wanted him to be.

Saving Jonah when he was going to die God is great enough to control anything. But he did not force Jonah to obey Him. He used His power for a loving purpose.

Saving Jonah when he was going to die God's deliverance reveals us both His great power and His gracious heart. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 30:5

Conclusion Gods patience and compassion is unbelievable. He restored Jonah to life. so he would be God's instrument in providing salvation to a large Gentile population under God's judgment for their sins. He raised Jesus to life so He would provide salvation for an even larger population of Gentiles and Jews under God's judgment for their sins.

Application How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 116:12 -13

1.What is my lifetime calling? 2.What is my call for this church and my life this year? 3.Did I ever run away from God? 4.How can I fulfill Gods will in this year? Application

Compassion for Jonah Jonah 1:1-4;15-17 Jessica Wang