“Lessons from Jonah” Part 1

Lessons From Jonah We will survey the book, reading our way through it... Making observations as we go along Offer lessons to be gleaned from each section

Timeframe in which Jonah worked 2 Kings 10:32: “In those days [Jehu's reign] the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel’s territory.”

Timeframe in which Jonah worked 2 Kings 14:25 “He [Jeroboam II] restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.” (NKJV)

The Book of Jonah Chapter 1 – Jonah Runs Away from God Chapter 2 – Jonah Runs Toward God Chapter 3 – Jonah Runs With God Chapter 4 – Jonah Runs Ahead of God

Chapter 1 – Jonah runs away from god Nineveh was the capital of Assyria Assyria - looming power in the north that would eventually take Israel into captivity. They were the enemy

Chapter 1 – Jonah runs away from god God is able to use all incidents in the life of His servants for their good - and His glory! Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (KJV)

Chapter 1 – Jonah runs away from god Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (NKJV)

Chapter 1 – Jonah runs away from god For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matt 12:40 (NKJV) For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matt 12:40 (KJV) For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matt 12:40 (ASV)

Lessons From Jonah, Chapter 1 National sin demands national repentance! Just as this applied to Nineveh, so it applies to the nations of today. "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Lessons From Jonah, Chapter 1 One cannot hide from God! “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me;” - Psalms 139:7-11 (NKJV)

Chapter 2 – Jonah Runs Toward God Jonah prays – and God hears him! Jonah learned there is no escape from God! There is no escaping one’s responsibility in this life to serve God!

Chapter 2 – Jonah Runs Toward God Jonah prays – and God hears him! Jonah learned there is no escape from God Almighty! There is no escaping one’s responsibility in this life to serve God!

Lessons from Jonah, chapter 2 There is no escaping one’s responsibility in this life to serve the Lord! True penitence is always rewarded by hope! Our prayers should be offered with an attitude of thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6-7

What we have learned… We may very well be openly chastised in this life if we rebel against God God was not only concerned with the nation of Israel in the O.T. He desires that all men everywhere repent! God demands national repentance! No one can run away from God… Nor can one shun his/her responsibilities in serving the Lord according to His terms. The Lord offers salvation to those who would turn to Him and earnestly do His will.