Jonah 1:1-3

 

About Jonah

Jonah is an Old Testament book within a section known as the Minor Prophets. The events from this book took place around 760 BC in Israel and Assyria. The main theme is the overwhelming mercy of God for rebellious sinners.

 

  1. God calls Jonah to speak for him (v. 1). … This verse tells us a couple things about Jonah. 
    1. This is a true story. It specifies which Jonah is being discussed. He's the Jonah who served under king Jeroboam (2 Kings 14:25). 
    2. Jonah is a prophet. Prophets were the messengers for God and Jonah was tasked with delivering a unique message. 
  2. God assigns Jonah a people to reach (v. 2a). … The city of Nineveh was a military power who would conquer others and require tribute from them. They were known for being cruel and showing no mercy. They knew not God. Nineveh was the enemy of everyone else and of God. Jonah would know this, having heard the stories over the course of his life. Yet, Jonah was sent to them. 
  3. God gives Jonah a message to proclaim (v. 2b). … God sent Jonah to warn Nineveh. Jonah was either terrified he'd be slaughtered or that God would actually show Nineveh mercy. Jonah didn't want either of those to happen. So he ran. 
  4. Jonah's rebellion cut him off from experiencing God's presence. (v. 3). … Jonah ran and started spiraling downward. Down to Joppa. Down into the boat. Down into the sea. Down into the fish. There were consequences for Jonah when he fled from God. The biggest consequence being that Jonah missed out on experiencing God's presence. 

 

What does this mean for us? 

  1. We are all called to speak for God. We aren't all called to speak the same message in the same way, but we are called to speak. Too many of us stay quiet and don't proclaim the message ordained by God. 
  2. We have been assigned a people to reach. We are called to reach those around us. Some are called to travel the world. Others are called to stay home. But we are all called to impact and reach those around us. 
  3. We have been given a message to proclaim.It's a message of mercy. It's a warning to turn from evil ways. It's a message of hope and forgiveness.  

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy by Tim Keller
  • Exalting Jesus in Jonah (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) by Eric Redmond
  • Man Overboard!: The Story of Jonah by Sinclair Ferguson
  • A Gracious and Compassionate God: Mission, Salvation and Spirituality in the Book of Jonah by Daniel Timmer
  • ESV Study Bible