Jonah 2:1-10

 

After the sailors tossed Jonah overboard, he was swallowed by a big fish. In the process of running from the mission God had called him to, Jonah ended up in the belly of this great fish for three days and nights. We don't know a lot about what it was like inside there for him or what all he did inside there, but we do get to see how his spirit was renewed as he sat in the dark belly of the fish. 

 

Five Essential Ingredients to Spiritual Renewal

  1. Admit your own failures (vv. 1-6). … Jonah realized the seriousness of the situation and that only he is to blame. He couldn't blame the Ninevites or the sailors for his current dwelling. He was the only one to blame. Before this, he tended to maximize the sins of others while minimizing his own. Many of us do this today too. It's so easy to judge others while letting ourselves slip. 
  2. Refocus on what matters most (v. 7a). … We often let ourselves get distracted by life. Whether it's trying to find something to watch or doom scrolling through social media, we get easily distracted. It's important for us to refocus on God and what really matters. 
  3. Talk with God honestly (v. 7b). … Jonah hadn't prayed since he started running. Even when the storm hit and he was tossed into the ocean, he refused to pray. Jonah waited until he hit rock-bottom to pay. We do this too. We don't want to pray when we're running. Why? I think it's because we're afraid of what we'll hear in response. We know God is going to ask us to do something we may not want to do, but we need to do it anyway. 
  4. Recommit to living on mission (vv. 8-9a). … Jonah was given a second chance and he took it. He recommitted to this mission God had given him. We will all stumble and fall and make mistakes. Fortunately, our Heavenly Father wants to see us succeed and gives second chances. Many second chances. Do not remain trapped by your past failures. instead, rejoice in the second chance you've been given. 
  5. Rejoice in your rescue (vv. 9b-10). … Jonah was vomited out onto dry land. He was rescued and he rejoiced! We, too, have been rescued. Rescued from sin, from the grips of addiction, from the throes of depravity, and from Hell itself. Jesus rescued us from these things. Jesus died on that cross as the perfect sacrifice and spent three days not in the belly of a fish, but in the depths of Hell so that we wouldn't have to if we just believe and follow Him. 

 

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