Jonah

Background

• Jonah (a dove) son of Amittai (true) is the main character, if not the author – Jonah 1:1

• Jonah’s prophecy was retold during the days of Jeroboam the Second – 2 Kings 14:23-25

• The book must have been written on or before 800 B.C.

• Jesus spoke of it as a true story in Matthew 12:38-42

Running Away from God

• His works show a spiritual rottenness– Works denied he even knew God (Titus 1:6;

James 2:19– Jonah 1:6 Heathen captain amazed

• He endangered others (Jonah 1:4, 7, 11-12; Romans 14:7)

• We cannot hide from God (Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 139:7-12

• Note: We have a commission to preach (Matthew 28:18-20)

Running to God

• Jonah 2:7 – to escape the trouble he had gotten himself into, Jonah had to run to God in prayer

• This helps us see God is the only true hiding place– Psalm 32:7– Psalm 121:1-8

Running With God

• God’s message did not change – Jonah 3:2

• God’s message to Nineveh – Jonah 3:4

• Nineveh’s response to the message – Jonah 3:5-6– They were spared – Matthew 12:41– Jeremiah 18:7-8; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30

Running Ahead of God

• He was displeased with God’s response – Jonah 4:1-2

• Jonah had more concern for a gourd than for lost souls! Jonah 4:4, 9– Notice: In Jonah 4:11, God speaks of

120,000 who do not know the difference between their right hand and their left

• We cannot change God’s word – Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-9