RTW 2023

But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish.

Jonah 1:3

Some thoughts about Jonah’s story.

Thought 1.

But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD.
Jonah 1:3

• You can’t get away from the LORD.
• Starting the day in disobedience is not a good way to start the day.

Thought 2.

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish.
Jonah 2:1

This time Jonah obey the LORD’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all.
Jonah 3:3

• Sometimes discipline corrects… and sometimes it reveals. (We later see how Jonah really felt about the Ninevites.)

Thought 3.

When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 3:10

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the LORD about it:..
Jonah 4:1-2

• Have I been angry at God when He extends mercy to someone, I feel doesn’t deserve it?
• Has God ever changed His mind about HIS discipline for me?

Thought 4.

But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Jonah 4:11

• Jonah’s story ends abruptly and unresolved.

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Another example of God keeping His promises. Never doubt it: our God is a promise keeper

Jeroboam II recovered the territories of Israel between Lebo-hamath and the Dead Sea, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had promised through Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher.
2 Kings 14:25

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• Wake every day with a yes to God in spirit.
• Live in appreciation, reception, and application of the Lord’s discipline.
• Celebrate whenever and to whomever God extends His mercy, for I am in constant need of it myself.

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