RTW 2024

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

Jonah 1:3

Jonah’s story is a 

• Picture of God’s grace, to both Ninevah (the lost) and Jonah (the chosen).
• Foreshadowing of Christ’s resurrection after being swallowed up by death for three days

“Obedience isn’t an option: it’s an opportunity and obligation.” - Warren Wiersbe

When I say no to the LORD, I should brace myself for the experience of lifetime.

• And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.
  Jonah 1:17

This was more than an “I’m sorry prayer.” He recounted the entire experience to God in an intimate conversation.

Disobedience is a great teacher. I learn things about God when I say, “No,” to Him, that I might have never known if I had obeyed right away. Saying “No” teaches me:

• God has a way of bringing me to the place where God wants me.
• God is in command of everything. (Even the big fish.)
• God will remove His heavy hand when I truly repent. Repentance proceeds deliverance.
• God can and will use a rebellious Believer.
• “God loves me too much to let me run away. “ - Warren Wiersbe
• God is gracious to me “take 2”.

My hardship can draw others to the Lord, even when I’m not walking right with Him.

So, they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.
Jonah 1:15-16 (ESV)

View every instruction from God as an obligation in response to His sacrificial gift He offered on Calvary, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate my love for Him to those who may not know Him.