One of the first things I do when preparing to preach a text is to prayerfully read it several times and jot down observations. I also begin consulting other pastors and theologians to get a better understanding of the text and context. The following preaching points may or may not make it into a sermon or may not be the main point, but I offer them here for edification and discussion. Here are 16 observations from Jonah 1:1-16:
- “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai” (Jonah 1:1) – a forgotten prophet, from an unknown family, from an unimportant place (see 2 Kings 14:25) – a prophet who would rather commit suicide than repent and do God’s will. Yet God gave him His word and gave him a purpose and graciously rescued him from the downward spiral of sin. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, God has given you even more than He gave Jonah! He has given you His written word (the Bible), and the Word made flesh (His own Son) who “paid the fare” with His own blood to rescue you from your downward spiral of sin. Don’t you think it’s time to dust off your copy of Scripture and stop running from God?
- The message of Jonah was lost on the Israelites and is often lost on us. Both Jonah and Jesus came from Galilee, but the Pharisees said: “Investigate and you will see that no prophet arises from Galilee” (John 7:52).
- We’d rather the message of Jonah be about a great fish and a great success in Nineveh because we don’t want to be confronted with the reality of a terrifying God who moves heaven and earth to expose and condemn evil in others’ hearts and in our own. Rather, we want a god who overlooks our evil and punishes the evil of our enemies.
- God won’t allow evil to go unchecked. If he won’t let Nineveh get away with it He’s not going to let you get away with it either.
- Jonah rebelled because his love for his own people was greater than his love for the Imago Dei in all people. His heart didn’t reflect the cross-cultural heart of God.
- Jonah didn’t rebel because he feared the Ninevites but because he didn’t fear Yahweh.
- Jonah thought he could cross a border and flee from God’s presence. But God sent Jonah across a border to reveal His presence.
- If you are running from God, you’re going to have to pay out of pocket. The longer you run, the more it will cost.
- The storms you are facing: Are they the judgment of God ON your life? Or the mercy of God IN your life? “Maybe” to the former. “ALWAYS” to the latter.
- The pagan sailors show the depressing futility of many false gods (they cried out to many gods, cast lots, threw stuff overboard, rowed harder). The captain said “MAYBE this god will consider us…” They soon realized that the God who causes and cancels storms is the ONLY God worthy of worship.
- The sailors said: “What should we DO TO YOU so that the sea will calm down FOR US?” Salvation DOES depend on works. But like the sailors, we are helpless to perform that work. Thankfully, “while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Christ did the necessary work on the cross to calm the storm of God’s wrath against us.
- “The men rowed harder…” In our depravity, we think we can save ourselves rather than accept the sacrifice God has already provided.
- With one storm, God reversed Jonah’s rebellious course (from Tarshish back to Nineveh) and set the sailors on a new course (false worship to true worship).
- Jonah knew he was to blame so he reluctantly gave his life to rescue a few. Jesus knew He was blameless yet willingly gave his life as a ransom for many.
- Faith is what changes our fear of God from terror to reverential awe. Illustration: When you’re on the wrong side of the law, a policeman with a gun is your enemy. When you’re on the right side of the law, a policeman with a gun provides safety and security. Having faith that Jesus gave his life to clear us of all charges gives us assurance of salvation and invites authentic worship.
- Pagan Sailors: “Don’t charge us with innocent blood!” (Jonah 1:14)
Jesus: “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
The thief on the cross: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:40-41)
Pagan Sailors: The men were seized by great fear of the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. (Jonah 1:16)
Conclusion: Whether you are a rebellious prophet, a pagan sailor, or a condemned thief, have faith in Jesus as Lord and you too can be with Him in paradise.
Add your personal observations, quotes, or questions in the comments below! You can find my sermons on our church YouTube Channel. Thanks for sharing this post!
