It is important to have balance in our spiritual lives. There is the sovereignty of God vs. the responsibility of man. If we do not get a balance then we become unbalanced.

1 – Jonah in context

He prophesied about the eighth century BC. Jonah was about to do something different. God would now show his love to the heathen. Jonah is a historical person who is mentioned in the Old and New Testament.

2 – Jonah’s call (vs. 1)

How did Jonah hear God’s call! It is not known how but the message was clear. Jonah has to go to the Ninevahites and give them God’s message. God speaks through the Word of God, the Church and through circumstances in our lives.

3 – Jonah’s commission (vs. 2)

Ninevah was a heathen city known for its wealth and wickedness. To denounce Ninevah would have made Jonah popular, but if they were to repent he would be unpopular. Can you love your enemies? Jonah was to declare their wickedness. He had an intense hatred for the Ninevahites, but God loved them. Does this mean that God loves sin? No! They needed to repent.

4 – Jonah’s consecration (vs. 3)

The door opened and Jonah went through it, yet it was not God’s will! God had already told him to go to Ninevah. Jonah looked for an alternative. The “Jonah Syndrome” is the fear of standing alone – of taking sole responsibility. To go into enemy territory was a call too far for Jonah. He did not want to go because he hated the people and feared success!

5 – Jonah’s action

He ran for it! We have to suffer the consequences when we try to run away from God. Do we care that the unsaved are going to hell? God’s love knows no barriers.

Categories: Jonah