Sermon Title: Jonah, pt 1–Why would someone run from God?

Scripture: Jon. 1:1-3, Matt. 5:43-48 & 6:14-15, 2 Cor. 11:23-27, Lu 14:26-30, 2 Ki. 14:23-25, Am. 6:14

Main Points:

1. Forgiveness is Hard: Jonah despised the idea that God wanted to show mercy to Israel’s enemies. An attitude of unforgiveness drives us from God. We run from mercy.

2. The Process is Hard: Jonah would have to travel 500 mi to preach to Nineveh. Sometimes we think the things God is asking are too much. So, we back away from His plans.

3. God Doesn’t Make Sense: God tells Jonah to witness to the enemy that Amos says is going to destroy Israel! When God’s plan doesn’t make sense, we run. Logic and faith are not equals.

Notes: Jonah was alive in the 700’s B.C. He lived and prophesied at the same time as Amos, during the reign of King Jeroboam II. There is wickedness in the Kingdom of Israel. Jonah prophesied that God would still bless Israel, while Amos prophesied punishment. Jonah is speaking of victory over Assyria while Amos is predicting punishment from God at the hand of Assyria. They seem to be contrasting and wrong. Jonah is speaking of God’s blessing through obedience, which Jeroboam II and Israel did not choose, and Amos is giving God’s warning of punishment if Israel does not turn from wickedness. When Israel does not turn, it is Amos’ prophecy that comes true and that directly overturns the prophecy given by Jonah. At the same time, Jonah is being asked to go and witness to this enemy so they can repent. It’s a wild series of events that must be understood in context for Jonah’s response to make more sense.