We study the book of Jonah this week. The story of God’s mercy over a Jew and Gentiles.
Jonah 1: Jonah Flees the Presence of the LORD
1 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me."
3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.
4 But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.
5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.
6 So the captain came and said to him, "What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish."
Jonah Is Thrown into the Sea
7 And they said to one another, "Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
8 Then they said to him, "Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?"
9 And he said to them, "I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land."
10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, "What is this that you have done!" For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.
11 Then they said to him, "What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?" For the sea grew more and more tempestuous.
12 He said to them, "Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you."
13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them.
14 Therefore they called out to the LORD, "O LORD, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you."
15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.
16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.
A Great Fish Swallows Jonah
17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Things to think about…
Jonah prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam the 2nd, around 785-760BC. The Assyrian empire was on the rise. Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire that was oppressing Israel in Jonah’s day. Surely God would not call Jonah (one of His prophets) to speak of His mercy to the wicked Ninevites! Jonah doesn’t like the message and runs. Are there people that you just can’t stand? Pray that the Lord gives you a change of heart regarding these folk, especially if they are outside of Christ. Show them the grace and love of the Lord Jesus. Perhaps start with a coffee and break down a few barriers.
The location of Tarshish is disputed. Some say it was in Spain. If this is the case, it was in the exact opposite direction to where the Lord had called Jonah. Nineveh was inland about 900km to the northeast. Jonah heads west via the seaport of Joppa (still there today). What is the Lord speaking to you about that is making you want to turn and run the other way? Perhaps He is calling you to be reconciled with someone - perhaps when you last spoke it was not on the friendliest of terms.
Jonah is woken and says that he is a Hebrew and knows the God who made the sea and dry land. He had already told them that he was running from the Lord’s presence, Jon 1:10. Jonah says the only answer to stop the storm, “Throw me in the sea” Jon1:12. How does Jonah’s action reflect on what we are called to do as ‘living sacrifices’ for Christ? Do you sacrifice certain things for the good of others? May we all be given the grace to ‘die daily’ and to pick up our cross and follow Him.
Look at the fruit of Jonah telling the truth about God being the creator of the sea to the other sailors. The sea is calm after they do what Jonah asks. These mariners feared the Lord exceedingly, sacrificed to Him and made vows, Jon 1:16. These men obviously made it back to shore to tell the story, which brought the Lord more glory. My encouragement would be for you to try it for yourself and see what the Lord does in the lives of your hearers. Jesus still says ‘Peace, be still’ to the storms in our lives.
Jonah was three days and three nights in a great fish, Jon 1:17. Jesus said the same would happen to him as He would lay in a tomb at His death. Jesus believed the story of Jonah was literal history, we should do the same. Just like other parts of the scriptures we should not allegorise what the Lord tells describes as historical narrative.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Pray for Iran and a short war. May the Iranian people see the prophesy of Jer 49:34-39 fulfilled over the coming weeks and months.
2. Pray for the church in Australia that it focuses on Christ, His Word and holiness.
3. Pray for our leaders in Australia that they press in closer to Christ.
4. Pray the influence of Russia and China is minimised militarily.
5. The Royal Commission that the Jewish people will feel safe in Australia.
6. One for Israel ministry.
7. Conflict zones- Israel, Iran and Ukraine
8. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
9. Reform and Revival over our city and country.
10. Finances to cover our needs
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. US and Israeli strikes on Iran
2. Praise God for the Lord’s blessing over our service on Sunday
3. Praise God for ministries – Life Groups, Prayer meetings, Kids@Church
4. Café team every week. Thankyou to all those who serve and bring food. Especially Fiona, Maddie and Suzy.
5. Worship, Admin and Technical teams – Nita, Brendon, AJ, Suzy, Maddie, Mathys, Doug.
6. Kids Church teachers – Jacqueline, Maddie, Elise, Anastacia and Fiona
7. The Lord’s faithfulness this year to CBC and all who have served in ministries
8. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Prayer meeting Wed 5:30pm at church
2. All Life Groups are back.
3. Kids@Church has started back
4. Members Meeting – After church on Sunday 22nd Feb
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 5. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever sin? A. No; he was holy, blameless, and undefiled.
