Jonah Moments ~ Part 4

…I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. (Jonah 4:2)

Jonah Moments ~ Part 1

Jonah Moments ~ Part 2

Jonah Moments ~ Part 3

Often we hear the story of Jonah and think it’s just about a guy getting swallowed by a big fish.  If that’s you, then you’ve missed out on all that God has to offer you through this book.  Take time to read all four chapters and find out who God is in this book.  He is a provider, a forgiving God, a God of miracles, a God of second chances, a God of answers, a God of direction, a God of peace, and so much more.  He can be all of this for you!  Let’s take a look through these chapters and see who God wants to be for you.

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai”  ~Jonah 1:1

God wants to provide you with direction.  Will you listen?

“Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea…”  ~Jonah 1:4

When we don’t listen, God will let us serve the circumstances of our storms.  Disobedience leads to chaos! 

“…and the raging sea grew calm.  At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.”  ~Jonah 1:15-16

Sometimes we have to get rid of the rift-raft in our lives to enjoy the calming effect God can bring to our storms!

“But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah…”  ~Jonah 1:17

God will not fail you in your hour of need!  He has no desire to let you go! 

“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”  ~Jonah 2:10

Repentance leads to renewal in our lives.  The moment we surrender is the moment God sets our feet back on dry land. 

“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.”  ~Jonah 3:1

This God of second chances is the God that we serve.  He loves you and He wants to offer you a second chance to say “Yes”!  Will you?

“The Ninevites believed God…”  ~Jonah 3:5

The outcome from our obedience to God is more beautiful than words can describe!  May you continue to hand the pen over to God, allow Him to write the pages in your story! 

“…Let everyone call urgently on God…”  ~Jonah 3:8

The King made this declaration.  How beautiful is that!  Who knows what God can do through one life surrendered to His call?

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.”  ~Jonah 3:10

God’s compassion is huge.  He forgave an entire nation.  A nation that was wicked and full of evil.  How much more does He forgive us through His Son? 

“…I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”  ~Jonah 4:2

Yes, Jonah wasn’t exactly happy about this decision.  His enemy received a pardon from God.  When was the last time your enemy received an unfair pardon?  Have you forgiven those who offend you, even when they don’t deserve it?

“Then the Lord God provided a vine…”  ~Jonah 4:6

God provided a vine to shade Jonah.  Will you give thanks to God for His provisions in your life?

“But at dawn the next day God provided a worm…”  ~Jonah 4:7

The worm destroyed the vine.  Is there a worm in your life, eating away at the joy God has for you?  Is there someone in your life that’s just a little harder to love?  God may be using this to reveal something about you!  Don’t miss out on the lesson at hand. 

“…God provided a scorching east wind…”  ~Jonah 4:8

The vine was gone and the sun burned down on Jonah.  Things were a little too hot to handle now.  This revealed Jonah’s concern for temporal things.  Do you ever have your eyes set on something that could easily wither away?  Maybe it’s time to set your eyes back on what matters most! 

But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow.”  ~Jonah 4:10

Wow, how many times have we had our eyes set on something we did not do?  Times when we enjoyed the shade of God’s workmanship. Times when we became a little too comfortable in the mundane.  God will continue to pull us forward, if we are willing to move.  The next step might be tough, it might take us somewhere unpleasant or even into enemy territory.  But we will have to go, knowing that God has gone before us.  He is leading the way!  Eternal things matter most! 

Challenge: Read Jonah 4

Apply the Word: Will you step forward into what God has for you, even when it doesn’t feel comfortable?  Will you give God your best? 

Memory Verse: Jonah 2:8

Dear Father God, I recognize that You are the One who is concerned about Your people.  Help me to be compassionate to all those You have created.  May my heart be stirred with love and mercy for those who are hurting.  May I not turn down Your invitation to love my enemy and forgive those who offend me.  May I continue to go after You with all that I am.  Help my eyes to be set on Eternal things!

Following Jesus,