#HappyNewYearBinance

The Book of JONAH

JONAH

· Thought- We must never run away from God's devotion to evangelism, his compassion for souls, or his direction in taking the gospel to the nations.

· A verse we should keep with us- I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and he answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. Jonah 2: 2

· Overview- Jonah ran off toward Tarshish when God told him to go to Nineveh. Hsd Jonah obeyed taking a message of repentance immediately to the Gentile nation of Assyria - the book that bears his name might read more like those of other Minor Prophets. Instead, the record of his ministry is an intensely personal story of God's grace to a rebellious prophet, not just to a wicked Pagan nation.

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Jonah did finally end up going to Nineveh, but he resisted the entire way. And when the Ninevites repented and avoided judgment, Jonah was undone. The book ends with a pouting prophet more concerned about his own comfort than for the multitudes of Assyria.

As God probed Jonah with questions about his values, priorities, and actions, we should answer those questions too. We all arrive at similar crosswords at some point. When the book of Jonah ends, we see the procrastinating prophet who had still not made up his mind. But his moment of hesitation becomes a moment for each of us: God's call is on our lives right now, and he has a mission for us today. Will we go the wrong way? Or will we go with Him all the way?

· What should we do with this- Go wherever the Lord sends you without hesitation or vacillation.