Grace that Confronts | Michael Gossett | Jonah 4:1-11

As we conclude this series in Jonah, As we conclude this series in Jonah, I just want to highlight a couple of I just want to highlight a couple of I just want to highlight a couple of things. I mean, uh things. I mean, uh things. I mean, uh this has been a journey this has been a journey this has been a journey of seeing a first-hand account of seeing a first-hand account of seeing a first-hand account at how relentless at how relentless at how relentless God's grace really is toward us. God's grace really is toward us. God's grace really is toward us. Toward sinners. Toward sinners. Toward sinners. Toward the nations. Toward the nations. Toward the nations. Like this is a first-hand account of the Like this is a first-hand account of the Like this is a first-hand account of the relentless pursuit of God toward wicked relentless pursuit of God toward wicked relentless pursuit of God toward wicked man. man. man. But if I were being honest with you, I But if I were being honest with you, I But if I were being honest with you, I would have probably ended the book of would have probably ended the book of would have probably ended the book of Jonah in chapter 3. Jonah in chapter 3. Jonah in chapter 3. Chapter 3 is the apex. I mean, it is Chapter 3 is the apex. I mean, it is Chapter 3 is the apex. I mean, it is incredible about what happened. Jonah incredible about what happened. Jonah incredible about what happened. Jonah preached in eight words, five in Hebrew, preached in eight words, five in Hebrew, preached in eight words, five in Hebrew, but eight in English, and and everyone but eight in English, and and everyone but eight in English, and and everyone in Nineveh repented and came to the in Nineveh repented and came to the in Nineveh repented and came to the Lord. They turned from their wicked Lord. They turned from their wicked Lord. They turned from their wicked ways, and they turned to the Lord.

ways, and they turned to the Lord. ways, and they turned to the Lord. I mean, it's one of the greatest I mean, it's one of the greatest I mean, it's one of the greatest revivals ever recorded in history, if revivals ever recorded in history, if revivals ever recorded in history, if not the greatest revival. And then you not the greatest revival. And then you not the greatest revival. And then you switch gears completely switch gears completely switch gears completely and just grinding the clutch completely and just grinding the clutch completely and just grinding the clutch completely and when you get into chapter 4. and when you get into chapter 4. and when you get into chapter 4. I mean, it is absolutely absurd. I mean, it is absolutely absurd. I mean, it is absolutely absurd. You know, I would like to think of You know, I would like to think of You know, I would like to think of somebody somebody somebody as myself that I have a pretty high as myself that I have a pretty high as myself that I have a pretty high emotional intelligence. emotional intelligence. emotional intelligence. You know what emotional intelligence is? You know what emotional intelligence is? You know what emotional intelligence is? It's where you can kind of read people It's where you can kind of read people It's where you can kind of read people around you based on either facial around you based on either facial around you based on either facial expressions that are being exposed, but expressions that are being exposed, but expressions that are being exposed, but but primarily of understanding but primarily of understanding but primarily of understanding emotionally where people are around you. emotionally where people are around you. emotionally where people are around you. Before I got married, I thought I was Before I got married, I thought I was Before I got married, I thought I was proficient. And then proficient. And then proficient. And then and then you have to share a home with and then you have to share a home with and then you have to share a home with someone else. And when that someone else someone else. And when that someone else someone else. And when that someone else is is is a girl, uh listen, your emotional a girl, uh listen, your emotional a girl, uh listen, your emotional intelligence is tested.

I'm not saying anything bad. I'm not saying anything bad. It's also tested for my wife, okay? Rest It's also tested for my wife, okay? Rest It's also tested for my wife, okay? Rest assured. assured. assured. Emotional intelligence is absolutely Emotional intelligence is absolutely Emotional intelligence is absolutely tested. tested. tested. You have to figure out what You have to figure out what You have to figure out what shrugs mean shrugs mean shrugs mean and what different head nods mean and and what different head nods mean and and what different head nods mean and these empty stares back at you like, these empty stares back at you like, these empty stares back at you like, "What are you doing right now?" Like you "What are you doing right now?" Like you "What are you doing right now?" Like you have to be able to discern what those have to be able to discern what those have to be able to discern what those things mean. And then by God's grace, he things mean. And then by God's grace, he things mean. And then by God's grace, he allowed us to have three allowed us to have three allowed us to have three more girls, okay? And so then we went more girls, okay? And so then we went more girls, okay? And so then we went girl, girl, girl, okay? And then when I girl, girl, girl, okay? And then when I girl, girl, girl, okay? And then when I just started thinking to myself, "Man, just started thinking to myself, "Man, just started thinking to myself, "Man, I'm really smart again. My emotional I'm really smart again. My emotional I'm really smart again. My emotional intelligence is really, really um intelligence is really, really um intelligence is really, really um adequate." And then the girls come along adequate." And then the girls come along adequate." And then the girls come along and then you figure out, "Oh, I don't and then you figure out, "Oh, I don't and then you figure out, "Oh, I don't know anything again." And then so then know anything again." And then so then know anything again." And then so then by God's grace, we had a boy, all right? by God's grace, we had a boy, all right? by God's grace, we had a boy, all right? And Lincoln, uh he came along and so now And Lincoln, uh he came along and so now And Lincoln, uh he came along and so now he and I just kind of wander aimlessly he and I just kind of wander aimlessly he and I just kind of wander aimlessly around the house just wondering uh what around the house just wondering uh what around the house just wondering uh what our part is in the sorority house in our part is in the sorority house in our part is in the sorority house in which we live.

Understanding that our emotional Understanding that our emotional intelligence is not helping, but at intelligence is not helping, but at intelligence is not helping, but at times we do understand where and when we times we do understand where and when we times we do understand where and when we are not needed, which is often. But here's the truth about emotional But here's the truth about emotional intelligence. intelligence. intelligence. Emotions are a gift from God. Emotions are a gift from God. Emotions are a gift from God. They really are. They really are. They really are. And all the fun emotions, uh the hard And all the fun emotions, uh the hard And all the fun emotions, uh the hard emotions, emotions, emotions, even bad emotions, all of them are a even bad emotions, all of them are a even bad emotions, all of them are a gift from God. But here is what emotions gift from God. But here is what emotions gift from God. But here is what emotions actually do for us. actually do for us. actually do for us. Emotions are a way Emotions are a way Emotions are a way of indicating where your heart really of indicating where your heart really of indicating where your heart really is. This is what is gracious of the Lord. This is what is gracious of the Lord. That he would give us these indicators That he would give us these indicators That he would give us these indicators to expose and highlight anything inside to expose and highlight anything inside to expose and highlight anything inside of you that is unlike him. of you that is unlike him. of you that is unlike him. Right, that is what the spirit of God is Right, that is what the spirit of God is Right, that is what the spirit of God is doing in your life. If you are a doing in your life. If you are a doing in your life. If you are a follower of Jesus, if you have been follower of Jesus, if you have been follower of Jesus, if you have been saved, meaning that you have been saved, meaning that you have been saved, meaning that you have been regenerated regenerated regenerated that you have placed your faith in that you have placed your faith in that you have placed your faith in Christ himself and he has saved you. If Christ himself and he has saved you. If Christ himself and he has saved you. If that is true of your life, then the that is true of your life, then the that is true of your life, then the spirit of God that resides in you at spirit of God that resides in you at spirit of God that resides in you at that moment of regeneration is in you to that moment of regeneration is in you to that moment of regeneration is in you to help conform you to the image of the son help conform you to the image of the son help conform you to the image of the son through the word of God, okay? So this through the word of God, okay? So this through the word of God, okay? So this is your life and then if anything is

is your life and then if anything is is your life and then if anything is unlike the Father in this conformity to unlike the Father in this conformity to unlike the Father in this conformity to him him him that will be exposed and that is that will be exposed and that is that will be exposed and that is gracious of the Lord because what is gracious of the Lord because what is gracious of the Lord because what is best for you best for you best for you is to be conformed to the image of the is to be conformed to the image of the is to be conformed to the image of the son. son. son. Like that is good for you. Like that is good for you. Like that is good for you. That God would root out sin, that he That God would root out sin, that he That God would root out sin, that he would root out wickedness within us would root out wickedness within us would root out wickedness within us and continue to grow us in the likeness and continue to grow us in the likeness and continue to grow us in the likeness of Christ. This is all God's grace in of Christ. This is all God's grace in of Christ. This is all God's grace in our lives and then when something rears our lives and then when something rears our lives and then when something rears itself, you have these emotions that are itself, you have these emotions that are itself, you have these emotions that are attached to it. attached to it. attached to it. And this is what we see in the life of And this is what we see in the life of And this is what we see in the life of Jonah right here Jonah right here Jonah right here in Jonah chapter 4. in Jonah chapter 4. in Jonah chapter 4. Because here is what we have to know. Because here is what we have to know. Because here is what we have to know. That it is all God's grace in our lives. Everything you have is because God is Everything you have is because God is gracious.

gracious. gracious. The fact that you know him is only The fact that you know him is only The fact that you know him is only because God is gracious. because God is gracious. because God is gracious. Because we are breathing and living is Because we are breathing and living is Because we are breathing and living is because God is gracious. because God is gracious. because God is gracious. But here's what happens as we live. But here's what happens as we live. But here's what happens as we live. And as we'll see in the life of Jonah. And as we'll see in the life of Jonah. And as we'll see in the life of Jonah. When we forget When we forget When we forget the grace of God, the grace of God, the grace of God, we will drift from the heart of God. I I I want to say that one more time I I I want to say that one more time because it's going to be a thread because it's going to be a thread because it's going to be a thread throughout all of Jonah chapter 4. When throughout all of Jonah chapter 4. When throughout all of Jonah chapter 4. When we forget the grace of God, we forget the grace of God, we forget the grace of God, we will inevitably we will inevitably we will inevitably drift from the heart of God. drift from the heart of God. drift from the heart of God. I want to see if you recognize that as I want to see if you recognize that as I want to see if you recognize that as we read this together. So, if you are we read this together. So, if you are we read this together. So, if you are willing and able, willing and able, willing and able, would you stand with us as we read God's would you stand with us as we read God's would you stand with us as we read God's word together?

It says, "Jonah was greatly displeased It says, "Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious. and became furious. and became furious. He prayed to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, He prayed to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, He prayed to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, isn't this what I said while I was still isn't this what I said while I was still isn't this what I said while I was still in my own country? in my own country? in my own country? That's why I fled toward Tarshish in the That's why I fled toward Tarshish in the That's why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place. first place. first place. I knew that you are a gracious and I knew that you are a gracious and I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, compassionate God, slow to anger, compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and one who abounding in faithful love, and one who abounding in faithful love, and one who relents from sending disaster. relents from sending disaster. relents from sending disaster. And now, Lord, take my life from me, for And now, Lord, take my life from me, for And now, Lord, take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to it is better for me to die than to it is better for me to die than to live." live." live." The Lord asked, The Lord asked, The Lord asked, "Is it right for you to be angry?" "Is it right for you to be angry?" "Is it right for you to be angry?" Jonah left the city and found a place Jonah left the city and found a place Jonah left the city and found a place east of it. east of it. east of it. He made himself a shelter there and sat He made himself a shelter there and sat He made himself a shelter there and sat in its shade to see what would happen to in its shade to see what would happen to in its shade to see what would happen to the city. the city. the city. Then the Lord God appointed a plant and Then the Lord God appointed a plant and Then the Lord God appointed a plant and it grew over Jonah to provide shade for it grew over Jonah to provide shade for it grew over Jonah to provide shade for his head to rescue him from his trouble. his head to rescue him from his trouble. his head to rescue him from his trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with the Jonah was greatly pleased with the Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant. plant. plant. When dawn came the next day, God When dawn came the next day, God When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm appointed a worm appointed a worm that attacked the plant and it withered.

that attacked the plant and it withered. that attacked the plant and it withered. As the sun was rising, God appointed a As the sun was rising, God appointed a As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. scorching east wind. scorching east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah's head so The sun beat down on Jonah's head so The sun beat down on Jonah's head so much that he almost fainted and he much that he almost fainted and he much that he almost fainted and he wanted to die. He said, "It's better for wanted to die. He said, "It's better for wanted to die. He said, "It's better for me to die than to live." me to die than to live." me to die than to live." Then God asked Jonah, Then God asked Jonah, Then God asked Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about "Is it right for you to be angry about "Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?" the plant?" the plant?" "Yes, it is right," he replied. "I'm "Yes, it is right," he replied. "I'm "Yes, it is right," he replied. "I'm angry enough to die." angry enough to die." angry enough to die." And the Lord said, "You cared about the And the Lord said, "You cared about the And the Lord said, "You cared about the plant, plant, plant, which you did not labor over and did not which you did not labor over and did not which you did not labor over and did not grow. grow. grow. It appeared in the night and perished in It appeared in the night and perished in It appeared in the night and perished in the night. the night. the night. So, may I not care about the great city So, may I not care about the great city So, may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, of Nineveh, of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who which has more than 120,000 people who which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right cannot distinguish between their right cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many and their left, as well as many and their left, as well as many animals?" animals?" animals?" Heavenly Father, will you please, by Heavenly Father, will you please, by Heavenly Father, will you please, by your grace, your grace, your grace, speak to us now. speak to us now. speak to us now. Father, take your word that is living Father, take your word that is living Father, take your word that is living and active and apply it to our hearts. and active and apply it to our hearts. and active and apply it to our hearts. Father, we have no hope of understanding Father, we have no hope of understanding Father, we have no hope of understanding your word apart from you.

your word apart from you. your word apart from you. We have no hope of We have no hope of We have no hope of living out your word living out your word living out your word apart from you. So, Lord, we are asking apart from you. So, Lord, we are asking apart from you. So, Lord, we are asking you to be gracious to us so that those you to be gracious to us so that those you to be gracious to us so that those things may be true in us. things may be true in us. things may be true in us. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> You can be seated once again. >> You can be seated once again. >> You can be seated once again. All right, so now you understand why I All right, so now you understand why I All right, so now you understand why I said earlier I would have ended at said earlier I would have ended at said earlier I would have ended at chapter 3. chapter 3. chapter 3. I I mean chapter 4 gets into this I I mean chapter 4 gets into this I I mean chapter 4 gets into this strange predicament and then it ends on strange predicament and then it ends on strange predicament and then it ends on a question that is unanswered in the a question that is unanswered in the a question that is unanswered in the book. book. book. I mean technically, I mean you just feel I mean technically, I mean you just feel I mean technically, I mean you just feel like you're walking around holding in a like you're walking around holding in a like you're walking around holding in a sneeze all day because because this is sneeze all day because because this is sneeze all day because because this is how it ends. how it ends. how it ends. But there's something interesting about But there's something interesting about But there's something interesting about the questions. the questions. the questions. Especially in scripture, especially when Especially in scripture, especially when Especially in scripture, especially when it is God who is asking them. it is God who is asking them. it is God who is asking them. Listen, when you and I Listen, when you and I Listen, when you and I ask questions, it's because we are ask questions, it's because we are ask questions, it's because we are curious or some of us it's because we curious or some of us it's because we curious or some of us it's because we are suspicious, but most of the time are suspicious, but most of the time are suspicious, but most of the time hopefully it's because we are curious.

hopefully it's because we are curious. hopefully it's because we are curious. Meaning that we want to learn something Meaning that we want to learn something Meaning that we want to learn something around us or learn about something and around us or learn about something and around us or learn about something and so we ask questions. Good teachers ask so we ask questions. Good teachers ask so we ask questions. Good teachers ask questions in order for students to learn questions in order for students to learn questions in order for students to learn and and the teacher will understand in and and the teacher will understand in and and the teacher will understand in the way that they answer it whether or the way that they answer it whether or the way that they answer it whether or not they understand the material at not they understand the material at not they understand the material at hand. That's called the Socratic method hand. That's called the Socratic method hand. That's called the Socratic method method. All right, but but why would God method. All right, but but why would God method. All right, but but why would God ask questions? ask questions? ask questions? God is not God is not God is not trying to acquire information. He trying to acquire information. He trying to acquire information. He already knows it. already knows it. already knows it. He already knows whether or not you know He already knows whether or not you know He already knows whether or not you know it. it. it. The point of the question from the Lord The point of the question from the Lord The point of the question from the Lord is that he wants you to know exactly is that he wants you to know exactly is that he wants you to know exactly what he means. what he means. what he means. So God is doing this through the So God is doing this through the So God is doing this through the questions that he is asking. questions that he is asking. questions that he is asking. He is exposing something. He is exposing something. He is exposing something. In fact, this is the way that God asked In fact, this is the way that God asked In fact, this is the way that God asked questions all throughout scripture questions all throughout scripture questions all throughout scripture beginning in Genesis chapter 3. After beginning in Genesis chapter 3. After beginning in Genesis chapter 3. After sin entered the world, Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, Adam and Eve, they knew they knew they knew from that moment of sin from that moment of sin from that moment of sin that they were exposed.

that they were exposed. that they were exposed. Meaning they didn't have any clothes on. Meaning they didn't have any clothes on. Meaning they didn't have any clothes on. In Georgia, we'd say they are naked. All In Georgia, we'd say they are naked. All In Georgia, we'd say they are naked. All right? I mean, that's what they were. right? I mean, that's what they were. right? I mean, that's what they were. But what that really means is that they But what that really means is that they But what that really means is that they were aware of their brokenness. They were aware of their brokenness. They were aware of their brokenness. They were aware of their sinfulness before were aware of their sinfulness before were aware of their sinfulness before God. God. God. And so, what did they do? They tried to And so, what did they do? They tried to And so, what did they do? They tried to hide. hide. hide. Jonah tried to flee. Instead of going to Jonah tried to flee. Instead of going to Jonah tried to flee. Instead of going to Nineveh, he's trying to hide, flee the Nineveh, he's trying to hide, flee the Nineveh, he's trying to hide, flee the presence of God. That's what brokenness presence of God. That's what brokenness presence of God. That's what brokenness does to us. does to us. does to us. Brokenness causes us to hide from God. Brokenness causes us to hide from God. Brokenness causes us to hide from God. We're feeling the shame and the guilt. We're feeling the shame and the guilt. We're feeling the shame and the guilt. We're feeling the weight of of God's We're feeling the weight of of God's We're feeling the weight of of God's holiness that is bearing down on our holiness that is bearing down on our holiness that is bearing down on our sinfulness and wickedness. And this is sinfulness and wickedness. And this is sinfulness and wickedness. And this is an attempt from the enemy to keep you at an attempt from the enemy to keep you at an attempt from the enemy to keep you at bay. bay. bay. You see, the enemy believes it would be You see, the enemy believes it would be You see, the enemy believes it would be best for you to hide from God's presence best for you to hide from God's presence best for you to hide from God's presence in the moment of brokenness.

in the moment of brokenness. in the moment of brokenness. I mean, think about the difference I mean, think about the difference I mean, think about the difference between Peter and Judas. between Peter and Judas. between Peter and Judas. W- Were Were any of the sins worse? W- Were Were any of the sins worse? W- Were Were any of the sins worse? Uh Judas betrayed the Lord. Uh Judas betrayed the Lord. Uh Judas betrayed the Lord. Sold it off for some silver. I mean, Sold it off for some silver. I mean, Sold it off for some silver. I mean, yeah, I get that. Uh but Peter denied yeah, I get that. Uh but Peter denied yeah, I get that. Uh but Peter denied Jesus three times, also. Jesus three times, also. Jesus three times, also. Peter betrayed his loyalty to Christ Peter betrayed his loyalty to Christ Peter betrayed his loyalty to Christ even after Jesus said, "Hey bro, you're even after Jesus said, "Hey bro, you're even after Jesus said, "Hey bro, you're going to do this." He's like, "No, going to do this." He's like, "No, going to do this." He's like, "No, never, Jesus. I ain't going to do that. never, Jesus. I ain't going to do that. never, Jesus. I ain't going to do that. I would never do that. Man, I'm strong. I would never do that. Man, I'm strong. I would never do that. Man, I'm strong. I'm following you wherever you go. Even I'm following you wherever you go. Even I'm following you wherever you go. Even if I die, I will follow you." I mean, if I die, I will follow you." I mean, if I die, I will follow you." I mean, Peter is speaking strong. And then, as Peter is speaking strong. And then, as Peter is speaking strong. And then, as soon as a little girl comes up to him in soon as a little girl comes up to him in soon as a little girl comes up to him in the moments of great distress, Jesus is the moments of great distress, Jesus is the moments of great distress, Jesus is being carried off. Immediately, he falls and he's like, Immediately, he falls and he's like, "Man, I don't even know that dude. I "Man, I don't even know that dude. I "Man, I don't even know that dude. I don't know him." don't know him." don't know him." And then again, I I don't know Jesus. And then again, I I don't know Jesus. And then again, I I don't know Jesus. And then again, I don't know him. I'm And then again, I don't know him. I'm And then again, I don't know him. I'm not one of his disciples. No, that's not not one of his disciples. No, that's not not one of his disciples. No, that's not me. You got me mixed up with another me. You got me mixed up with another me. You got me mixed up with another guy.

guy. guy. All right, pretty bad. You see, Judas at the end You see, Judas at the end ran for the shadows to hide. ran for the shadows to hide. ran for the shadows to hide. And Jesus, as soon as he heard the voice And Jesus, as soon as he heard the voice And Jesus, as soon as he heard the voice of God, ran to Jesus. of God, ran to Jesus. of God, ran to Jesus. See the difference of outcome? See the difference of outcome? See the difference of outcome? One leads to death and destruction, the One leads to death and destruction, the One leads to death and destruction, the other one leads to life. other one leads to life. other one leads to life. I mean, this is what is wanted here from I mean, this is what is wanted here from I mean, this is what is wanted here from the enemy, for you to hide. Be like, the enemy, for you to hide. Be like, the enemy, for you to hide. Be like, "Okay, no, I'm too far gone. Jesus is "Okay, no, I'm too far gone. Jesus is "Okay, no, I'm too far gone. Jesus is done with me, so I'm just going to hide. done with me, so I'm just going to hide. done with me, so I'm just going to hide. I'm going to cover up. I'm going to do I'm going to cover up. I'm going to do I'm going to cover up. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that God everything I can to make sure that God everything I can to make sure that God doesn't find me." doesn't find me." doesn't find me." When the Lord called out to Adam, said, When the Lord called out to Adam, said, When the Lord called out to Adam, said, "Adam, where are you?" Do you think it's "Adam, where are you?" Do you think it's "Adam, where are you?" Do you think it's because the Lord didn't know? Just like sinners cannot flee the Just like sinners cannot flee the judgment of God, judgment of God, judgment of God, the wrath of God.

the wrath of God. the wrath of God. The point of the questions The point of the questions The point of the questions is for the Lord to expose our own heart is for the Lord to expose our own heart is for the Lord to expose our own heart before him. And so, when he asked these two And so, when he asked these two questions of Jonah, questions of Jonah, questions of Jonah, the Lord is, by his grace, confronting the Lord is, by his grace, confronting the Lord is, by his grace, confronting Jonah's heart. Jonah's heart. Jonah's heart. And the first thing that we see God And the first thing that we see God And the first thing that we see God confronting is confronting is confronting is our anger. God's grace God's grace will confront our anger. will confront our anger. will confront our anger. And you may be thinking to yourself, And you may be thinking to yourself, And you may be thinking to yourself, "Well, I'm not very angry." "Well, I'm not very angry." "Well, I'm not very angry." Well, good. Well, good. Well, good. Uh the problem is you are, okay? We all Uh the problem is you are, okay? We all Uh the problem is you are, okay? We all deal with anger. deal with anger. deal with anger. And I'm not talking that you have to And I'm not talking that you have to And I'm not talking that you have to throw things or or pitch uh a tantrum or throw things or or pitch uh a tantrum or throw things or or pitch uh a tantrum or anything like that. That's not what I'm anything like that. That's not what I'm anything like that. That's not what I'm saying. That the That the depth of your saying. That the That the depth of your saying. That the That the depth of your tantrum is not an indication of whether tantrum is not an indication of whether tantrum is not an indication of whether or not you deal with anger. The point is or not you deal with anger. The point is or not you deal with anger. The point is is that we are all um human and we are is that we are all um human and we are is that we are all um human and we are all sinners in need of God's grace and all sinners in need of God's grace and all sinners in need of God's grace and we all deal with anger.

we all deal with anger. we all deal with anger. We harbor bitterness. We harbor bitterness. We harbor bitterness. And in the moments of anger, we either And in the moments of anger, we either And in the moments of anger, we either let it out or we stuff it down let it out or we stuff it down let it out or we stuff it down pretending as if it is not there. pretending as if it is not there. pretending as if it is not there. But this is Jonah's anger. But this is Jonah's anger. But this is Jonah's anger. In In In Jonah chapter 4 verse 1, I just want to Jonah chapter 4 verse 1, I just want to Jonah chapter 4 verse 1, I just want to read it again. It says, "Jonah was read it again. It says, "Jonah was read it again. It says, "Jonah was greatly displeased greatly displeased greatly displeased and became and became and became furious." furious." furious." This is a really good word for it. This is a really good word for it. This is a really good word for it. This is a good translation because it This is a good translation because it This is a good translation because it It's more than just anger, right? It's It's more than just anger, right? It's It's more than just anger, right? It's You can be angry. You can be angry. You can be angry. You can be upset. You can be upset. You can be upset. Or you can be furious. In fact, the Hebrew word is kind of like In fact, the Hebrew word is kind of like an onomatopoeia. It's raw. an onomatopoeia. It's raw. an onomatopoeia. It's raw. It's It's rage. It's It's rage. It's It's rage. It means that Jonah It means that Jonah It means that Jonah was equating what God did for Nineveh was equating what God did for Nineveh was equating what God did for Nineveh as evil.

as evil. as evil. Like that That's the depth of this anger Like that That's the depth of this anger Like that That's the depth of this anger that Jonah is talking about right here. that Jonah is talking about right here. that Jonah is talking about right here. He was greatly displeased and was He was greatly displeased and was He was greatly displeased and was furious. furious. furious. And what does he do? He prays. And what does he do? He prays. And what does he do? He prays. Seems odd. Seems odd. Seems odd. But this is what he says uh in verse But this is what he says uh in verse But this is what he says uh in verse two. He prayed to the Lord. Please Lord, two. He prayed to the Lord. Please Lord, two. He prayed to the Lord. Please Lord, isn't this what I said while I was still isn't this what I said while I was still isn't this what I said while I was still in my own country? in my own country? in my own country? Remember, he's a patriot. He loves his Remember, he's a patriot. He loves his Remember, he's a patriot. He loves his country. country. country. While I was in my own country, Lord. While I was in my own country, Lord. While I was in my own country, Lord. That's why I fled toward Tarsus in the That's why I fled toward Tarsus in the That's why I fled toward Tarsus in the first place. first place. first place. And then he starts praying truth here. And then he starts praying truth here. And then he starts praying truth here. He says, I knew that you are a gracious He says, I knew that you are a gracious He says, I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God. and compassionate God. and compassionate God. Slow to anger, abounding in faithful Slow to anger, abounding in faithful Slow to anger, abounding in faithful love. love. love. And one who relents from sending And one who relents from sending And one who relents from sending disaster. Like Jonah knew what was happening. Like Jonah knew what was happening. Remember we said that in week one. Jonah Remember we said that in week one. Jonah Remember we said that in week one. Jonah is not fleeing to Tarsus because he's is not fleeing to Tarsus because he's is not fleeing to Tarsus because he's scared of the Ninevites. He is ac- scared of the Ninevites. He is ac- scared of the Ninevites. He is ac- actually concerned knowing that God is actually concerned knowing that God is actually concerned knowing that God is going to save Nineveh.

going to save Nineveh. going to save Nineveh. And in his mind, he has now elevated And in his mind, he has now elevated And in his mind, he has now elevated himself from prophet to judge of all himself from prophet to judge of all himself from prophet to judge of all things declaring, "Listen, the Ninevites things declaring, "Listen, the Ninevites things declaring, "Listen, the Ninevites don't deserve your grace." don't deserve your grace." don't deserve your grace." And he is furious about it. And he is furious about it. And he is furious about it. I mean, do you remember in Luke chapter I mean, do you remember in Luke chapter I mean, do you remember in Luke chapter 15 of the prodigal son? of the prodigal son? He the the prodigal son listen, the the He the the prodigal son listen, the the He the the prodigal son listen, the the younger brother asked for his younger brother asked for his younger brother asked for his inheritance from his father and the inheritance from his father and the inheritance from his father and the father gives it to him and basically father gives it to him and basically father gives it to him and basically what this means is that the younger what this means is that the younger what this means is that the younger brother was like, "Hey dad, you are dead brother was like, "Hey dad, you are dead brother was like, "Hey dad, you are dead to me. All I want is my money and and to me. All I want is my money and and to me. All I want is my money and and listen, and I hope to never see you listen, and I hope to never see you listen, and I hope to never see you again. Happy Father's Day, right?" And again. Happy Father's Day, right?" And again. Happy Father's Day, right?" And and then he takes off and then he takes off and then he takes off with all of his inheritance, with all of his inheritance, with all of his inheritance, older brother behind, father behind, the older brother behind, father behind, the older brother behind, father behind, the all of it, man. He just cut ties with all of it, man. He just cut ties with all of it, man. He just cut ties with everybody, said, "You're dead to me. I'm everybody, said, "You're dead to me. I'm everybody, said, "You're dead to me. I'm doing my own thing." And then he finds doing my own thing." And then he finds doing my own thing." And then he finds himself at the end of himself in himself at the end of himself in himself at the end of himself in complete despair, broken in a pigsty, uh complete despair, broken in a pigsty, uh complete despair, broken in a pigsty, uh eating slop, whatever it is, right? And eating slop, whatever it is, right? And eating slop, whatever it is, right? And then he figures out, man, I have really then he figures out, man, I have really then he figures out, man, I have really messed up.

messed up. messed up. His eyes were opened. His eyes were opened. His eyes were opened. And he comes back to beg mercy from his And he comes back to beg mercy from his And he comes back to beg mercy from his dad. And And to just ask his dad, maybe dad. And And to just ask his dad, maybe dad. And And to just ask his dad, maybe maybe I could just be my dad's servant. maybe I could just be my dad's servant. maybe I could just be my dad's servant. Maybe I can do that. Maybe he'll just Maybe I can do that. Maybe he'll just Maybe I can do that. Maybe he'll just let me be his servant so that I could let me be his servant so that I could let me be his servant so that I could have a place to live and eat. have a place to live and eat. have a place to live and eat. His father sees him from a long way off. His father sees him from a long way off. His father sees him from a long way off. His father runs to him. His father runs to him. His father runs to him. Clothed him. Clothed him. Clothed him. And they have a feast. And they have a feast. And they have a feast. They kill a fattened calf. They kill a fattened calf. They kill a fattened calf. And celebrate. And father says, "My son, And celebrate. And father says, "My son, And celebrate. And father says, "My son, who I thought was dead, who I thought was dead, who I thought was dead, is alive." Everyone is celebrating. Everyone is celebrating. Except for one person. The older brother's having a hard time. The older brother's having a hard time. In fact, this is what it says in verse In fact, this is what it says in verse In fact, this is what it says in verse 28. 28. 28. It says, "Then he became angry It says, "Then he became angry It says, "Then he became angry and didn't want to go in." Talking about and didn't want to go in." Talking about and didn't want to go in." Talking about the party, the party, the party, the celebration. He became angry.

Then he goes on in verses 28 and 29, Then he goes on in verses 28 and 29, or 29 30. He says this. He says, "Look, or 29 30. He says this. He says, "Look, or 29 30. He says this. He says, "Look, I have been slaving many years for you. I have been slaving many years for you. I have been slaving many years for you. This is the older brother to the father. This is the older brother to the father. This is the older brother to the father. I've been slaving many years for you, I've been slaving many years for you, I've been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your order and I have never disobeyed your order and I have never disobeyed your order your orders. your orders. your orders. Yet you never gave me a goat Yet you never gave me a goat Yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my so that I could celebrate with my so that I could celebrate with my friends." You hear the anger in this? And then he You hear the anger in this? And then he goes on, "But when this son of yours, goes on, "But when this son of yours, goes on, "But when this son of yours, You notice he doesn't say, "But when my You notice he doesn't say, "But when my You notice he doesn't say, "But when my brother" brother" brother" No, he doesn't call him his brother. He No, he doesn't call him his brother. He No, he doesn't call him his brother. He said, "When this son of yours" said, "When this son of yours" said, "When this son of yours" Right? This is what Katie says when our Right? This is what Katie says when our Right? This is what Katie says when our kids are in trouble. This son of yours, kids are in trouble. This son of yours, kids are in trouble. This son of yours, this daughter of yours, they're they this daughter of yours, they're they this daughter of yours, they're they have messed up again. That's your That's have messed up again. That's your That's have messed up again. That's your That's your side of the family, Michael, right? Who has devoured your assets with Who has devoured your assets with prostitutes.

prostitutes. prostitutes. You slaughtered the fattened calf for You slaughtered the fattened calf for You slaughtered the fattened calf for him. The older brother just cannot The older brother just cannot comprehend. Jonah is the only one, like the older Jonah is the only one, like the older brother, who is not celebrating the fact brother, who is not celebrating the fact brother, who is not celebrating the fact that everyone in the city of Nineveh that everyone in the city of Nineveh that everyone in the city of Nineveh turned from their wicked ways and turned from their wicked ways and turned from their wicked ways and responded to God. And the only one who is not celebrating And the only one who is not celebrating in Luke 15 is the older brother. And in Luke 15 is the older brother. And in Luke 15 is the older brother. And here is how this works because this is here is how this works because this is here is how this works because this is where you and I suffer in the same way. where you and I suffer in the same way. where you and I suffer in the same way. We pretend We pretend We pretend that people deserve judgment and we do that people deserve judgment and we do that people deserve judgment and we do not. And I want to explain this to you And I want to explain this to you because uh in the brother's eyes, you because uh in the brother's eyes, you because uh in the brother's eyes, you know what he says? He's like, "Man, I've know what he says? He's like, "Man, I've know what he says? He's like, "Man, I've I've been faithful." I've been faithful." I've been faithful." You didn't do anything for me. Where's You didn't do anything for me. Where's You didn't do anything for me. Where's my party?

It has everything to do with what you It has everything to do with what you bring to the table. bring to the table. bring to the table. Jonah is looking at Nineveh in the same Jonah is looking at Nineveh in the same Jonah is looking at Nineveh in the same way. God, why would you give them this way. God, why would you give them this way. God, why would you give them this grace? I am the one who is your prophet. grace? I am the one who is your prophet. grace? I am the one who is your prophet. I'm the one who has been walking with I'm the one who has been walking with I'm the one who has been walking with you. Yeah, I mean Yeah, I was fleeing to you. Yeah, I mean Yeah, I was fleeing to you. Yeah, I mean Yeah, I was fleeing to Tarshish and all that, but I mean Tarshish and all that, but I mean Tarshish and all that, but I mean I'm still your prophet. It's like this It's like this sense of entitlement. sense of entitlement. sense of entitlement. It's like this understanding that there It's like this understanding that there It's like this understanding that there are categories of sinners, that there are categories of sinners, that there are categories of sinners, that there are sinners who understand that listen, are sinners who understand that listen, are sinners who understand that listen, we are all born into sin. Psalm 51 makes we are all born into sin. Psalm 51 makes we are all born into sin. Psalm 51 makes that clear. In my mother's womb, right? that clear. In my mother's womb, right? that clear. In my mother's womb, right? You were conceived in sin. That's what You were conceived in sin. That's what You were conceived in sin. That's what that means that you're born in sin. Your that means that you're born in sin. Your that means that you're born in sin. Your nature is sin. nature is sin. nature is sin. And we agree with that. We agree with And we agree with that. We agree with And we agree with that. We agree with the doctrine of sin that that we are all the doctrine of sin that that we are all the doctrine of sin that that we are all sinners in need of God's grace. But then sinners in need of God's grace. But then sinners in need of God's grace. But then there are bad sinners. there are bad sinners. there are bad sinners. Are there sinners Are there sinners Are there sinners and then there are sinners. and then there are sinners. and then there are sinners. Like Like Like those homeboys with a testimony, right?

those homeboys with a testimony, right? those homeboys with a testimony, right? And they got tattoos to match their And they got tattoos to match their And they got tattoos to match their testimony. testimony. testimony. And they're all glory cuz they got their And they're all glory cuz they got their And they're all glory cuz they got their tattoos in prison. tattoos in prison. tattoos in prison. Like that's how we categorize people. Like that's how we categorize people. Like that's how we categorize people. It's like there are sinners and then It's like there are sinners and then It's like there are sinners and then there are real sinners. And then we get angry And then we get angry about the grace of God that is being about the grace of God that is being about the grace of God that is being bestowed. bestowed. bestowed. And here's what I mean by that, okay? And here's what I mean by that, okay? And here's what I mean by that, okay? So, if you have this much sin in your So, if you have this much sin in your So, if you have this much sin in your life, life, life, then you require that much grace. then you require that much grace. then you require that much grace. Okay? Okay? Okay? But in And this is what the older But in And this is what the older But in And this is what the older brother is struggling with. This is what brother is struggling with. This is what brother is struggling with. This is what Jonah is struggling with. Okay, but now Jonah is struggling with. Okay, but now Jonah is struggling with. Okay, but now look at Nineveh's sin. look at Nineveh's sin. look at Nineveh's sin. This is how wicked they are, God. And This is how wicked they are, God. And This is how wicked they are, God. And then the older brother, look at the then the older brother, look at the then the older brother, look at the younger brother. Father Father, I've younger brother. Father Father, I've younger brother. Father Father, I've been faithful to you this whole time and been faithful to you this whole time and been faithful to you this whole time and you've never thrown me a party. All you've never thrown me a party. All you've never thrown me a party. All right, look at his sin. He took right, look at his sin. He took right, look at his sin. He took everything you had that was that was his everything you had that was that was his everything you had that was that was his inheritance and he just devoured it on inheritance and he just devoured it on inheritance and he just devoured it on stupid things and yet you still cover stupid things and yet you still cover stupid things and yet you still cover him with this much grace. You see, we him with this much grace. You see, we him with this much grace. You see, we have equated the depth of sin with the have equated the depth of sin with the have equated the depth of sin with the amount of grace bestowed, and it's amount of grace bestowed, and it's amount of grace bestowed, and it's because we have a faulty understanding because we have a faulty understanding because we have a faulty understanding of sin.

of sin. of sin. We believe that we did not require that We believe that we did not require that We believe that we did not require that much grace, but them out there, man, much grace, but them out there, man, much grace, but them out there, man, they require a lot of grace. God, how they require a lot of grace. God, how they require a lot of grace. God, how dare you bless them in that way and not dare you bless them in that way and not dare you bless them in that way and not me? I've been faithful. me? I've been faithful. me? I've been faithful. Why is it that my family is suffering? Why is it that my family is suffering? Why is it that my family is suffering? We've been faithful to you. We've been faithful to you. We've been faithful to you. Why did you do this to my life? Why did Why did you do this to my life? Why did Why did you do this to my life? Why did I lose my job? I was using it for your I lose my job? I was using it for your I lose my job? I was using it for your glory. glory. glory. Why am I not financially blessed? I Why am I not financially blessed? I Why am I not financially blessed? I tithe. I give to you, God. tithe. I give to you, God. tithe. I give to you, God. And now we start equating as if we have And now we start equating as if we have And now we start equating as if we have anything to do with the reception of anything to do with the reception of anything to do with the reception of God's grace. Do you see the danger here? God's grace. Do you see the danger here? God's grace. Do you see the danger here? And you and I must remember that we are And you and I must remember that we are And you and I must remember that we are all in sin, that we were all dead in our all in sin, that we were all dead in our all in sin, that we were all dead in our trespasses and sin in the way in the trespasses and sin in the way in the trespasses and sin in the way in the which we once walked. But God, who is which we once walked. But God, who is which we once walked. But God, who is rich in mercy, bestowed upon us his rich in mercy, bestowed upon us his rich in mercy, bestowed upon us his grace. He atoned for our sin, and this grace. He atoned for our sin, and this grace. He atoned for our sin, and this is the reality of the gospel of Jesus is the reality of the gospel of Jesus is the reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You and I don't have varying Christ. You and I don't have varying Christ. You and I don't have varying levels of sin. You and I are all dead in levels of sin. You and I are all dead in levels of sin. You and I are all dead in our sin, every single one of us.

our sin, every single one of us. our sin, every single one of us. Therefore, we are all desperate for the Therefore, we are all desperate for the Therefore, we are all desperate for the grace of God. We cannot look down on grace of God. We cannot look down on grace of God. We cannot look down on somebody else who is who is receiving or somebody else who is who is receiving or somebody else who is who is receiving or not receiving grace. It is not our not receiving grace. It is not our not receiving grace. It is not our ability to be able to judge others who ability to be able to judge others who ability to be able to judge others who are more depraved. We are all depraved are more depraved. We are all depraved are more depraved. We are all depraved and in need of God's gracious and and in need of God's gracious and and in need of God's gracious and merciful hand. merciful hand. merciful hand. And the danger is for us to believe for And the danger is for us to believe for And the danger is for us to believe for a second that we didn't a second that we didn't a second that we didn't need that much grace to be saved. need that much grace to be saved. need that much grace to be saved. If we believe for a moment that it did If we believe for a moment that it did If we believe for a moment that it did not require much grace to save us not require much grace to save us not require much grace to save us because we're pretty good people, because we're pretty good people, because we're pretty good people, you have completely misunderstood the you have completely misunderstood the you have completely misunderstood the gospel of Jesus Christ. And as soon as that happens, you know And as soon as that happens, you know what? Our priorities really get messed up. Our priorities really get messed up. This is what grace confronts next is our This is what grace confronts next is our This is what grace confronts next is our priorities. priorities. priorities. Look at what he says in verse five Look at what he says in verse five Look at what he says in verse five because verse four ended in this way, because verse four ended in this way, because verse four ended in this way, "Is it right for you to be angry?" Do "Is it right for you to be angry?" Do "Is it right for you to be angry?" Do you know what Jonah does?

He literally turns around and walks off He literally turns around and walks off at the question. at the question. at the question. Is it right for you to be angry? It says he made himself a shelter. It says he made himself a shelter. He sat in its shade He sat in its shade He sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city. to see what would happen to the city. to see what would happen to the city. Do you see this is what happens Do you see this is what happens Do you see this is what happens when we are angry because it's really uh when we are angry because it's really uh when we are angry because it's really uh uh a problem of our priorities, too. uh a problem of our priorities, too. uh a problem of our priorities, too. Because whatever you prioritize most is Because whatever you prioritize most is Because whatever you prioritize most is what you desire most and it is what you what you desire most and it is what you what you desire most and it is what you live for. live for. live for. And then as soon as everything else does And then as soon as everything else does And then as soon as everything else does not function around you to serve that not function around you to serve that not function around you to serve that priority, that is when you get angry. priority, that is when you get angry. priority, that is when you get angry. That is when I get angry. That is when I get angry. That is when I get angry. All right, look. This I was tested All right, look. This I was tested All right, look. This I was tested trying to get back from uh beach camp trying to get back from uh beach camp trying to get back from uh beach camp with our high school students and with our high school students and with our high school students and apparently there were some storms, apparently there were some storms, apparently there were some storms, whatever. People can't fly in storms. I whatever. People can't fly in storms. I whatever. People can't fly in storms. I don't know. Um and so all the flights don't know. Um and so all the flights don't know. Um and so all the flights were canceled.

were canceled. were canceled. So I'm sitting in the airport So I'm sitting in the airport So I'm sitting in the airport uh trying to figure out how am I going uh trying to figure out how am I going uh trying to figure out how am I going to get home to get home to get home before Sunday morning at 9:30. All before Sunday morning at 9:30. All before Sunday morning at 9:30. All right, that's the deadline, okay? How am right, that's the deadline, okay? How am right, that's the deadline, okay? How am I going to get home? There are no uh no I going to get home? There are no uh no I going to get home? There are no uh no flights, nothing. Everything is flights, nothing. Everything is flights, nothing. Everything is canceled. And you know what I felt my canceled. And you know what I felt my canceled. And you know what I felt my heart doing? I felt my heart turning toward I felt my heart turning toward bitterness. bitterness. bitterness. And I wasn't like blaming God, but it And I wasn't like blaming God, but it And I wasn't like blaming God, but it it's there. it's there. it's there. Because Because Because I need to get home. I need to do this, and this is what an I need to do this, and this is what an inconvenience for me. And then Reagan, who was my travel buddy And then Reagan, who was my travel buddy this last week, you know what she said this last week, you know what she said this last week, you know what she said to me? to me? to me? She's like, you know what? Maybe the She's like, you know what? Maybe the She's like, you know what? Maybe the Lord's just testing us. She said, maybe the Lord is just trying She said, maybe the Lord is just trying to teach us something.

Because I've been studying this passage Because I've been studying this passage of Jonah. of Jonah. of Jonah. And I've been thinking to myself, man, And I've been thinking to myself, man, And I've been thinking to myself, man, what a Jonah is. And then the Lord made it so crystal And then the Lord made it so crystal clear. Like Like those are the things that God should those are the things that God should those are the things that God should confront in our hearts. Jonah prays Jonah prays twice. twice. twice. From the belly of a fish because he's From the belly of a fish because he's From the belly of a fish because he's uncomfortable. uncomfortable. uncomfortable. And then he prays again because he's And then he prays again because he's And then he prays again because he's uncomfortable again. In verse six, then the Lord God In verse six, then the Lord God appointed a plant.

appointed a plant. appointed a plant. And And grew over Jonah to provide shade And And grew over Jonah to provide shade And And grew over Jonah to provide shade for his head to rescue him from his for his head to rescue him from his for his head to rescue him from his trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant. Okay, well, the plant. Okay, well, the plant. Okay, well, great job, Jonah. You are finally happy. You realize this is the only time in You realize this is the only time in this chapter this chapter this chapter and the only time in the book of Jonah and the only time in the book of Jonah and the only time in the book of Jonah that he was pleased with anything. Because Jonah's priorities Because Jonah's priorities have become centered on what makes Jonah have become centered on what makes Jonah have become centered on what makes Jonah most comfortable. And as soon as he is inconvenienced, And as soon as he is inconvenienced, he's upset again. Oh, I should die. he's upset again. Oh, I should die. he's upset again. Oh, I should die. It would be better for me to to die than It would be better for me to to die than It would be better for me to to die than to live under these conditions, Lord. And we may not say those things out And we may not say those things out loud, but we certainly have that heart loud, but we certainly have that heart loud, but we certainly have that heart at times that we are just so displeased at times that we are just so displeased at times that we are just so displeased with what God has provided and given.

with what God has provided and given. with what God has provided and given. And then the Lord asked a second time, And then the Lord asked a second time, And then the Lord asked a second time, is it right for you to be angry about is it right for you to be angry about is it right for you to be angry about this plant? Jonah, did you even plant this plant? Jonah, did you even plant this plant? Jonah, did you even plant that plant? that plant? that plant? Jonah, did you make it grow? Did you provide the shade for yourself? Did you provide the shade for yourself? And the answer is obviously no. But here is where you and I have our But here is where you and I have our priorities tested is that when we are priorities tested is that when we are priorities tested is that when we are inconvenienced. Did you know that Jesus inconvenienced. Did you know that Jesus inconvenienced. Did you know that Jesus says that we are to seek first the says that we are to seek first the says that we are to seek first the kingdom of God? Not when it's kingdom of God? Not when it's kingdom of God? Not when it's comfortable, not when it's convenient, comfortable, not when it's convenient, comfortable, not when it's convenient, not when you feel like it, not when you not when you feel like it, not when you not when you feel like it, not when you have time, not when you feel like that have time, not when you feel like that have time, not when you feel like that everybody's going to be okay with you everybody's going to be okay with you everybody's going to be okay with you and you're not going to stir up strife and you're not going to stir up strife and you're not going to stir up strife or or trouble and as long as it's not in or or trouble and as long as it's not in or or trouble and as long as it's not in front of my family because they get front of my family because they get front of my family because they get weird about religion and politics and weird about religion and politics and weird about religion and politics and all this nonsense. No, Jesus says, seek all this nonsense. No, Jesus says, seek all this nonsense. No, Jesus says, seek first the kingdom of God. Point. The first the kingdom of God. Point. The first the kingdom of God. Point. The end. end. end. And all these things will be added unto And all these things will be added unto And all these things will be added unto you. What he's talking about is all of you. What he's talking about is all of you. What he's talking about is all of the goodness of God, all of the blessing the goodness of God, all of the blessing the goodness of God, all of the blessing of God, not not prosperity of this of God, not not prosperity of this of God, not not prosperity of this earth, not the wealth of this earth, but earth, not the wealth of this earth, but earth, not the wealth of this earth, but but I'm telling you all of the goodness but I'm telling you all of the goodness but I'm telling you all of the goodness of God that this will be added unto you.

of God that this will be added unto you. of God that this will be added unto you. He says, seek first the kingdom of God. He says, seek first the kingdom of God. He says, seek first the kingdom of God. Why? Why? Why? Because then he follows up in Matthew Because then he follows up in Matthew Because then he follows up in Matthew chapter 6 verse 21 where he says, "For chapter 6 verse 21 where he says, "For chapter 6 verse 21 where he says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart where your treasure is, there your heart where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Because Jesus knows this will be also." Because Jesus knows this will be also." Because Jesus knows this is how your heart works. Whatever you is how your heart works. Whatever you is how your heart works. Whatever you desire most is going to be your priority desire most is going to be your priority desire most is going to be your priority in life. And whatever is priority is in life. And whatever is priority is in life. And whatever is priority is going to be what your heart pursues, and going to be what your heart pursues, and going to be what your heart pursues, and there it will be. There it will be there it will be. There it will be there it will be. There it will be consumed. There it will be taken over. consumed. There it will be taken over. consumed. There it will be taken over. And then all the things of God, guess And then all the things of God, guess And then all the things of God, guess what? Will just continue to decrease in what? Will just continue to decrease in what? Will just continue to decrease in the background in your life. But by the background in your life. But by the background in your life. But by God's grace, he would wake you up and God's grace, he would wake you up and God's grace, he would wake you up and show you and confront you with where show you and confront you with where show you and confront you with where your heart really is. So that you may, your heart really is. So that you may, your heart really is. So that you may, instead of going on the path of instead of going on the path of instead of going on the path of destruction, go on the path of life destruction, go on the path of life destruction, go on the path of life according to John 10:10. He says, "I according to John 10:10. He says, "I according to John 10:10. He says, "I have come to give you life and give it have come to give you life and give it have come to give you life and give it abundantly." And yet we continue to abundantly." And yet we continue to abundantly." And yet we continue to choose a life of darkness and death. And choose a life of darkness and death. And choose a life of darkness and death. And Jesus is saying, "No, no, no, listen."

Jesus is saying, "No, no, no, listen." Jesus is saying, "No, no, no, listen." Seek the kingdom of God. Seek the kingdom of God. Seek the kingdom of God. And everything else is going to work And everything else is going to work And everything else is going to work out. Jonah Jonah had a desire had a desire had a desire that was greater than any other desire that was greater than any other desire that was greater than any other desire in his life. in his life. in his life. And it was Jonah. His greatest desire was him. His greatest desire was him. His comfort. And we do the same thing And we do the same thing so often. We make everything about We make everything about me, me, me, myself, and I. And yet the Lord is calling us And yet the Lord is calling us to him. Where do you spend your time?

Where do you spend your time? And where do you spend your money? And where do you spend your money? And where do you spend your money? And God will expose your priority. And God will expose your priority. And God will expose your priority. He will expose your desire. But the path of life is seeking first But the path of life is seeking first the kingdom of God. the kingdom of God. the kingdom of God. Because when our priorities get Because when our priorities get Because when our priorities get messed up, you know what happens is we messed up, you know what happens is we messed up, you know what happens is we start to lack compassion. start to lack compassion. start to lack compassion. This is what I mean by that. This is what I mean by that. This is what I mean by that. He He says in Jonah chapter 4 verse 10, He He says in Jonah chapter 4 verse 10, He He says in Jonah chapter 4 verse 10, this is what he says. He says, this is what he says. He says, this is what he says. He says, "You cared about the plant. "You cared about the plant. "You cared about the plant. You did nothing for Jonah. You cared You did nothing for Jonah. You cared You did nothing for Jonah. You cared about that plant. about that plant. about that plant. You didn't even plant it. You didn't You didn't even plant it. You didn't You didn't even plant it. You didn't even nurture it to grow. And it perished in the same way that it And it perished in the same way that it appeared. appeared. appeared. And then he says in verse 11, he says, "So may I not care he says, "So may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, about the great city of Nineveh, about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 which has more than 120,000 which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between people who cannot distinguish between people who cannot distinguish between right right right and left as well as many animals.

Do you see what God is confronting here? Do you see what God is confronting here? Jonah, you care Jonah, you care Jonah, you care about this plant that has no life, about this plant that has no life, about this plant that has no life, has no eternal value, has no eternal value, has no eternal value, and yet you neglect the these people of and yet you neglect the these people of and yet you neglect the these people of 120,000 120,000 120,000 that they do not know the name of the that they do not know the name of the that they do not know the name of the Lord. And that is for us. And that is for us. You see, because when you forget the You see, because when you forget the You see, because when you forget the grace of God in your life, you start to grace of God in your life, you start to grace of God in your life, you start to drift from the heart of God. And one of drift from the heart of God. And one of drift from the heart of God. And one of the greatest indicators of drifting from the greatest indicators of drifting from the greatest indicators of drifting from the heart of God is that you do not care the heart of God is that you do not care the heart of God is that you do not care about the lost. I don't care about the lost when my I don't care about the lost when my heart is drifting from the mission of heart is drifting from the mission of heart is drifting from the mission of God. Look at what Jonah did. Do you know God. Look at what Jonah did. Do you know God. Look at what Jonah did. Do you know what he did in verse 5 when it says that what he did in verse 5 when it says that what he did in verse 5 when it says that he left the city and made a shelter? He he left the city and made a shelter? He he left the city and made a shelter? He removed himself from the mission. removed himself from the mission. removed himself from the mission. He removed himself from where God was He removed himself from where God was He removed himself from where God was working.

working. working. And he's done with it. He's like, all And he's done with it. He's like, all And he's done with it. He's like, all right, look, just Nineveh can be on right, look, just Nineveh can be on right, look, just Nineveh can be on their own. I'm going to camp out right their own. I'm going to camp out right their own. I'm going to camp out right here. I'm going to be on the fringe of here. I'm going to be on the fringe of here. I'm going to be on the fringe of the mission of God. How many of us, man, the mission of God. How many of us, man, the mission of God. How many of us, man, we camp out on the fringe of the things we camp out on the fringe of the things we camp out on the fringe of the things of God and that we just kind of grab our of God and that we just kind of grab our of God and that we just kind of grab our popcorn and we just eat our popcorn popcorn and we just eat our popcorn popcorn and we just eat our popcorn watching the mission of God take place watching the mission of God take place watching the mission of God take place instead of participating. We are just instead of participating. We are just instead of participating. We are just passive in it in our makeshift shelter passive in it in our makeshift shelter passive in it in our makeshift shelter pretending as if everything is okay. And pretending as if everything is okay. And pretending as if everything is okay. And at the moment that you are at the moment that you are at the moment that you are inconvenienced or I am inconvenienced or inconvenienced or I am inconvenienced or inconvenienced or I am inconvenienced or my comfort is at stake and then all of my comfort is at stake and then all of my comfort is at stake and then all of the sudden we get angry because our the sudden we get angry because our the sudden we get angry because our priorities have been tested and now we priorities have been tested and now we priorities have been tested and now we have no compassion for people who are have no compassion for people who are have no compassion for people who are perishing around us. And in the same perishing around us. And in the same perishing around us. And in the same question, guess what the Lord could be question, guess what the Lord could be question, guess what the Lord could be asking us today. Green Acres, do you not asking us today. Green Acres, do you not asking us today. Green Acres, do you not care about the 120,000 of people in care about the 120,000 of people in care about the 120,000 of people in Tyler who are dying and going to hell? Tyler who are dying and going to hell? Tyler who are dying and going to hell? Do you not care about those around you? Do you not care about those around you? Do you not care about those around you? It is because church, we have forgotten It is because church, we have forgotten It is because church, we have forgotten about the grace of God in our own lives.

about the grace of God in our own lives. about the grace of God in our own lives. And when we forget the grace of God, we And when we forget the grace of God, we And when we forget the grace of God, we will drift further and further and will drift further and further and will drift further and further and further away from the heart of God. But further away from the heart of God. But further away from the heart of God. But I'm telling you right now, listen, when I'm telling you right now, listen, when I'm telling you right now, listen, when we remember the grace of God we remember the grace of God we remember the grace of God and when we are aligned with the heart and when we are aligned with the heart and when we are aligned with the heart of God, it affects everything about you. of God, it affects everything about you. of God, it affects everything about you. It affects the way that you spend your It affects the way that you spend your It affects the way that you spend your time. It affects the way you give. It time. It affects the way you give. It time. It affects the way you give. It affects the way that you you deal with affects the way that you you deal with affects the way that you you deal with your spouse and you love your spouse and your spouse and you love your spouse and your spouse and you love your spouse and serve your spouse and and you serve your serve your spouse and and you serve your serve your spouse and and you serve your family and you love your family. And I'm family and you love your family. And I'm family and you love your family. And I'm going to tell you right now that all of going to tell you right now that all of going to tell you right now that all of these things are clear in God's word. these things are clear in God's word. these things are clear in God's word. And the question for us, are we going to And the question for us, are we going to And the question for us, are we going to be like Jonah? be like Jonah? be like Jonah? Like I am so often. Like I am so often. Like I am so often. Are we going to die to that Are we going to die to that Are we going to die to that and live for Christ? and live for Christ? and live for Christ? Do you realize that this is the gift of Do you realize that this is the gift of Do you realize that this is the gift of the Lord's Supper? You know, Jesus didn't say, "Hey, do You know, Jesus didn't say, "Hey, do this and this is going to like mystically and this is going to like mystically give you power."

No, Jesus says, "Do this No, Jesus says, "Do this in remembrance in remembrance in remembrance of me." of me." of me." Because when we remember the grace of Because when we remember the grace of Because when we remember the grace of God, God, God, it aligns us with the heart of God. it aligns us with the heart of God. it aligns us with the heart of God. So that you and I could continue forward So that you and I could continue forward So that you and I could continue forward in the mission of God. in the mission of God. in the mission of God. Will you just bow your head and close Will you just bow your head and close Will you just bow your head and close your eyes with me as we prepare your eyes with me as we prepare your eyes with me as we prepare for the Lord's supper together. Some of you right now you recognize you Some of you right now you recognize you are Jonah. are Jonah. are Jonah. Like you recognize that you've been Like you recognize that you've been Like you recognize that you've been living living living running maybe on the fringe not all in running maybe on the fringe not all in running maybe on the fringe not all in on the mission whatever that is let on the mission whatever that is let on the mission whatever that is let today be the day of repentance. Let today be the day of repentance. Let today be the day of repentance. Let today be the day of you saying God I am today be the day of you saying God I am today be the day of you saying God I am all in with you whatever it cost me all in with you whatever it cost me all in with you whatever it cost me whatever it takes. whatever it takes. whatever it takes. Lord I just want you. Lord I just want you. Lord I just want you. Let that be your prayer today. Let that be your prayer today. Let that be your prayer today. Others of you you have never experienced Others of you you have never experienced Others of you you have never experienced the grace of God and I'm just going to the grace of God and I'm just going to the grace of God and I'm just going to ask you let today be the day of ask you let today be the day of ask you let today be the day of salvation that you understand you are in salvation that you understand you are in salvation that you understand you are in desperate need of God's grace just like desperate need of God's grace just like desperate need of God's grace just like Jonah just like the Ninevites just like Jonah just like the Ninevites just like Jonah just like the Ninevites just like the sailors and just like me.

the sailors and just like me. the sailors and just like me. You can pray right now to receive You can pray right now to receive You can pray right now to receive salvation from the Lord you just pray salvation from the Lord you just pray salvation from the Lord you just pray God I need you to save me. I am yours. I am yours. Heavenly Father let that be our prayer Heavenly Father let that be our prayer Heavenly Father let that be our prayer today. today. today. God that we are turning from our ways. We're we're turning away from our own We're we're turning away from our own desires our own priorities Father our desires our own priorities Father our desires our own priorities Father our own habits whatever that may be Father own habits whatever that may be Father own habits whatever that may be Father we are all in with you. we are all in with you. we are all in with you. Father let that be true of us today. No Father let that be true of us today. No Father let that be true of us today. No more fleeing no more running more fleeing no more running more fleeing no more running but all in Jesus. but all in Jesus. but all in Jesus. And it's in your name we pray. And it's in your name we pray. And it's in your name we pray. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen.