E454 Navigating the Bible: Jonah

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, [music] from inside the fish. He said, [music] from inside the fish. He said, [music] "I cried out to the Lord in my great "I cried out to the Lord in my great "I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to trouble, and he answered me. I called to trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you from the land of the dead, and Lord, [music] [music] [music] you heard me. You threw me into the you heard me. You threw me into the you heard me. You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the ocean depths, and I sank down to the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters heart of the sea. The mighty waters heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me. I was buried beneath your engulfed me. I was buried beneath your engulfed me. I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves." wild and stormy waves." wild and stormy waves." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Then I said, "Oh Lord, you have driven >> Then I said, "Oh Lord, you have driven >> Then I said, "Oh Lord, you have driven me from your presence. [music] Yet I me from your presence. [music] Yet I me from your presence. [music] Yet I will look once more toward your holy will look once more toward your holy will look once more toward your holy temple." temple." temple." [music] Jonah 2:es 1-4. [music] Jonah 2:es 1-4. [music] Jonah 2:es 1-4. The book of Jonah is without a doubt the The book of Jonah is without a doubt the The book of Jonah is without a doubt the most well-known book of the prophets and most well-known book of the prophets and most well-known book of the prophets and perhaps one of the most well-known of perhaps one of the most well-known of perhaps one of the most well-known of the whole Old Testament. the whole Old Testament. the whole Old Testament. That is to say, most of [music] the That is to say, most of [music] the That is to say, most of [music] the story is wellknown story is wellknown story is wellknown from the earliest ages. The story of from the earliest ages. The story of from the earliest ages. The story of Jonah and the fish or Jonah and the Jonah and the fish or Jonah and the Jonah and the fish or Jonah and the whale is taught [music] in church whale is taught [music] in church whale is taught [music] in church classrooms around the world. But usually classrooms around the world. But usually classrooms around the world. But usually that telling of the story ends in that telling of the story ends in that telling of the story ends in chapter 2.

chapter 2. chapter 2. Did you know there are still two more Did you know there are still two more Did you know there are still two more chapters to the book of Jonah? And you chapters to the book of Jonah? And you chapters to the book of Jonah? And you know what? The conversation today spends know what? The conversation today spends know what? The conversation today spends most [music] of its time in chapter 4. most [music] of its time in chapter 4. most [music] of its time in chapter 4. To help us navigate the book of Jonah is To help us navigate the book of Jonah is To help us navigate the book of Jonah is Dr. T. Desmond Alexander, Dr. T. Desmond Alexander, Dr. T. Desmond Alexander, senior research fellow in biblical senior research fellow in biblical senior research fellow in biblical studies at Union Theological College. studies at Union Theological College. studies at Union Theological College. So, let's leave behind what you think So, let's leave behind what you think So, let's leave behind what you think you know about Jonah you know about Jonah you know about Jonah and strap in as Desi Alexander takes us and strap in as Desi Alexander takes us and strap in as Desi Alexander takes us [music] on a really fun and [music] on a really fun and [music] on a really fun and thoughtprovoking journey into the book thoughtprovoking journey into the book thoughtprovoking journey into the book of Jonah. My name is Jason Wland and of Jonah. My name is Jason Wland and of Jonah. My name is Jason Wland and this is Dable Disciplehip. Navigating this is Dable Disciplehip. Navigating this is Dable Disciplehip. Navigating [music] the Bible [music] the Bible [music] the Bible Jonah. All right, Desi Alexander, thank you so All right, Desi Alexander, thank you so much for joining me today as we dive much for joining me today as we dive much for joining me today as we dive into what I I can only imagine is the into what I I can only imagine is the into what I I can only imagine is the most uh well-known or well looked at or most uh well-known or well looked at or most uh well-known or well looked at or well told in kids classrooms story of well told in kids classrooms story of well told in kids classrooms story of the minor prophets with the book of the minor prophets with the book of the minor prophets with the book of Jonah. So, thanks for being here.

Jonah. So, thanks for being here. Jonah. So, thanks for being here. >> Well, thank you for the invitation. It's >> Well, thank you for the invitation. It's >> Well, thank you for the invitation. It's a a joy to be with you. I think that a a joy to be with you. I think that a a joy to be with you. I think that Jonah is probably one that people have Jonah is probably one that people have Jonah is probably one that people have been looking forward to. I, you know, I been looking forward to. I, you know, I been looking forward to. I, you know, I I think people when they see these I think people when they see these I think people when they see these episodes come out, they probably see episodes come out, they probably see episodes come out, they probably see something like, "Oh, Amos, oh, okay, something like, "Oh, Amos, oh, okay, something like, "Oh, Amos, oh, okay, interesting. Obadiah, great." You know, interesting. Obadiah, great." You know, interesting. Obadiah, great." You know, but isn't Jonah coming up? And um so I but isn't Jonah coming up? And um so I but isn't Jonah coming up? And um so I you know there's I I think there's not you know there's I I think there's not you know there's I I think there's not just a nostalgia for Jonah but it gives just a nostalgia for Jonah but it gives just a nostalgia for Jonah but it gives them a warm feeling uh because it is them a warm feeling uh because it is them a warm feeling uh because it is such you know it is a story that is told such you know it is a story that is told such you know it is a story that is told to you know kids as early like my to you know kids as early like my to you know kids as early like my daughter my well I should I shouldn't daughter my well I should I shouldn't daughter my well I should I shouldn't say my youngest my I have a a 5-year-old say my youngest my I have a a 5-year-old say my youngest my I have a a 5-year-old daughter a three-year-old daughter and a daughter a three-year-old daughter and a daughter a three-year-old daughter and a sixmonth old daughter but even my sixmonth old daughter but even my sixmonth old daughter but even my three-year-old daughter knows enough three-year-old daughter knows enough three-year-old daughter knows enough about the story of Jonah. So, I'm about the story of Jonah. So, I'm about the story of Jonah. So, I'm excited to get into this today and excited to get into this today and excited to get into this today and really kind of unpack it because if you really kind of unpack it because if you really kind of unpack it because if you actually sit down and read the book of actually sit down and read the book of actually sit down and read the book of Jonah, it plays out a little bit, you Jonah, it plays out a little bit, you Jonah, it plays out a little bit, you know, differently or I should say more. know, differently or I should say more. know, differently or I should say more. There's more to it than what we just There's more to it than what we just There's more to it than what we just tell is the Bible story of Jonah. So, tell is the Bible story of Jonah. So, tell is the Bible story of Jonah. So, I'm excited to dive into this one today I'm excited to dive into this one today I'm excited to dive into this one today with you.

with you. with you. >> Yes, I I totally agree with you. I think >> Yes, I I totally agree with you. I think >> Yes, I I totally agree with you. I think it is one of the stories that people are it is one of the stories that people are it is one of the stories that people are familiar with and uh uh in the actual familiar with and uh uh in the actual familiar with and uh uh in the actual story itself the fish is actually a very story itself the fish is actually a very story itself the fish is actually a very minor character [laughter] but true in minor character [laughter] but true in minor character [laughter] but true in most retellings of the story um the fish most retellings of the story um the fish most retellings of the story um the fish is uh kind of takes over is uh kind of takes over is uh kind of takes over >> it takes on the central role. Yeah, >> it takes on the central role. Yeah, >> it takes on the central role. Yeah, [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> for sure. So, so let's start with how we >> for sure. So, so let's start with how we >> for sure. So, so let's start with how we start all of these conversations which start all of these conversations which start all of these conversations which is kind of getting the lay of the land, is kind of getting the lay of the land, is kind of getting the lay of the land, the basic details if you will. So, do we the basic details if you will. So, do we the basic details if you will. So, do we know who wrote the book of Jonah and know who wrote the book of Jonah and know who wrote the book of Jonah and when it was written? And then we always when it was written? And then we always when it was written? And then we always want to frame it as how does knowing want to frame it as how does knowing want to frame it as how does knowing these things or not knowing these things these things or not knowing these things these things or not knowing these things in some cases affect our reading of the in some cases affect our reading of the in some cases affect our reading of the book. book. book. >> As regards Jonah, we're really somewhat >> As regards Jonah, we're really somewhat >> As regards Jonah, we're really somewhat in the dark in terms of uh who wrote it. in the dark in terms of uh who wrote it. in the dark in terms of uh who wrote it. Uh there's no indication in the book Uh there's no indication in the book Uh there's no indication in the book itself and we're not told elsewhere in itself and we're not told elsewhere in itself and we're not told elsewhere in in scripture Yeah. who was responsible in scripture Yeah. who was responsible in scripture Yeah. who was responsible for writing it. Uh some scholars think for writing it. Uh some scholars think for writing it. Uh some scholars think that perhaps Jonah had a part to play in that perhaps Jonah had a part to play in that perhaps Jonah had a part to play in the composition of it because some of the composition of it because some of the composition of it because some of the information that's contained in it the information that's contained in it the information that's contained in it would uh really could could only come would uh really could could only come would uh really could could only come from him and not from someone else. And from him and not from someone else. And from him and not from someone else. And although the book itself doesn't give us although the book itself doesn't give us although the book itself doesn't give us any indication as to when the events any indication as to when the events any indication as to when the events took place, um it's interesting that in took place, um it's interesting that in took place, um it's interesting that in 2 Kings 14,

2 Kings 14, 2 Kings 14, >> you have a reference there to uh an >> you have a reference there to uh an >> you have a reference there to uh an individual called Jonah uh son of Amati. individual called Jonah uh son of Amati. individual called Jonah uh son of Amati. and uh his uh prophetic ministry is set and uh his uh prophetic ministry is set and uh his uh prophetic ministry is set during the time of Jeroboam II during the time of Jeroboam II during the time of Jeroboam II >> which is between roughly 790 and 750 BC. >> which is between roughly 790 and 750 BC. >> which is between roughly 790 and 750 BC. So it it seems likely that the uh events So it it seems likely that the uh events So it it seems likely that the uh events in the book of Jonah occurred in the in the book of Jonah occurred in the in the book of Jonah occurred in the early part or the first part of the se early part or the first part of the se early part or the first part of the se uh 8th century BC. uh 8th century BC. uh 8th century BC. >> Yeah. Um so that's when we kind of >> Yeah. Um so that's when we kind of >> Yeah. Um so that's when we kind of locate the book. locate the book. locate the book. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And uh >> And uh >> And uh that that itself is is actually quite that that itself is is actually quite that that itself is is actually quite important because as we look at the 8th important because as we look at the 8th important because as we look at the 8th century, we discover that Jonah who century, we discover that Jonah who century, we discover that Jonah who comes from the northern kingdom of comes from the northern kingdom of comes from the northern kingdom of Israel um um uh lives uh a few decades Israel um um uh lives uh a few decades Israel um um uh lives uh a few decades before that kingdom was actually before that kingdom was actually before that kingdom was actually destroyed by the Assyrians. And the destroyed by the Assyrians. And the destroyed by the Assyrians. And the interesting thing about the book of interesting thing about the book of interesting thing about the book of Jonah is that he is actually sent to Jonah is that he is actually sent to Jonah is that he is actually sent to Nineveh, which was the capital of the Nineveh, which was the capital of the Nineveh, which was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. So that's some Assyrian Empire. So that's some Assyrian Empire. So that's some information that's perhaps not always information that's perhaps not always information that's perhaps not always gleaned by people when they come to read gleaned by people when they come to read gleaned by people when they come to read the book, but actually very important the book, but actually very important the book, but actually very important for appreciating the dynamics of what's for appreciating the dynamics of what's for appreciating the dynamics of what's happening within the story. Well, it's happening within the story. Well, it's happening within the story. Well, it's also incredibly helpful because most of also incredibly helpful because most of also incredibly helpful because most of like what we've been reading up till now

like what we've been reading up till now like what we've been reading up till now has been so focused on the fall of has been so focused on the fall of has been so focused on the fall of Jerusalem or it's been these prophets Jerusalem or it's been these prophets Jerusalem or it's been these prophets that are talking in a different time um that are talking in a different time um that are talking in a different time um about a different thing. You know, it's about a different thing. You know, it's about a different thing. You know, it's God talking about his judgment on these God talking about his judgment on these God talking about his judgment on these different kingdom, you know, different different kingdom, you know, different different kingdom, you know, different different peoples, but a lot of it different peoples, but a lot of it different peoples, but a lot of it focused in on focused in on focused in on on Jerusalem. And so what we're saying on Jerusalem. And so what we're saying on Jerusalem. And so what we're saying is this is actually a different thing is is this is actually a different thing is is this is actually a different thing is is is we're taking a step back from that is is we're taking a step back from that is is we're taking a step back from that and it's like we have this little and it's like we have this little and it's like we have this little interlude with the story of Jonah. And interlude with the story of Jonah. And interlude with the story of Jonah. And so so I think that's helpful for people so so I think that's helpful for people so so I think that's helpful for people as we've been reading if people have as we've been reading if people have as we've been reading if people have been reading going from book to book to been reading going from book to book to been reading going from book to book to book along with us through this book along with us through this book along with us through this navigating the Bible series. They'll say navigating the Bible series. They'll say navigating the Bible series. They'll say that this is a bit of a tangent in that that this is a bit of a tangent in that that this is a bit of a tangent in that it's still a prophet. It's still God has it's still a prophet. It's still God has it's still a prophet. It's still God has a message for a prophet to give to a a message for a prophet to give to a a message for a prophet to give to a people, but it's a little bit different people, but it's a little bit different people, but it's a little bit different than what we've been reading up till than what we've been reading up till than what we've been reading up till now. now. now. >> Uh yes. Um but it's probably worth >> Uh yes. Um but it's probably worth >> Uh yes. Um but it's probably worth recalling that even in uh Amos and Hosea recalling that even in uh Amos and Hosea recalling that even in uh Amos and Hosea that uh come before you get to Jonah, that uh come before you get to Jonah, that uh come before you get to Jonah, you have prophets who are in some way you have prophets who are in some way you have prophets who are in some way indicating that the northern kingdom of indicating that the northern kingdom of indicating that the northern kingdom of Israel is going to be threatened by Israel is going to be threatened by Israel is going to be threatened by Assyria.

Assyria. Assyria. >> Yes. And uh Jonah may well have uh >> Yes. And uh Jonah may well have uh >> Yes. And uh Jonah may well have uh picked up on this and it may well be picked up on this and it may well be picked up on this and it may well be very influential in terms of what he very influential in terms of what he very influential in terms of what he does. does. does. >> Yes, fair totally fair point. Um okay, >> Yes, fair totally fair point. Um okay, >> Yes, fair totally fair point. Um okay, this may be one of the easier this may be one of the easier this may be one of the easier describing this book in one sentences describing this book in one sentences describing this book in one sentences that we may have ever had. Uh so we'll that we may have ever had. Uh so we'll that we may have ever had. Uh so we'll see how you how you take it. How would see how you how you take it. How would see how you how you take it. How would you describe the book of Jonah in one you describe the book of Jonah in one you describe the book of Jonah in one sentence, Desi? sentence, Desi? sentence, Desi? >> Okay. with without actually kind of >> Okay. with without actually kind of >> Okay. with without actually kind of describing the story of it. Uh I describing the story of it. Uh I describing the story of it. Uh I probably would summarize it by saying probably would summarize it by saying probably would summarize it by saying that it's a a fascinating and that it's a a fascinating and that it's a a fascinating and challenging story challenging story challenging story about how an Old Testament prophet about how an Old Testament prophet about how an Old Testament prophet misunderstands entirely misunderstands entirely misunderstands entirely the very complex relationship between the very complex relationship between the very complex relationship between God's mercy and justice. God's mercy and justice. God's mercy and justice. >> Okay. So, I love that you went there >> Okay. So, I love that you went there >> Okay. So, I love that you went there because that's focusing in on these because that's focusing in on these because that's focusing in on these themes of who God is and sometimes how themes of who God is and sometimes how themes of who God is and sometimes how we take for granted or misunderstand we take for granted or misunderstand we take for granted or misunderstand uh uh uh the true nature and character of God.

the true nature and character of God. the true nature and character of God. So, I I love that you took it there in So, I I love that you took it there in So, I I love that you took it there in that and we'll dive into that more when that and we'll dive into that more when that and we'll dive into that more when we get to the what does this book teach we get to the what does this book teach we get to the what does this book teach us about God, which I'm excited for. So, us about God, which I'm excited for. So, us about God, which I'm excited for. So, okay. So, let's walk through the okay. So, let's walk through the okay. So, let's walk through the narrative flow of this book. And this narrative flow of this book. And this narrative flow of this book. And this book does have a bit of a narrative book does have a bit of a narrative book does have a bit of a narrative flow. A bunch of the uh others that flow. A bunch of the uh others that flow. A bunch of the uh others that we've been reading haven't as much been we've been reading haven't as much been we've been reading haven't as much been more a narrative, but this one does. And more a narrative, but this one does. And more a narrative, but this one does. And like we kind of said at the beginning, I like we kind of said at the beginning, I like we kind of said at the beginning, I think a lot of people could probably think a lot of people could probably think a lot of people could probably tell you the narrative flow of tell you the narrative flow of tell you the narrative flow of especially like chapters one and two, especially like chapters one and two, especially like chapters one and two, and then there's a bit more that happens and then there's a bit more that happens and then there's a bit more that happens after that. So, so walk us through what after that. So, so walk us through what after that. So, so walk us through what happens through this book. happens through this book. happens through this book. >> Okay. It in in many ways the narrative >> Okay. It in in many ways the narrative >> Okay. It in in many ways the narrative flow is actually very straightforward. flow is actually very straightforward. flow is actually very straightforward. Uh it begins with God telling Jonah that Uh it begins with God telling Jonah that Uh it begins with God telling Jonah that he's to go to the city of Nineveh he's to go to the city of Nineveh he's to go to the city of Nineveh uh which was the capital of the Assyrian uh which was the capital of the Assyrian uh which was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Empire. Empire. Um he's to go eastward from Jerusalem um Um he's to go eastward from Jerusalem um Um he's to go eastward from Jerusalem um to what would be modernday Iraq to what would be modernday Iraq to what would be modernday Iraq and he's to tell the people of Nineveh and he's to tell the people of Nineveh and he's to tell the people of Nineveh that within or in 40 days God is going that within or in 40 days God is going that within or in 40 days God is going to actually destroy to actually destroy to actually destroy them. Uh it's a it's a message of them. Uh it's a it's a message of them. Uh it's a it's a message of judgment.

judgment. judgment. Jonah, however, disobys God Jonah, however, disobys God Jonah, however, disobys God and he runs away from Jerusalem and he runs away from Jerusalem and he runs away from Jerusalem going not eastward but westward in the going not eastward but westward in the going not eastward but westward in the opposite direction as far away as he can opposite direction as far away as he can opposite direction as far away as he can get from Nineveh. Um, he goes down to get from Nineveh. Um, he goes down to get from Nineveh. Um, he goes down to the coast. It It's kind of interesting the coast. It It's kind of interesting the coast. It It's kind of interesting in chapter one, you've got a a downward in chapter one, you've got a a downward in chapter one, you've got a a downward motion as far as Jonah is concerned, but motion as far as Jonah is concerned, but motion as far as Jonah is concerned, but he goes he goes down to the coast. He he he goes he goes down to the coast. He he he goes he goes down to the coast. He he pays to go on a ship that's going to pays to go on a ship that's going to pays to go on a ship that's going to take him across the Mediterranean Sea, take him across the Mediterranean Sea, take him across the Mediterranean Sea, possibly as far as uh modernday Spain. possibly as far as uh modernday Spain. possibly as far as uh modernday Spain. Uh maybe in that general direction. Uh maybe in that general direction. Uh maybe in that general direction. >> Uh we know that then God intervenes. He >> Uh we know that then God intervenes. He >> Uh we know that then God intervenes. He sends a storm, a fierce storm that sends a storm, a fierce storm that sends a storm, a fierce storm that threatens the the the ship. Uh, and when threatens the the the ship. Uh, and when threatens the the the ship. Uh, and when the sailors on the boat discover that the sailors on the boat discover that the sailors on the boat discover that Jonah's the reason for the storm, um, Jonah's the reason for the storm, um, Jonah's the reason for the storm, um, they somewhat reluctantly they somewhat reluctantly they somewhat reluctantly um, throw him into the sea. It's it's um, throw him into the sea. It's it's um, throw him into the sea. It's it's it's interesting that, uh, Jonah can, it's interesting that, uh, Jonah can, it's interesting that, uh, Jonah can, uh, almost sleep through the storm while uh, almost sleep through the storm while uh, almost sleep through the storm while everybody is desparing for their lives.

everybody is desparing for their lives. everybody is desparing for their lives. And, uh, you you get a a kind of And, uh, you you get a a kind of And, uh, you you get a a kind of interesting sort of dynamic going on. interesting sort of dynamic going on. interesting sort of dynamic going on. The sailors seem to be much more The sailors seem to be much more The sailors seem to be much more concerned about life than Jonah's concerned about life than Jonah's concerned about life than Jonah's concerned. Yeah. Um and um that's maybe concerned. Yeah. Um and um that's maybe concerned. Yeah. Um and um that's maybe a reflection of where he is in terms of a reflection of where he is in terms of a reflection of where he is in terms of his spiritual spirituality. his spiritual spirituality. his spiritual spirituality. >> Um as Jonah sinks in the waters, uh God >> Um as Jonah sinks in the waters, uh God >> Um as Jonah sinks in the waters, uh God comes to rescue him and he's swallowed comes to rescue him and he's swallowed comes to rescue him and he's swallowed by this great fish. by this great fish. by this great fish. Uh and then he's returned to the shore. Uh and then he's returned to the shore. Uh and then he's returned to the shore. Uh importantly, chapter two in the book Uh importantly, chapter two in the book Uh importantly, chapter two in the book uh records a hymn uh a a psalm that uh uh records a hymn uh a a psalm that uh uh records a hymn uh a a psalm that uh Jonah composed Jonah composed Jonah composed >> in which he praises God for saving him >> in which he praises God for saving him >> in which he praises God for saving him uh for for looking after him. Despite uh for for looking after him. Despite uh for for looking after him. Despite his disobedience, his disobedience, his disobedience, >> God has brought him back safely to the >> God has brought him back safely to the >> God has brought him back safely to the shore. shore. shore. And then um a second call comes to go to And then um a second call comes to go to And then um a second call comes to go to Nineveh. And uh Jonah has learned his Nineveh. And uh Jonah has learned his Nineveh. And uh Jonah has learned his lesson. So this time he obeys.

lesson. So this time he obeys. lesson. So this time he obeys. And to his consternation, as we'll And to his consternation, as we'll And to his consternation, as we'll discover, uh when he preaches his discover, uh when he preaches his discover, uh when he preaches his message, the people respond uh message, the people respond uh message, the people respond uh immediately immediately immediately uh you might say almost enthusiastically uh you might say almost enthusiastically uh you might say almost enthusiastically >> to the fact that they need to repent. uh >> to the fact that they need to repent. uh >> to the fact that they need to repent. uh and uh you get a sense that uh from the and uh you get a sense that uh from the and uh you get a sense that uh from the king down in Nineveh um everyone has king down in Nineveh um everyone has king down in Nineveh um everyone has responded to this message by by responded to this message by by responded to this message by by repenting repenting repenting and uh uh the consequence of that is of and uh uh the consequence of that is of and uh uh the consequence of that is of course that God then forgives the the course that God then forgives the the course that God then forgives the the Ninevites. He doesn't bring upon them Ninevites. He doesn't bring upon them Ninevites. He doesn't bring upon them the judgment that he had pronounced. Um the judgment that he had pronounced. Um the judgment that he had pronounced. Um and that brings us to the end of chapter and that brings us to the end of chapter and that brings us to the end of chapter three. three. three. >> Yeah. And uh we might have felt that >> Yeah. And uh we might have felt that >> Yeah. And uh we might have felt that that was a good point at which to stop that was a good point at which to stop that was a good point at which to stop the story. the story. the story. >> And [laughter] yet >> And [laughter] yet >> And [laughter] yet >> and yet we discover that chapter 4 >> and yet we discover that chapter 4 >> and yet we discover that chapter 4 presents us with a very disgruntled presents us with a very disgruntled presents us with a very disgruntled angry Jonah.

angry Jonah. angry Jonah. Um Um Um uh we discover that uh he is displeased uh we discover that uh he is displeased uh we discover that uh he is displeased with God. Uh, and he reveals to us that with God. Uh, and he reveals to us that with God. Uh, and he reveals to us that the reason he ran away in the first the reason he ran away in the first the reason he ran away in the first place was because he knew that God would place was because he knew that God would place was because he knew that God would forgive the people of Nineveh, that he forgive the people of Nineveh, that he forgive the people of Nineveh, that he wouldn't bring destruction upon them and wouldn't bring destruction upon them and wouldn't bring destruction upon them and and Jonah didn't want to be party to and Jonah didn't want to be party to and Jonah didn't want to be party to this process of them being forgiven. this process of them being forgiven. this process of them being forgiven. Um, Um, Um, and then you have this picture of uh and then you have this picture of uh and then you have this picture of uh Jonah um in a huff, if that means Jonah um in a huff, if that means Jonah um in a huff, if that means something to you. um [snorts] uh uh something to you. um [snorts] uh uh something to you. um [snorts] uh uh waiting outside Nineveh, hoping perhaps waiting outside Nineveh, hoping perhaps waiting outside Nineveh, hoping perhaps that God will change his mind and and that God will change his mind and and that God will change his mind and and and destroy the city. and destroy the city. and destroy the city. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And as Jonah waits, um God causes a >> And as Jonah waits, um God causes a >> And as Jonah waits, um God causes a plant to grow up. Uh obviously, it's a plant to grow up. Uh obviously, it's a plant to grow up. Uh obviously, it's a plant with broad leaves that uh provides plant with broad leaves that uh provides plant with broad leaves that uh provides some kind of shade for Jonah from the some kind of shade for Jonah from the some kind of shade for Jonah from the from the harsh sun. from the harsh sun. from the harsh sun. And uh as he's sheltering there under And uh as he's sheltering there under And uh as he's sheltering there under this plant uh uh Jonah has a sense of this plant uh uh Jonah has a sense of this plant uh uh Jonah has a sense of joy. Life life is picked up somewhat for joy. Life life is picked up somewhat for joy. Life life is picked up somewhat for him.

him. him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But then >> But then >> But then um God comes and sends a worm to um God comes and sends a worm to um God comes and sends a worm to actually cause the plant to wilter uh to actually cause the plant to wilter uh to actually cause the plant to wilter uh to wilt and and be destroyed and no longer wilt and and be destroyed and no longer wilt and and be destroyed and no longer provide shelter for Jonah. And uh once provide shelter for Jonah. And uh once provide shelter for Jonah. And uh once again Jonah becomes angry with God. Um again Jonah becomes angry with God. Um again Jonah becomes angry with God. Um his anger at God is is quite noticeable his anger at God is is quite noticeable his anger at God is is quite noticeable in chapter 4 of the story. in chapter 4 of the story. in chapter 4 of the story. [sighs and gasps] [sighs and gasps] [sighs and gasps] Uh uh God uh not only takes away the Uh uh God uh not only takes away the Uh uh God uh not only takes away the leaves of the plant uh but he also sends leaves of the plant uh but he also sends leaves of the plant uh but he also sends a a a scorching east wind and uh quite a a a scorching east wind and uh quite a a a scorching east wind and uh quite literally he gives Jonah a roasting. literally he gives Jonah a roasting. literally he gives Jonah a roasting. >> Yeah. uh he he's uh he he wants to um >> Yeah. uh he he's uh he he wants to um >> Yeah. uh he he's uh he he wants to um really make life harsh for Jonah at this really make life harsh for Jonah at this really make life harsh for Jonah at this particular point. Um and Jonah's particular point. Um and Jonah's particular point. Um and Jonah's response is that he wants to die. He he response is that he wants to die. He he response is that he wants to die. He he he can't stand this.

he can't stand this. he can't stand this. >> Uh and we discover at the very end of >> Uh and we discover at the very end of >> Uh and we discover at the very end of the book that all of this is there to the book that all of this is there to the book that all of this is there to teach Jonah a lesson. Um uh God in a teach Jonah a lesson. Um uh God in a teach Jonah a lesson. Um uh God in a sense points out his hypocrisy. Mhm. sense points out his hypocrisy. Mhm. sense points out his hypocrisy. Mhm. >> Um uh he he was angry. Jonah was angry >> Um uh he he was angry. Jonah was angry >> Um uh he he was angry. Jonah was angry about the destruction of the plant, about the destruction of the plant, about the destruction of the plant, but he lacked concern for the but he lacked concern for the but he lacked concern for the destruction of the city. Uh a city that destruction of the city. Uh a city that destruction of the city. Uh a city that had 120,000 inhabitants as well as many had 120,000 inhabitants as well as many had 120,000 inhabitants as well as many animals. uh you get that kind of uh animals. uh you get that kind of uh animals. uh you get that kind of uh almost very sort of strange little almost very sort of strange little almost very sort of strange little comment at the in the last sentence of comment at the in the last sentence of comment at the in the last sentence of of the book about uh about the animals of the book about uh about the animals of the book about uh about the animals being the city. If if Jonah isn't even being the city. If if Jonah isn't even being the city. If if Jonah isn't even concerned about the people, maybe he concerned about the people, maybe he concerned about the people, maybe he ought to have some concern for all of ought to have some concern for all of ought to have some concern for all of the the animals that might be destroyed the the animals that might be destroyed the the animals that might be destroyed with the city. So, um the story line is with the city. So, um the story line is with the city. So, um the story line is is relatively simple. is relatively simple. is relatively simple. >> Yeah. But uh it's worth perhaps >> Yeah. But uh it's worth perhaps >> Yeah. But uh it's worth perhaps observing that uh [clears throat] it observing that uh [clears throat] it observing that uh [clears throat] it raises some very significant and and raises some very significant and and raises some very significant and and perhaps very relevant issues.

perhaps very relevant issues. perhaps very relevant issues. >> Yeah. Well, let's get into some of >> Yeah. Well, let's get into some of >> Yeah. Well, let's get into some of those. What would you say are the major those. What would you say are the major those. What would you say are the major themes then of this book? themes then of this book? themes then of this book? >> Um for me, uh I think the major theme of >> Um for me, uh I think the major theme of >> Um for me, uh I think the major theme of the book has to do with God's salvation. the book has to do with God's salvation. the book has to do with God's salvation. >> Um and and especially how we perceive >> Um and and especially how we perceive >> Um and and especially how we perceive it. how we think about it. it. how we think about it. it. how we think about it. U you get this theme highlighted at the U you get this theme highlighted at the U you get this theme highlighted at the end of the prayer, the hymn that uh end of the prayer, the hymn that uh end of the prayer, the hymn that uh Jonah writes and um when he declares at Jonah writes and um when he declares at Jonah writes and um when he declares at the very end of it, salvation the very end of it, salvation the very end of it, salvation belongs to the Lord. belongs to the Lord. belongs to the Lord. Um um Jonah himself is a recipient of Um um Jonah himself is a recipient of Um um Jonah himself is a recipient of salvation. salvation. salvation. uh he he was thrown into the sea and God uh he he was thrown into the sea and God uh he he was thrown into the sea and God has come and rescued him in a in a most has come and rescued him in a in a most has come and rescued him in a in a most dramatic fashion and Jonah knows what dramatic fashion and Jonah knows what dramatic fashion and Jonah knows what it's like to be delivered from death and it's like to be delivered from death and it's like to be delivered from death and how God is the one who is able to save.

how God is the one who is able to save. how God is the one who is able to save. Um and and so this theme this idea that Um and and so this theme this idea that Um and and so this theme this idea that salvation belongs to God is uh very much salvation belongs to God is uh very much salvation belongs to God is uh very much something that Jonah has experienced as something that Jonah has experienced as something that Jonah has experienced as a person. a person. a person. Um, Um, Um, but he's troubled by the fact that God's but he's troubled by the fact that God's but he's troubled by the fact that God's salvation is then shown to the salvation is then shown to the salvation is then shown to the Ninevites. Ninevites. Ninevites. >> Uh, for Jonah, that's something that he >> Uh, for Jonah, that's something that he >> Uh, for Jonah, that's something that he cannot get come to grips with. He he cannot get come to grips with. He he cannot get come to grips with. He he can't understand how God could possibly can't understand how God could possibly can't understand how God could possibly um not destroy the Ninevites for their um not destroy the Ninevites for their um not destroy the Ninevites for their their their sinfulness and and how he their their sinfulness and and how he their their sinfulness and and how he could show salvation to them. Um could show salvation to them. Um could show salvation to them. Um uh there there's a sense in which Jonah uh there there's a sense in which Jonah uh there there's a sense in which Jonah has declared that salvation belongs to has declared that salvation belongs to has declared that salvation belongs to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> But then in in his heart he's not >> But then in in his heart he's not >> But then in in his heart he's not prepared to give the Lord freedom. prepared to give the Lord freedom. prepared to give the Lord freedom. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To show that salvation to others.

>> To show that salvation to others. >> To show that salvation to others. There's a a deep irony here. There's a a deep irony here. There's a a deep irony here. >> Yeah. uh in the book that uh in in one >> Yeah. uh in the book that uh in in one >> Yeah. uh in the book that uh in in one sense Jonah knows that God is a God of sense Jonah knows that God is a God of sense Jonah knows that God is a God of salvation, but yet uh he he's not salvation, but yet uh he he's not salvation, but yet uh he he's not prepared to let God show or or bring prepared to let God show or or bring prepared to let God show or or bring salvation to others. Um he would much salvation to others. Um he would much salvation to others. Um he would much prefer that they would they would be prefer that they would they would be prefer that they would they would be destroyed. Um, so I I it seems to me destroyed. Um, so I I it seems to me destroyed. Um, so I I it seems to me that uh Jonah is struggling with the that uh Jonah is struggling with the that uh Jonah is struggling with the concept of salvation, God's salvation. concept of salvation, God's salvation. concept of salvation, God's salvation. In a sense, theologically In a sense, theologically In a sense, theologically he knows that God uh that salvation he knows that God uh that salvation he knows that God uh that salvation belongs to God. God is the one who belongs to God. God is the one who belongs to God. God is the one who saves. But uh in the outworking of that, saves. But uh in the outworking of that, saves. But uh in the outworking of that, Jonah has problems. Jonah has problems. Jonah has problems. >> Yeah. It's fascinating to think about >> Yeah. It's fascinating to think about >> Yeah. It's fascinating to think about when Jonah when Jonah when Jonah originally did not want to go. originally did not want to go. originally did not want to go. He, you know, it was either, you know, He, you know, it was either, you know, He, you know, it was either, you know, strongly because he just didn't want to strongly because he just didn't want to strongly because he just didn't want to go to Nineveh go to Nineveh go to Nineveh personally or because he didn't want to personally or because he didn't want to personally or because he didn't want to bring God's message to them. Like he he bring God's message to them. Like he he bring God's message to them. Like he he didn't want that even offer, you know, didn't want that even offer, you know, didn't want that even offer, you know, that chance of salvation. He's I'm just that chance of salvation. He's I'm just that chance of salvation. He's I'm just going to remove myself from the going to remove myself from the going to remove myself from the situation situation situation uh and do so. And then when he later uh and do so. And then when he later uh and do so. And then when he later does go, does go, does go, he is secretly hoping that he's just he is secretly hoping that he's just he is secretly hoping that he's just being the messenger of doom a little being the messenger of doom a little being the messenger of doom a little bit. He's just being like, "Hey, you bit. He's just being like, "Hey, you bit. He's just being like, "Hey, you know, if you guys don't repent, you God

know, if you guys don't repent, you God know, if you guys don't repent, you God is going to bring judgment on you if you is going to bring judgment on you if you is going to bring judgment on you if you don't repent." you know, he's like don't repent." you know, he's like don't repent." you know, he's like trying to uh he he wants to see God trying to uh he he wants to see God trying to uh he he wants to see God destroy the city, not them take up the destroy the city, not them take up the destroy the city, not them take up the chance to repent. And so when they do chance to repent. And so when they do chance to repent. And so when they do repent, I'm sure Jonah's like, "Wait, repent, I'm sure Jonah's like, "Wait, repent, I'm sure Jonah's like, "Wait, what's happening? Like this is not where what's happening? Like this is not where what's happening? Like this is not where this was supposed to go. What do you this was supposed to go. What do you this was supposed to go. What do you mean that you're listening? What do you mean that you're listening? What do you mean that you're listening? What do you mean that you're calling out to God?" mean that you're calling out to God?" mean that you're calling out to God?" And that and really that does it helps And that and really that does it helps And that and really that does it helps us. I mean, we'll get to this probably us. I mean, we'll get to this probably us. I mean, we'll get to this probably again with as we talk about what does again with as we talk about what does again with as we talk about what does this book teach us about ourselves, this book teach us about ourselves, this book teach us about ourselves, about people, but it it does raise that about people, but it it does raise that about people, but it it does raise that question of, you know, who are the question of, you know, who are the question of, you know, who are the Ninevites in your life? Are there people Ninevites in your life? Are there people Ninevites in your life? Are there people who who you are secretly hoping, you who who you are secretly hoping, you who who you are secretly hoping, you know, that God won't say, I don't, you know, that God won't say, I don't, you know, that God won't say, I don't, you know, that that person's the worst. God, know, that that person's the worst. God, know, that that person's the worst. God, I hope God never saves that person. I hope God never saves that person. I hope God never saves that person. Rather than being the you know what, I I Rather than being the you know what, I I Rather than being the you know what, I I pray that somebody reaches their hearts pray that somebody reaches their hearts pray that somebody reaches their hearts for God. Yeah. I pray, you know, I I I for God. Yeah. I pray, you know, I I I for God. Yeah. I pray, you know, I I I want goodness in their life. Um, and so want goodness in their life. Um, and so want goodness in their life. Um, and so it is just I love how this book is just it is just I love how this book is just it is just I love how this book is just this little perfect encapsulation this little perfect encapsulation this little perfect encapsulation of what it means that God wants everyone of what it means that God wants everyone of what it means that God wants everyone to be saved. He He wants people to to to be saved. He He wants people to to to be saved. He He wants people to to repent. He does. that is his heart for repent. He does. that is his heart for repent. He does. that is his heart for us because he loved the people of us because he loved the people of us because he loved the people of Nineveh Nineveh Nineveh and he wanted them to come to him and he and he wanted them to come to him and he and he wanted them to come to him and he wanted to use Jonah to do that and um

wanted to use Jonah to do that and um wanted to use Jonah to do that and um it's it's just this little beautiful it's it's just this little beautiful it's it's just this little beautiful picture and then as you said from that picture and then as you said from that picture and then as you said from that chapter 4 where Jonah's just huffing and chapter 4 where Jonah's just huffing and chapter 4 where Jonah's just huffing and puffing [laughter] puffing [laughter] puffing [laughter] and God's like Jonah like I love them and God's like Jonah like I love them and God's like Jonah like I love them like I love you like I want good things like I love you like I want good things like I love you like I want good things for them and you should too because They for them and you should too because They for them and you should too because They are people made in my image are people made in my image are people made in my image and like and we should want them to see and like and we should want them to see and like and we should want them to see salvation in their time. We should want salvation in their time. We should want salvation in their time. We should want them to get to know me the way that you them to get to know me the way that you them to get to know me the way that you do. And and uh so it it's just this do. And and uh so it it's just this do. And and uh so it it's just this little it's this little perfect story little it's this little perfect story little it's this little perfect story that's that is painting this picture. that's that is painting this picture. that's that is painting this picture. Are there other Are there other Are there other themes that you wanted to identify in themes that you wanted to identify in themes that you wanted to identify in this book? this book? this book? Uh, Uh, Uh, I'll I'll keep the emphasis on just on I'll I'll keep the emphasis on just on I'll I'll keep the emphasis on just on this this this theme of salvation. this this this theme of salvation. this this this theme of salvation. Perfect. I just wanted to prop that up Perfect. I just wanted to prop that up Perfect. I just wanted to prop that up for you in case there was. for you in case there was. for you in case there was. >> Yeah, it's it's it's a the book is rich >> Yeah, it's it's it's a the book is rich >> Yeah, it's it's it's a the book is rich and and you can uh think of other sort and and you can uh think of other sort and and you can uh think of other sort of aspects to it, but but I think it's of aspects to it, but but I think it's of aspects to it, but but I think it's really important just to to keep the really important just to to keep the really important just to to keep the focus on on the theme of God being the focus on on the theme of God being the focus on on the theme of God being the one who who has the freedom one who who has the freedom one who who has the freedom >> Yeah. to save and and we cannot in some >> Yeah. to save and and we cannot in some >> Yeah. to save and and we cannot in some way manipulate God and and think that uh way manipulate God and and think that uh way manipulate God and and think that uh we can decide who gets saved and who we can decide who gets saved and who we can decide who gets saved and who doesn't.

doesn't. doesn't. >> Yes. Perfect. Beautiful. Um so let's >> Yes. Perfect. Beautiful. Um so let's >> Yes. Perfect. Beautiful. Um so let's talk then more about God. What does this talk then more about God. What does this talk then more about God. What does this book teach us about God? book teach us about God? book teach us about God? >> Okay. I'm I'm going to pick out two >> Okay. I'm I'm going to pick out two >> Okay. I'm I'm going to pick out two things, right? There there might well be things, right? There there might well be things, right? There there might well be other things that you could draw out other things that you could draw out other things that you could draw out from from the book, but let me emphasize from from the book, but let me emphasize from from the book, but let me emphasize two things. F first of all I think the two things. F first of all I think the two things. F first of all I think the book um gives a sense of God's book um gives a sense of God's book um gives a sense of God's sovereignty. sovereignty. sovereignty. >> Um he he he's the one particularly who >> Um he he he's the one particularly who >> Um he he he's the one particularly who who um controls the forces of nature. who um controls the forces of nature. who um controls the forces of nature. It's it's worth observing that God is It's it's worth observing that God is It's it's worth observing that God is the one who sends the storm. the one who sends the storm. the one who sends the storm. >> Um uh he's the one who who who appoints >> Um uh he's the one who who who appoints >> Um uh he's the one who who who appoints the the great fish to come to rescue uh the the great fish to come to rescue uh the the great fish to come to rescue uh Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. those aspects of the story most people those aspects of the story most people those aspects of the story most people pick up on. But then when you jump to pick up on. But then when you jump to pick up on. But then when you jump to chapter 4, he's also the one who causes chapter 4, he's also the one who causes chapter 4, he's also the one who causes this plant to, you might say, this plant to, you might say, this plant to, you might say, miraculously grow in one day.

miraculously grow in one day. miraculously grow in one day. >> And then he sends this worm to to >> And then he sends this worm to to >> And then he sends this worm to to destroy the plant. And uh beyond that, destroy the plant. And uh beyond that, destroy the plant. And uh beyond that, he then sends a scorching east wind to he then sends a scorching east wind to he then sends a scorching east wind to uh warm things up for Jonah. uh warm things up for Jonah. uh warm things up for Jonah. >> Yeah. um to kind of make his make his >> Yeah. um to kind of make his make his >> Yeah. um to kind of make his make his blood literally boil. blood literally boil. blood literally boil. >> Exactly. Right. >> Exactly. Right. >> Exactly. Right. >> It uh but so so you have this sense that >> It uh but so so you have this sense that >> It uh but so so you have this sense that uh as regards nature is concerned God is uh as regards nature is concerned God is uh as regards nature is concerned God is sovereign. He is in he he can control sovereign. He is in he he can control sovereign. He is in he he can control these elements. these elements. these elements. And uh I think that helps then perhaps And uh I think that helps then perhaps And uh I think that helps then perhaps drive home the idea that when it comes drive home the idea that when it comes drive home the idea that when it comes to God's decisions about salvation, to God's decisions about salvation, to God's decisions about salvation, >> uh he also we also ought to see him as >> uh he also we also ought to see him as >> uh he also we also ought to see him as being sovereign. He he he is not just u being sovereign. He he he is not just u being sovereign. He he he is not just u able to control these events, but he's able to control these events, but he's able to control these events, but he's he's in control of so much more. M he's in control of so much more. M he's in control of so much more. M >> and and part of Jonah's u concern, part >> and and part of Jonah's u concern, part >> and and part of Jonah's u concern, part of Jonah's problem is that God is of Jonah's problem is that God is of Jonah's problem is that God is ultimately going to use the Ninevites to ultimately going to use the Ninevites to ultimately going to use the Ninevites to come and destroy Israel.

come and destroy Israel. come and destroy Israel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and that's part of God's sovereign >> And and that's part of God's sovereign >> And and that's part of God's sovereign activity. activity. activity. And uh Jonah has to learn that God's the And uh Jonah has to learn that God's the And uh Jonah has to learn that God's the one who's in control. one who's in control. one who's in control. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So the sovereignty of God seems to me to >> So the sovereignty of God seems to me to >> So the sovereignty of God seems to me to be something that's uh implicit be something that's uh implicit be something that's uh implicit in the story. and and we see evidence of in the story. and and we see evidence of in the story. and and we see evidence of it really in what happens within nature it really in what happens within nature it really in what happens within nature in in the story itself. in in the story itself. in in the story itself. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So so obviously God's sovereignty is >> So so obviously God's sovereignty is >> So so obviously God's sovereignty is important. Um important. Um important. Um >> it's beautiful. Yeah. >> it's beautiful. Yeah. >> it's beautiful. Yeah. >> And and then the second thing is >> And and then the second thing is >> And and then the second thing is probably much more perhaps obvious, but probably much more perhaps obvious, but probably much more perhaps obvious, but it it seems to me that that we get a um it it seems to me that that we get a um it it seems to me that that we get a um a kind of a fresh uh telling a fresh a kind of a fresh uh telling a fresh a kind of a fresh uh telling a fresh understanding of God's compassion. understanding of God's compassion. understanding of God's compassion. He he's the compassionate one. Um this He he's the compassionate one. Um this He he's the compassionate one. Um this is something that uh Jonah knows. It's is something that uh Jonah knows. It's is something that uh Jonah knows. It's it's this is no surprise to Jonah. Jonah it's this is no surprise to Jonah. Jonah it's this is no surprise to Jonah. Jonah is has been well taught theologically. is has been well taught theologically. is has been well taught theologically. Uh he knows that God is a God of Uh he knows that God is a God of Uh he knows that God is a God of compassion. And so in his prayer at the compassion. And so in his prayer at the compassion. And so in his prayer at the beginning of chapter 4, uh he he quotes beginning of chapter 4, uh he he quotes beginning of chapter 4, uh he he quotes from what God had said to Moses at Mount from what God had said to Moses at Mount from what God had said to Moses at Mount Si. Do Si. Do Si. Do >> you remember the um in in the light of >> you remember the um in in the light of >> you remember the um in in the light of the golden calf incident, Moses asked to the golden calf incident, Moses asked to the golden calf incident, Moses asked to see God's face and then God comes and see God's face and then God comes and see God's face and then God comes and reveals himself um shows his back to reveals himself um shows his back to reveals himself um shows his back to Moses. But but in doing that he says, Moses. But but in doing that he says, Moses. But but in doing that he says, "The Lord the Lord is a compassionate

"The Lord the Lord is a compassionate "The Lord the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and and gracious God, slow to anger and and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, abounding in faithful love and truth, abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand maintaining faithful love to a thousand maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, generations, forgiving iniquity, generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin." Uh Jonah knows that rebellion, and sin." Uh Jonah knows that rebellion, and sin." Uh Jonah knows that God is a God of compassion. Uh and and God is a God of compassion. Uh and and God is a God of compassion. Uh and and and this is a statement that this is an and this is a statement that this is an and this is a statement that this is an idea that gets used in quite a few idea that gets used in quite a few idea that gets used in quite a few different passages. in the Old different passages. in the Old different passages. in the Old Testament. U um it's it's a significant Testament. U um it's it's a significant Testament. U um it's it's a significant passage because it's God's description passage because it's God's description passage because it's God's description of himself. Yeah. It's it's not some of himself. Yeah. It's it's not some of himself. Yeah. It's it's not some theologian theologian theologian making up some kind of statement about making up some kind of statement about making up some kind of statement about God. God declares himself to be a God of God. God declares himself to be a God of God. God declares himself to be a God of mercy, a God of compassion. And uh Jonah mercy, a God of compassion. And uh Jonah mercy, a God of compassion. And uh Jonah knows that, but it causes him a problem. knows that, but it causes him a problem. knows that, but it causes him a problem. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Um >> Um >> Um >> yeah. So, so those are the two things I >> yeah. So, so those are the two things I >> yeah. So, so those are the two things I think uh God's sovereignty think uh God's sovereignty think uh God's sovereignty and then also the idea that uh God is and then also the idea that uh God is and then also the idea that uh God is compassionate, forgiving.

compassionate, forgiving. compassionate, forgiving. >> Yeah, that those things at least jump >> Yeah, that those things at least jump >> Yeah, that those things at least jump out to me as being central truths within out to me as being central truths within out to me as being central truths within within the book of Jonah. within the book of Jonah. within the book of Jonah. >> Well, and I I love this because it's an >> Well, and I I love this because it's an >> Well, and I I love this because it's an example of the people repenting. It's an example of the people repenting. It's an example of the people repenting. It's an example of the call being heeded. Um, example of the call being heeded. Um, example of the call being heeded. Um, you know, a lot of a lot of what we've you know, a lot of a lot of what we've you know, a lot of a lot of what we've seen is people not hearing the call or seen is people not hearing the call or seen is people not hearing the call or people not repenting, not returning. And people not repenting, not returning. And people not repenting, not returning. And this is an example of the people who who this is an example of the people who who this is an example of the people who who do. And I love how this is how God still do. And I love how this is how God still do. And I love how this is how God still calls prophets to reach out to people calls prophets to reach out to people calls prophets to reach out to people to, you know, make these statements to, to, you know, make these statements to, to, you know, make these statements to, you know, tell people to repent and turn you know, tell people to repent and turn you know, tell people to repent and turn back to God. And some people do and some back to God. And some people do and some back to God. And some people do and some people don't. But it doesn't mean that people don't. But it doesn't mean that people don't. But it doesn't mean that God still doesn't want that message God still doesn't want that message God still doesn't want that message being told. He he doesn't he he doesn't being told. He he doesn't he he doesn't being told. He he doesn't he he doesn't want the call to be made. Um and that is want the call to be made. Um and that is want the call to be made. Um and that is a beautiful picture of God's compassion a beautiful picture of God's compassion a beautiful picture of God's compassion because he's he wants people to be because he's he wants people to be because he's he wants people to be reminded guy like people people return reminded guy like people people return reminded guy like people people return to me. God you know the the like the the to me. God you know the the like the the to me. God you know the the like the the effects of sin are huge and it can lead effects of sin are huge and it can lead effects of sin are huge and it can lead to the destruction of this city of this to the destruction of this city of this to the destruction of this city of this people of this place.

people of this place. people of this place. Um, or you you can turn your hearts back Um, or you you can turn your hearts back Um, or you you can turn your hearts back to me as as a people in this case as a to me as as a people in this case as a to me as as a people in this case as a as the capital of Assyria, you know, as as the capital of Assyria, you know, as as the capital of Assyria, you know, as as Nineveh. Turn back to me and, you as Nineveh. Turn back to me and, you as Nineveh. Turn back to me and, you know, and put this judgment at bay, you know, and put this judgment at bay, you know, and put this judgment at bay, you know, this destruction of the city at at know, this destruction of the city at at know, this destruction of the city at at bay uh because of my love for you, bay uh because of my love for you, bay uh because of my love for you, because of my mercy and my compassion. because of my mercy and my compassion. because of my mercy and my compassion. And so that picture of God and as you And so that picture of God and as you And so that picture of God and as you said a Jonah knows this about God and said a Jonah knows this about God and said a Jonah knows this about God and you know and I it's it's worth resing you know and I it's it's worth resing you know and I it's it's worth resing again because God makes himself very again because God makes himself very again because God makes himself very known very clearly as you said he is a known very clearly as you said he is a known very clearly as you said he is a God of mercy. He is a God of compassion. God of mercy. He is a God of compassion. God of mercy. He is a God of compassion. This is a part of who he is. And Jonah This is a part of who he is. And Jonah This is a part of who he is. And Jonah clearly has this relationship with God clearly has this relationship with God clearly has this relationship with God that is so personal that God will let that is so personal that God will let that is so personal that God will let Jonah sit and cause a plant to grow up Jonah sit and cause a plant to grow up Jonah sit and cause a plant to grow up next to him, you know, to teach him this next to him, you know, to teach him this next to him, you know, to teach him this lesson and and and weren't going to eat lesson and and and weren't going to eat lesson and and and weren't going to eat it. And he's all of this to to teach it. And he's all of this to to teach it. And he's all of this to to teach Jonah a lesson, to teach this one person Jonah a lesson, to teach this one person Jonah a lesson, to teach this one person a lesson. And I I love what that says a lesson. And I I love what that says a lesson. And I I love what that says about God, too. that, you know, God can about God, too. that, you know, God can about God, too. that, you know, God can be caring about what's happening in be caring about what's happening in be caring about what's happening in Nineveh for the hundreds of thousands of Nineveh for the hundreds of thousands of Nineveh for the hundreds of thousands of people in Nineveh, but he also cares people in Nineveh, but he also cares people in Nineveh, but he also cares about what's going in the heart on in about what's going in the heart on in about what's going in the heart on in the heart of this one person at this the heart of this one person at this the heart of this one person at this time, Jonah. And our God is so sovereign time, Jonah. And our God is so sovereign time, Jonah. And our God is so sovereign that he is more than capable of doing that he is more than capable of doing that he is more than capable of doing both of caring about the big big things both of caring about the big big things both of caring about the big big things that affect all the people and also the

that affect all the people and also the that affect all the people and also the little things that are going on in the little things that are going on in the little things that are going on in the heart of this one man. And that's just heart of this one man. And that's just heart of this one man. And that's just it's a it's a beautiful picture of our it's a it's a beautiful picture of our it's a it's a beautiful picture of our God. God. God. >> Yeah. And it's worth observing >> Yeah. And it's worth observing >> Yeah. And it's worth observing um the Ninevites don't in a are not sure um the Ninevites don't in a are not sure um the Ninevites don't in a are not sure if God will forgive them. if God will forgive them. if God will forgive them. >> They they say they kind of >> They they say they kind of >> They they say they kind of >> will repent. >> will repent. >> will repent. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And who knows? >> And who knows? >> And who knows? >> Yeah. In hope. >> Yeah. In hope. >> Yeah. In hope. >> They kind of hope that God may repent. U >> They kind of hope that God may repent. U >> They kind of hope that God may repent. U and and the irony is that uh Jonah in a and and the irony is that uh Jonah in a and and the irony is that uh Jonah in a sense knows M sense knows M sense knows M >> that God is a God of compassion, a God >> that God is a God of compassion, a God >> that God is a God of compassion, a God who who who will forgive. who who who will forgive. who who who will forgive. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh um but so you have this kind of >> Uh um but so you have this kind of >> Uh um but so you have this kind of interesting contrast between the interesting contrast between the interesting contrast between the Ninevites and and Jonah. Jonah, he he's Ninevites and and Jonah. Jonah, he he's Ninevites and and Jonah. Jonah, he he's got the theology. got the theology. got the theology. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um yeah. uh but all the training >> Um yeah. uh but all the training >> Um yeah. uh but all the training >> and the Nvites in a sense don't >> and the Nvites in a sense don't >> and the Nvites in a sense don't >> u but yet uh God's compassion comes to >> u but yet uh God's compassion comes to >> u but yet uh God's compassion comes to the Ninevites and uh they are the ones the Ninevites and uh they are the ones the Ninevites and uh they are the ones who are actually delivered and rescued.

who are actually delivered and rescued. who are actually delivered and rescued. >> It isn't. Yeah, it's an interesting >> It isn't. Yeah, it's an interesting >> It isn't. Yeah, it's an interesting picture if you fast forward to the picture if you fast forward to the picture if you fast forward to the Pharisees with all of their training, Pharisees with all of their training, Pharisees with all of their training, all of their scholarship and yet it's, all of their scholarship and yet it's, all of their scholarship and yet it's, you know, it's the sick who need the you know, it's the sick who need the you know, it's the sick who need the doctor. It's the people, it's it's the doctor. It's the people, it's it's the doctor. It's the people, it's it's the people who cry out for Jesus and then people who cry out for Jesus and then people who cry out for Jesus and then and it's the Pharisees who struggle with and it's the Pharisees who struggle with and it's the Pharisees who struggle with the idea of God's mercy in that way. the idea of God's mercy in that way. the idea of God's mercy in that way. >> Um, so there's a lot of interesting >> Um, so there's a lot of interesting >> Um, so there's a lot of interesting correlations and pictures. I was correlations and pictures. I was correlations and pictures. I was thinking even back to when you were thinking even back to when you were thinking even back to when you were talking about Jonah on the boat and how talking about Jonah on the boat and how talking about Jonah on the boat and how he's sleeping through the storm. It's he's sleeping through the storm. It's he's sleeping through the storm. It's like there's another famous story of a like there's another famous story of a like there's another famous story of a man sleeping on a boat in the storm a man sleeping on a boat in the storm a man sleeping on a boat in the storm a little bit later. It's just a kind of little bit later. It's just a kind of little bit later. It's just a kind of just just some interesting parallels. just just some interesting parallels. just just some interesting parallels. Um, what does the book of Jonah teach us Um, what does the book of Jonah teach us Um, what does the book of Jonah teach us about people, about ourselves? about people, about ourselves? about people, about ourselves? >> Yes. I um I I I think it possibly >> Yes. I um I I I think it possibly >> Yes. I um I I I think it possibly teaches us that uh we we all maybe teaches us that uh we we all maybe teaches us that uh we we all maybe suffer from what I would perhaps call a suffer from what I would perhaps call a suffer from what I would perhaps call a Jonah syndrome.

Jonah syndrome. Jonah syndrome. Um Um Um it seems to me that uh Jonah is is it seems to me that uh Jonah is is it seems to me that uh Jonah is is someone who sees the divine attributes someone who sees the divine attributes someone who sees the divine attributes of uh justice and mercy of uh justice and mercy of uh justice and mercy as functioning for his own convenience. as functioning for his own convenience. as functioning for his own convenience. >> So So he wants to have mercy >> So So he wants to have mercy >> So So he wants to have mercy >> but he wants justice >> but he wants justice >> but he wants justice for his enemies. for his enemies. for his enemies. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um and and and I think it's unfortunate Um and and and I think it's unfortunate Um and and and I think it's unfortunate that in our human nature that's too that in our human nature that's too that in our human nature that's too often how we how we think about life. We often how we how we think about life. We often how we how we think about life. We we want to ourselves benefit from the we want to ourselves benefit from the we want to ourselves benefit from the grace and mercy and forgiveness of God. grace and mercy and forgiveness of God. grace and mercy and forgiveness of God. We we know that uh we make mistakes. We We we know that uh we make mistakes. We We we know that uh we make mistakes. We need forgiveness. need forgiveness. need forgiveness. But uh we're not so forgiving and uh and But uh we're not so forgiving and uh and But uh we're not so forgiving and uh and so compassionate towards others. And so so compassionate towards others. And so so compassionate towards others. And so I think uh Jonah, the story of Jonah I think uh Jonah, the story of Jonah I think uh Jonah, the story of Jonah brings that out. Um we can see that brings that out. Um we can see that brings that out. Um we can see that perhaps in our personal relationships perhaps in our personal relationships perhaps in our personal relationships in that uh there there may be those whom in that uh there there may be those whom in that uh there there may be those whom we we find it hard to love, hard to get we we find it hard to love, hard to get we we find it hard to love, hard to get on with. We we maybe look at their on with. We we maybe look at their on with. We we maybe look at their lifestyle. We maybe think about them as lifestyle. We maybe think about them as lifestyle. We maybe think about them as being uh undeserving being uh undeserving being uh undeserving >> of God's mercy. We we think that uh they >> of God's mercy. We we think that uh they >> of God's mercy. We we think that uh they deserve to be punished.

deserve to be punished. deserve to be punished. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and and we forget how Jesus used that >> Um and and we forget how Jesus used that >> Um and and we forget how Jesus used that illustration of uh u you know having a illustration of uh u you know having a illustration of uh u you know having a um seeing a speck in someone else's eye um seeing a speck in someone else's eye um seeing a speck in someone else's eye but having a beam but having a beam but having a beam >> in in her own eye. Um I I I think this >> in in her own eye. Um I I I think this >> in in her own eye. Um I I I think this something of that in this Jonah syndrome something of that in this Jonah syndrome something of that in this Jonah syndrome that um in our human nature we uh we we that um in our human nature we uh we we that um in our human nature we uh we we kind of see the faults of others and are kind of see the faults of others and are kind of see the faults of others and are less forgiving than we ought to be. Mhm. less forgiving than we ought to be. Mhm. less forgiving than we ought to be. Mhm. >> Um there's that at there's that at one >> Um there's that at there's that at one >> Um there's that at there's that at one level and then I think um be- because level and then I think um be- because level and then I think um be- because the story of Jonah is actually not just the story of Jonah is actually not just the story of Jonah is actually not just simply about Jonah's personal simply about Jonah's personal simply about Jonah's personal relationship with the Ninevites, but it relationship with the Ninevites, but it relationship with the Ninevites, but it has to do with the relationship between has to do with the relationship between has to do with the relationship between Israel. Israel. Israel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Jonah's nation >> Jonah's nation >> Jonah's nation and the Ninevites. There's also a sense and the Ninevites. There's also a sense and the Ninevites. There's also a sense in which this uh Jonah syndrome as as I in which this uh Jonah syndrome as as I in which this uh Jonah syndrome as as I would put it actually addresses would put it actually addresses would put it actually addresses uh you might say uh our our view of uh you might say uh our our view of uh you might say uh our our view of nationalism nationalism nationalism >> um our our idea that perhaps one nation >> um our our idea that perhaps one nation >> um our our idea that perhaps one nation or or maybe one um people group or or or or maybe one um people group or or or or maybe one um people group or or maybe one even political party in some maybe one even political party in some maybe one even political party in some way is um blessed by God and uh and way is um blessed by God and uh and way is um blessed by God and uh and others aren't and and we kind of expect

others aren't and and we kind of expect others aren't and and we kind of expect God to be on our side but not on theirs. God to be on our side but not on theirs. God to be on our side but not on theirs. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um you you probably will gather from my >> Um you you probably will gather from my >> Um you you probably will gather from my accent that that I that I come from the accent that that I that I come from the accent that that I that I come from the north of Ireland. Uh I live in Belfast north of Ireland. Uh I live in Belfast north of Ireland. Uh I live in Belfast >> and um uh it is something of a divided >> and um uh it is something of a divided >> and um uh it is something of a divided and polarized uh community that we have and polarized uh community that we have and polarized uh community that we have here. here. here. >> Sure. Uh and while while things are are >> Sure. Uh and while while things are are >> Sure. Uh and while while things are are much improved upon what they used to be, much improved upon what they used to be, much improved upon what they used to be, uh there is still some degree of uh there is still some degree of uh there is still some degree of division um within the city within our division um within the city within our division um within the city within our community. And one of the slogans that community. And one of the slogans that community. And one of the slogans that you discover uh if you drive around the you discover uh if you drive around the you discover uh if you drive around the city and see some of the large murals city and see some of the large murals city and see some of the large murals that are that are painted on buildings that are that are painted on buildings that are that are painted on buildings uh is this. It's the slogan for God and uh is this. It's the slogan for God and uh is this. It's the slogan for God and olster. olster. olster. It's it's this sense that uh God is on It's it's this sense that uh God is on It's it's this sense that uh God is on our side. our side. our side. >> Um and uh and that seems to me to be the >> Um and uh and that seems to me to be the >> Um and uh and that seems to me to be the outlook that I think Jonah has. And and outlook that I think Jonah has. And and outlook that I think Jonah has. And and he's he's struggling to um reconcile he's he's struggling to um reconcile he's he's struggling to um reconcile the the idea that God could possibly be the the idea that God could possibly be the the idea that God could possibly be on the other side.

on the other side. on the other side. >> Um that he could show compassion towards >> Um that he could show compassion towards >> Um that he could show compassion towards the Ninevites. Um, and I think there's a the Ninevites. Um, and I think there's a the Ninevites. Um, and I think there's a sense in which his um, patriotic spirit, sense in which his um, patriotic spirit, sense in which his um, patriotic spirit, Jonah's patriotic spirit overcomes, Jonah's patriotic spirit overcomes, Jonah's patriotic spirit overcomes, overrides his obedience to God. overrides his obedience to God. overrides his obedience to God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh, in actual fact, he's he's even >> Uh, in actual fact, he's he's even >> Uh, in actual fact, he's he's even prepared, I think, to sacrifice his own prepared, I think, to sacrifice his own prepared, I think, to sacrifice his own life life life >> for the sake of Israel >> for the sake of Israel >> for the sake of Israel >> if that will prevent Nineveh from being >> if that will prevent Nineveh from being >> if that will prevent Nineveh from being saved. M saved. M saved. M >> um so so he he almost willingly >> um so so he he almost willingly >> um so so he he almost willingly allows himself to be thrown into the allows himself to be thrown into the allows himself to be thrown into the sea. sea. sea. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because it's for from his perspective, >> Because it's for from his perspective, >> Because it's for from his perspective, it's better for him to die it's better for him to die it's better for him to die >> than for the Ninevites to be forgiven. >> than for the Ninevites to be forgiven. >> than for the Ninevites to be forgiven. Um so so I think it there's a there's a Um so so I think it there's a there's a Um so so I think it there's a there's a very important truth here I think for us very important truth here I think for us very important truth here I think for us as Christians that that we need to be as Christians that that we need to be as Christians that that we need to be aware that uh um our our membership of aware that uh um our our membership of aware that uh um our our membership of God's kingdom our participation in God's God's kingdom our participation in God's God's kingdom our participation in God's kingdom is never to be identified with a kingdom is never to be identified with a kingdom is never to be identified with a particular nation or or ethnic group um particular nation or or ethnic group um particular nation or or ethnic group um or or some other party or or some other party or or some other party >> or political party I mean yeah we don't >> or political party I mean yeah we don't >> or political party I mean yeah we don't know anything about this in American know anything about this in American know anything about this in American politics [laughter] right now?

Um well, I I I didn't want to say that Um well, I I I didn't want to say that [laughter] um directly because uh I'm [laughter] um directly because uh I'm [laughter] um directly because uh I'm I'm conscious of um sensitivities. But I'm conscious of um sensitivities. But I'm conscious of um sensitivities. But but I do I but you know I think if if but I do I but you know I think if if but I do I but you know I think if if we're to take this the the book of Jonah we're to take this the the book of Jonah we're to take this the the book of Jonah seriously and if we're to to appreciate seriously and if we're to to appreciate seriously and if we're to to appreciate how it perhaps speaks into our modern how it perhaps speaks into our modern how it perhaps speaks into our modern world um I I don't think it's just a world um I I don't think it's just a world um I I don't think it's just a message for for for folks living in the message for for for folks living in the message for for for folks living in the states but I think around the world states but I think around the world states but I think around the world there there's a sense in which people there there's a sense in which people there there's a sense in which people often look to claim God for themselves often look to claim God for themselves often look to claim God for themselves >> for sure >> for sure >> for sure >> and and they they they take comfort out >> and and they they they take comfort out >> and and they they they take comfort out of that fact that God is for us but they of that fact that God is for us but they of that fact that God is for us but they also want to think that God is against also want to think that God is against also want to think that God is against >> uh the others the other yes uh a very >> uh the others the other yes uh a very >> uh the others the other yes uh a very yeah a very important and pointed note yeah a very important and pointed note yeah a very important and pointed note for for for not just our day and age cuz this is not just our day and age cuz this is not just our day and age cuz this is this is a human story for sure like this is a human story for sure like this is a human story for sure like there is um I think it's it's been a there is um I think it's it's been a there is um I think it's it's been a human story uh for a very very very long human story uh for a very very very long human story uh for a very very very long time probably I would Okay. [snorts] time probably I would Okay. [snorts] time probably I would Okay. [snorts] Um, Um, Um, >> you see you, if I can interrupt, go >> you see you, if I can interrupt, go >> you see you, if I can interrupt, go ahead. You actually see you actually see ahead. You actually see you actually see ahead. You actually see you actually see the same thing working out or playing the same thing working out or playing the same thing working out or playing out in the story that Jesus tells of the out in the story that Jesus tells of the out in the story that Jesus tells of the two the two brothers.

two the two brothers. two the two brothers. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> When when the younger brother goes away, >> When when the younger brother goes away, >> When when the younger brother goes away, >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> miss spends his time >> miss spends his time >> miss spends his time um blows his inheritance and comes back. um blows his inheritance and comes back. um blows his inheritance and comes back. And when the father And when the father And when the father welcomes him and embraces him, uh the welcomes him and embraces him, uh the welcomes him and embraces him, uh the older brother I think is very much like older brother I think is very much like older brother I think is very much like Jonah at this point. Yeah. Jonah at this point. Yeah. Jonah at this point. Yeah. >> He he he he cannot accept the the grace, >> He he he he cannot accept the the grace, >> He he he he cannot accept the the grace, the forgiveness that the father shows. the forgiveness that the father shows. the forgiveness that the father shows. >> I can't >> I can't >> I can't >> to the one who has in a sense sinned. >> to the one who has in a sense sinned. >> to the one who has in a sense sinned. >> I can see Jonah. Yeah, for sure. Saying >> I can see Jonah. Yeah, for sure. Saying >> I can see Jonah. Yeah, for sure. Saying I I thought we were your special people. I I thought we were your special people. I I thought we were your special people. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. We're your Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. We're your Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. We're your people and everyone else has been people and everyone else has been people and everyone else has been attacking us for, you know, for attacking us for, you know, for attacking us for, you know, for centuries. Like it's been, you know, centuries. Like it's been, you know, centuries. Like it's been, you know, this has not been an easygoing God. And this has not been an easygoing God. And this has not been an easygoing God. And uh and you've said that we are your uh and you've said that we are your uh and you've said that we are your chosen people. So why are you wanting to chosen people. So why are you wanting to chosen people. So why are you wanting to save our enemies? save our enemies? save our enemies? Why are you wanting to save these other Why are you wanting to save these other Why are you wanting to save these other people? And what God's saying is like, people? And what God's saying is like, people? And what God's saying is like, hey, like because I love them.

hey, like because I love them. hey, like because I love them. >> Because because I love them. And you >> Because because I love them. And you >> Because because I love them. And you know, because I because I want them to know, because I because I want them to know, because I because I want them to love me and and that's that can be hard love me and and that's that can be hard love me and and that's that can be hard for Jonah to fathom. What do you mean? for Jonah to fathom. What do you mean? for Jonah to fathom. What do you mean? >> Um, but it's such an important lesson. >> Um, but it's such an important lesson. >> Um, but it's such an important lesson. >> It's this lesson of the othering that >> It's this lesson of the othering that >> It's this lesson of the othering that sometimes happens. sometimes happens. sometimes happens. um like you were saying about this idea um like you were saying about this idea um like you were saying about this idea of enemies or people who are you know as of enemies or people who are you know as of enemies or people who are you know as far you know they're as far from God as far you know they're as far from God as far you know they're as far from God as humanly possible and God's saying humanly possible and God's saying humanly possible and God's saying there's nobody that's that's out of my there's nobody that's that's out of my there's nobody that's that's out of my possible reach if I want if if I want to possible reach if I want if if I want to possible reach if I want if if I want to call you to go to the ends of the earth call you to go to the ends of the earth call you to go to the ends of the earth to you know to them I will and that's to you know to them I will and that's to you know to them I will and that's essentially what Jonah would you know essentially what Jonah would you know essentially what Jonah would you know he's like I I'm going to try to escape he's like I I'm going to try to escape he's like I I'm going to try to escape to the complete other side of the known to the complete other side of the known to the complete other side of the known world world world um to get you know as far away and and um to get you know as far away and and um to get you know as far away and and God says, "I'm still calling you. God says, "I'm still calling you. God says, "I'm still calling you. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I'm still calling you." Uh because you I'm still calling you." Uh because you I'm still calling you." Uh because you may see that, you know, you may not may see that, you know, you may not may see that, you know, you may not understand what I'm doing, but I'm but I understand what I'm doing, but I'm but I understand what I'm doing, but I'm but I have I I have a reason for why I'm have I I have a reason for why I'm have I I have a reason for why I'm calling you to do this because because calling you to do this because because calling you to do this because because and it starts in who God is. It's starts and it starts in who God is. It's starts and it starts in who God is. It's starts in this rootedness of God's character of in this rootedness of God's character of in this rootedness of God's character of love and mercy and his desire to see all love and mercy and his desire to see all love and mercy and his desire to see all be saved and and be saved and and be saved and and and knowing that that's not going to and knowing that that's not going to and knowing that that's not going to happen but you know all but it's still happen but you know all but it's still happen but you know all but it's still it's still the heart of God and um it's still the heart of God and um it's still the heart of God and um that's just an important reminder for us that's just an important reminder for us that's just an important reminder for us you know for for us now as people is you

you know for for us now as people is you you know for for us now as people is you may see somebody completely as your may see somebody completely as your may see somebody completely as your enemy like as an other as as as ungodly enemy like as an other as as as ungodly enemy like as an other as as as ungodly as it comes. But you know, as it comes. But you know, as it comes. But you know, the church is full of testimonies of the church is full of testimonies of the church is full of testimonies of people who would say that they were as people who would say that they were as people who would say that they were as ungodly as humanly possible. Um, who are ungodly as humanly possible. Um, who are ungodly as humanly possible. Um, who are now now now >> praising God's name and are now >> praising God's name and are now >> praising God's name and are now witnesses to his redeeming mercy. So, witnesses to his redeeming mercy. So, witnesses to his redeeming mercy. So, uh, don't think anybody is out of reach. uh, don't think anybody is out of reach. uh, don't think anybody is out of reach. [laughter] Um, I felt like we could go on and on Um, I felt like we could go on and on and on about that, but we still got more and on about that, but we still got more and on about that, but we still got more to say about Jonah. [laughter] to say about Jonah. [laughter] to say about Jonah. [laughter] Are there um, as we said, it it's a Are there um, as we said, it it's a Are there um, as we said, it it's a well-known book, but are is there a well-known book, but are is there a well-known book, but are is there a verse or two that you're particularly verse or two that you're particularly verse or two that you're particularly want to encourage people to to want to encourage people to to want to encourage people to to highlight, to flag as they read this highlight, to flag as they read this highlight, to flag as they read this book? Maybe people have never read the book? Maybe people have never read the book? Maybe people have never read the book of Jonah, and they've heard the book of Jonah, and they've heard the book of Jonah, and they've heard the story pro maybe, but they've never sat story pro maybe, but they've never sat story pro maybe, but they've never sat down and read the full book. Is there a down and read the full book. Is there a down and read the full book. Is there a a verse or two in particular that you're a verse or two in particular that you're a verse or two in particular that you're like just just flag this, make a note of like just just flag this, make a note of like just just flag this, make a note of this as you read?

this as you read? this as you read? >> I I I I think to to really get to the >> I I I I think to to really get to the >> I I I I think to to really get to the heart of the book, you you need to read heart of the book, you you need to read heart of the book, you you need to read the beginning of chapter 4 the beginning of chapter 4 the beginning of chapter 4 >> and and and pick up on Jonah's reaction >> and and and pick up on Jonah's reaction >> and and and pick up on Jonah's reaction to what has happened in Nineveh. So, um to what has happened in Nineveh. So, um to what has happened in Nineveh. So, um chapter 4 begins with this statement. chapter 4 begins with this statement. chapter 4 begins with this statement. Jonah was greatly displeased [laughter] Jonah was greatly displeased [laughter] Jonah was greatly displeased [laughter] and became furious. and became furious. and became furious. Um, and then he prayed to the Lord. And Um, and then he prayed to the Lord. And Um, and then he prayed to the Lord. And and then he goes on to say, "Please and then he goes on to say, "Please and then he goes on to say, "Please Lord, isn't this what I said while I was Lord, isn't this what I said while I was Lord, isn't this what I said while I was still in my own country? That's why I still in my own country? That's why I still in my own country? That's why I fled towards Tarses in the first place. fled towards Tarses in the first place. fled towards Tarses in the 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 and faithful love, and one who abounding and faithful love, and one who abounding and 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 live.

it is better for me to die than to live. it is better for me to die than to live. >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh it's it's in some ways it's tragic. it's it's in some ways it's tragic. it's it's in some ways it's tragic. >> Yeah. that here you have a reaction to >> Yeah. that here you have a reaction to >> Yeah. that here you have a reaction to the grace of God, the mercy of God um the grace of God, the mercy of God um the grace of God, the mercy of God um from someone who in a sense is is from someone who in a sense is is from someone who in a sense is is theologically orthodox. theologically orthodox. theologically orthodox. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um he he's not a heretic. >> Um he he's not a heretic. >> Um he he's not a heretic. He he knows, you might say, the the He he knows, you might say, the the He he knows, you might say, the the nature of God, but yet he is distressed, nature of God, but yet he is distressed, nature of God, but yet he is distressed, angered, angered, angered, uh basically wants to give up on life uh basically wants to give up on life uh basically wants to give up on life because of what God has done. Uh and because of what God has done. Uh and because of what God has done. Uh and it's almost unbelievable in a sense that it's almost unbelievable in a sense that it's almost unbelievable in a sense that uh uh Jonah could be like this. And yet uh uh Jonah could be like this. And yet uh uh Jonah could be like this. And yet uh it it it helps us understand um why uh it it it helps us understand um why uh it it it helps us understand um why he has fled in the first place. So if he has fled in the first place. So if he has fled in the first place. So if you start reading the book in chapter 1, you start reading the book in chapter 1, you start reading the book in chapter 1, you you don't understand you you you you you you don't understand you you you you you you don't understand you you you you hear of Jonah fleeing going away in the hear of Jonah fleeing going away in the hear of Jonah fleeing going away in the opposite direction, but you're not opposite direction, but you're not opposite direction, but you're not actually given any reason actually given any reason actually given any reason >> for that. And you have to get to chapter >> for that. And you have to get to chapter >> for that. And you have to get to chapter 4 to actually, you might say, penetrate 4 to actually, you might say, penetrate 4 to actually, you might say, penetrate the heart of Jonah.

the heart of Jonah. the heart of Jonah. >> Yeah. in terms of what has uh um angered >> Yeah. in terms of what has uh um angered >> Yeah. in terms of what has uh um angered him so much. Why has he acted and him so much. Why has he acted and him so much. Why has he acted and responded as he has and it's uh in a responded as he has and it's uh in a responded as he has and it's uh in a sense chilling that that reaction should sense chilling that that reaction should sense chilling that that reaction should actually be based on the fact that God actually be based on the fact that God actually be based on the fact that God is merciful and forgiving. is merciful and forgiving. is merciful and forgiving. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It paints a picture of of what can >> Yeah. It paints a picture of of what can >> Yeah. It paints a picture of of what can really happen in almost infect our really happen in almost infect our really happen in almost infect our hearts, right? That he was so hearts, right? That he was so hearts, right? That he was so had had so much anger or hatred, however had had so much anger or hatred, however had had so much anger or hatred, however deep you want to get into it, about deep you want to get into it, about deep you want to get into it, about Assyria and Nineveh that the fact, you Assyria and Nineveh that the fact, you Assyria and Nineveh that the fact, you know, that he's just, you know, almost, know, that he's just, you know, almost, know, that he's just, you know, almost, as you said, would rather die than see as you said, would rather die than see as you said, would rather die than see than be saved and even though he knows than be saved and even though he knows than be saved and even though he knows that God's even even though even even that God's even even though even even that God's even even though even even though we would say he knows God, like though we would say he knows God, like though we would say he knows God, like he he he knows the theology, the doctr he he he knows the theology, the doctr he he he knows the theology, the doctr all this stuff. Um, but it's it's all this stuff. Um, but it's it's all this stuff. Um, but it's it's important to see that there can, you important to see that there can, you important to see that there can, you know, that there are other things that know, that there are other things that know, that there are other things that are powerful forces in our lives too.

are powerful forces in our lives too. are powerful forces in our lives too. And sometimes those can take over and And sometimes those can take over and And sometimes those can take over and make us you know see through this make us you know see through this make us you know see through this different lens to see God through this different lens to see God through this different lens to see God through this other lens of you know red if you want other lens of you know red if you want other lens of you know red if you want to get it you know this red anger this to get it you know this red anger this to get it you know this red anger this hatred for this other thing that it hatred for this other thing that it hatred for this other thing that it changes your view of God that you have changes your view of God that you have changes your view of God that you have this false view this misunderstanding this false view this misunderstanding this false view this misunderstanding um of of God's true nature true heart um of of God's true nature true heart um of of God's true nature true heart that you're and so it's an important that you're and so it's an important that you're and so it's an important reminder for us and what's interesting reminder for us and what's interesting reminder for us and what's interesting about this book is there's not uh we about this book is there's not uh we about this book is there's not uh we don't see what happens to Jonah. don't see what happens to Jonah. don't see what happens to Jonah. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] It just it ends as you said earlier with It just it ends as you said earlier with It just it ends as you said earlier with God saying like well wouldn't you care God saying like well wouldn't you care God saying like well wouldn't you care about all the people and the animals about all the people and the animals about all the people and the animals even more than you would care about this even more than you would care about this even more than you would care about this plant and then it just ends. [laughter] >> Yeah. We're we are left a bit with uh >> Yeah. We're we are left a bit with uh kind of that that statement and and uh kind of that that statement and and uh kind of that that statement and and uh it's left hanging there at the very end. it's left hanging there at the very end. it's left hanging there at the very end. >> Yeah. I I I there is so much in the rest >> Yeah. I I I there is so much in the rest >> Yeah. I I I there is so much in the rest of the story of Jonah. You know, we of the story of Jonah. You know, we of the story of Jonah. You know, we focus so much on chapter one. Uh but the focus so much on chapter one. Uh but the focus so much on chapter one. Uh but the rest of the book is so rich. So, um, if rest of the book is so rich. So, um, if rest of the book is so rich. So, um, if you think you know the book of Jonah you think you know the book of Jonah you think you know the book of Jonah that you kind of skip over it as you're that you kind of skip over it as you're that you kind of skip over it as you're reading through the Bible, don't skip reading through the Bible, don't skip reading through the Bible, don't skip over it because there's like so much over it because there's like so much over it because there's like so much more that's not typically taught or more that's not typically taught or more that's not typically taught or understood when doing, you know, um, understood when doing, you know, um, understood when doing, you know, um, especially if you've just heard the especially if you've just heard the especially if you've just heard the story as a kid because it focuses more story as a kid because it focuses more story as a kid because it focuses more on on the big fish part. Um, are there

on on the big fish part. Um, are there on on the big fish part. Um, are there any what I call sticky parts of this any what I call sticky parts of this any what I call sticky parts of this book, Desi, or parts that are confusing, book, Desi, or parts that are confusing, book, Desi, or parts that are confusing, hard to understand that you want to flag hard to understand that you want to flag hard to understand that you want to flag for people? Uh let let me pick up perhaps I I in Uh let let me pick up perhaps I I in some ways there's nothing Sure. some ways there's nothing Sure. some ways there's nothing Sure. >> I think that's that uh sticky if I can >> I think that's that uh sticky if I can >> I think that's that uh sticky if I can put it like that. The the one thing that put it like that. The the one thing that put it like that. The the one thing that I think might be worth mentioning is the I think might be worth mentioning is the I think might be worth mentioning is the perhaps deeper significance perhaps deeper significance perhaps deeper significance of the plant episode that comes at the of the plant episode that comes at the of the plant episode that comes at the end of chapter 4 or is kind of the the end of chapter 4 or is kind of the the end of chapter 4 or is kind of the the main part of chapter 4 because main part of chapter 4 because main part of chapter 4 because >> um there's a sense in which it this is >> um there's a sense in which it this is >> um there's a sense in which it this is this is a book about salvation. It's this is a book about salvation. It's this is a book about salvation. It's about God, you might say, saving. about God, you might say, saving. about God, you might say, saving. >> Yeah. And yet you've got this episode at >> Yeah. And yet you've got this episode at >> Yeah. And yet you've got this episode at the very end of the book in which uh God the very end of the book in which uh God the very end of the book in which uh God raises up a plant and you might say it raises up a plant and you might say it raises up a plant and you might say it becomes a source of salvation becomes a source of salvation becomes a source of salvation to to Jonah. It it saves him, you might to to Jonah. It it saves him, you might to to Jonah. It it saves him, you might say, from the the sun and the heat.

say, from the the sun and the heat. say, from the the sun and the heat. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then God destroys it. And it's >> And then God destroys it. And it's >> And then God destroys it. And it's unusual, I think, in the story that you unusual, I think, in the story that you unusual, I think, in the story that you have this act of God destroying have this act of God destroying have this act of God destroying something. something. something. >> Yeah. Uh because most of the book has >> Yeah. Uh because most of the book has >> Yeah. Uh because most of the book has actually been focused on God saving and actually been focused on God saving and actually been focused on God saving and and on the compassion of God. And all of and on the compassion of God. And all of and on the compassion of God. And all of a sudden you have God destroying this a sudden you have God destroying this a sudden you have God destroying this particular plant. And clearly it angers particular plant. And clearly it angers particular plant. And clearly it angers Jonah greatly that God should destroy Jonah greatly that God should destroy Jonah greatly that God should destroy this plant. Now to my mind I I think the this plant. Now to my mind I I think the this plant. Now to my mind I I think the plant is meant to be in some way a plant is meant to be in some way a plant is meant to be in some way a symbol of Israel. symbol of Israel. symbol of Israel. uh that Jonah comes from Israel. He he's uh that Jonah comes from Israel. He he's uh that Jonah comes from Israel. He he's a northerner. a northerner. a northerner. >> Uh he belongs to the northern kingdom of >> Uh he belongs to the northern kingdom of >> Uh he belongs to the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel. Israel. But he knows that as a result of going But he knows that as a result of going But he knows that as a result of going to Nineveh and the Ninevites repenting to Nineveh and the Ninevites repenting to Nineveh and the Ninevites repenting and God not destroying them that within and God not destroying them that within and God not destroying them that within a short period of time the Assyrians are a short period of time the Assyrians are a short period of time the Assyrians are going to come and destroy the northern going to come and destroy the northern going to come and destroy the northern kingdom of Israel.

kingdom of Israel. kingdom of Israel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and that act of destruction in a >> And and that act of destruction in a >> And and that act of destruction in a sense you might say comes from God. It's sense you might say comes from God. It's sense you might say comes from God. It's it's God who raises up the Assyrians. it's God who raises up the Assyrians. it's God who raises up the Assyrians. It's God who sends them to to punish the It's God who sends them to to punish the It's God who sends them to to punish the unrepentant unrepentant unrepentant Israelites. Israelites. Israelites. >> And and so there's a sense in which this >> And and so there's a sense in which this >> And and so there's a sense in which this um acted out parable perhaps the the the um acted out parable perhaps the the the um acted out parable perhaps the the the imagery of what's happening to do with imagery of what's happening to do with imagery of what's happening to do with the plant. It um forces us or or causes the plant. It um forces us or or causes the plant. It um forces us or or causes us or ought to cause us to think about us or ought to cause us to think about us or ought to cause us to think about Jonah's relationship with the northern Jonah's relationship with the northern Jonah's relationship with the northern kingdom of Israel. kingdom of Israel. kingdom of Israel. that for him was his shelter and all of that for him was his shelter and all of that for him was his shelter and all of a sudden he he has this expectation that a sudden he he has this expectation that a sudden he he has this expectation that it's going to be destroyed and he is it's going to be destroyed and he is it's going to be destroyed and he is going to be in some way an agent in that going to be in some way an agent in that going to be in some way an agent in that process because he has warned the people process because he has warned the people process because he has warned the people to repent and they've repented and God to repent and they've repented and God to repent and they've repented and God has forgiven them. has forgiven them. has forgiven them. >> So there's something in in all of that >> So there's something in in all of that >> So there's something in in all of that that I think is probably quite important that I think is probably quite important that I think is probably quite important to pick up on.

to pick up on. to pick up on. >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's interesting. Um, >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's interesting. Um, >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's interesting. Um, well, the last question that we always well, the last question that we always well, the last question that we always uh ask Desi is you have spent many many uh ask Desi is you have spent many many uh ask Desi is you have spent many many years studying this book of Jonah. years studying this book of Jonah. years studying this book of Jonah. You've written on this book of Jonah. You've written on this book of Jonah. You've written on this book of Jonah. What is something that you think and you What is something that you think and you What is something that you think and you can take this however you want. What is can take this however you want. What is can take this however you want. What is something that you think everybody something that you think everybody something that you think everybody should know about this book but probably should know about this book but probably should know about this book but probably doesn't? doesn't? doesn't? >> Uh, it's perhaps that last point. >> Uh, it's perhaps that last point. >> Uh, it's perhaps that last point. >> Oh, sure. >> Oh, sure. >> Oh, sure. that I think that I think that I think >> Yeah, that's true. >> Yeah, that's true. >> Yeah, that's true. >> It's not mentioned it's not mentioned >> It's not mentioned it's not mentioned >> It's not mentioned it's not mentioned directly in the book. So, it's easy to directly in the book. So, it's easy to directly in the book. So, it's easy to come and read the book. come and read the book. come and read the book. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And not actually appreciate the the you >> And not actually appreciate the the you >> And not actually appreciate the the you you might say the the underlying story you might say the the underlying story you might say the the underlying story >> that uh um uh Jonah's antipathy towards >> that uh um uh Jonah's antipathy towards >> that uh um uh Jonah's antipathy towards the people of Nineveh, I think in some the people of Nineveh, I think in some the people of Nineveh, I think in some ways is a prophetic. He he's he he he ways is a prophetic. He he's he he he ways is a prophetic. He he's he he he appreciates what's to come because uh appreciates what's to come because uh appreciates what's to come because uh >> Amos and Hosea have already hinted >> Amos and Hosea have already hinted >> Amos and Hosea have already hinted >> that uh the northern kingdom of Israel >> that uh the northern kingdom of Israel >> that uh the northern kingdom of Israel is going to be attacked by the is going to be attacked by the is going to be attacked by the Assyrians.

Assyrians. Assyrians. >> And so that that underlying story I >> And so that that underlying story I >> And so that that underlying story I think shapes uh and perhaps informs our think shapes uh and perhaps informs our think shapes uh and perhaps informs our appreciation of why it is that Jonah is appreciation of why it is that Jonah is appreciation of why it is that Jonah is so reluctant. so reluctant. so reluctant. >> That's a good point. Um, as far as the >> That's a good point. Um, as far as the >> That's a good point. Um, as far as the Nineveites are concerned, he if he had Nineveites are concerned, he if he had Nineveites are concerned, he if he had been sent perhaps to Egypt or to some been sent perhaps to Egypt or to some been sent perhaps to Egypt or to some other nation, it might not have been the other nation, it might not have been the other nation, it might not have been the same problem. [laughter] same problem. [laughter] same problem. [laughter] Uh, but it just happens to be that he Uh, but it just happens to be that he Uh, but it just happens to be that he sees them as being the ones who will sees them as being the ones who will sees them as being the ones who will come ultimately to destroy the northern come ultimately to destroy the northern come ultimately to destroy the northern kingdom, kingdom, kingdom, >> his his homeland. And and that patriot >> his his homeland. And and that patriot >> his his homeland. And and that patriot patriotic spirit within him patriotic spirit within him patriotic spirit within him >> Yeah. just makes him feel that he cannot >> Yeah. just makes him feel that he cannot >> Yeah. just makes him feel that he cannot be part of this process. be part of this process. be part of this process. >> That is yeah that's a really interesting >> That is yeah that's a really interesting >> That is yeah that's a really interesting and fascinating little little element in and fascinating little little element in and fascinating little little element in this book. Um so I'm really glad that this book. Um so I'm really glad that this book. Um so I'm really glad that you ended with that you ended with that you ended with that Desi. Thank you so much for helping us Desi. Thank you so much for helping us Desi. Thank you so much for helping us to navigate this book. As we said to navigate this book. As we said to navigate this book. As we said earlier, there is it is such a rich and earlier, there is it is such a rich and earlier, there is it is such a rich and deep book that is is known for one part deep book that is is known for one part deep book that is is known for one part of the story, but there is there's so of the story, but there is there's so of the story, but there is there's so much that God is doing in and through much that God is doing in and through much that God is doing in and through this book. And um I'm I'm really this book. And um I'm I'm really this book. And um I'm I'm really grateful that you helped us to walk grateful that you helped us to walk grateful that you helped us to walk through it. Um I'd be even more grateful through it. Um I'd be even more grateful through it. Um I'd be even more grateful if you would mind closing us in prayer, if you would mind closing us in prayer, if you would mind closing us in prayer, specifically praying for people as they specifically praying for people as they specifically praying for people as they read this book. again may maybe they've read this book. again may maybe they've read this book. again may maybe they've never read it before or maybe they want never read it before or maybe they want never read it before or maybe they want to dive back into it now after we've

to dive back into it now after we've to dive back into it now after we've been able to talk more about it and been able to talk more about it and been able to talk more about it and we'll see things in a different light. we'll see things in a different light. we'll see things in a different light. But if you would close us uh in prayer, But if you would close us uh in prayer, But if you would close us uh in prayer, I would deeply appreciate it. I would deeply appreciate it. I would deeply appreciate it. I' I'd love to do that. Let's let's pray I' I'd love to do that. Let's let's pray I' I'd love to do that. Let's let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we come to you Heavenly Father, we come to you conscious that uh um the human heart is conscious that uh um the human heart is conscious that uh um the human heart is very uh deceptive and uh at times we can very uh deceptive and uh at times we can very uh deceptive and uh at times we can be blinded by our own prejudice, our own be blinded by our own prejudice, our own be blinded by our own prejudice, our own bigotry. bigotry. bigotry. We may not always appreciate fully that We may not always appreciate fully that We may not always appreciate fully that it's there. it's there. it's there. And we pray that as we contemplate the And we pray that as we contemplate the And we pray that as we contemplate the actions and attitudes of Jonah [music] actions and attitudes of Jonah [music] actions and attitudes of Jonah [music] that you might just help us to see that you might just help us to see that you might just help us to see possibly in ourselves possibly in ourselves possibly in ourselves something of [music] that bigotry that something of [music] that bigotry that something of [music] that bigotry that he has. Uh help us he has. Uh help us he has. Uh help us truly to love our enemies as Christ truly to love our enemies as Christ truly to love our enemies as Christ instructed us and forgive us when we instructed us and forgive us when we instructed us and forgive us when we have um thought of others as deserving have um thought of others as deserving have um thought of others as deserving of your justice, your judgment, of your justice, your judgment, of your justice, your judgment, but have been happy ourselves to focus but have been happy ourselves to focus but have been happy ourselves to focus on your compassion and love.

on your compassion and love. on your compassion and love. We thank you that you did not give up on We thank you that you did not give up on We thank you that you did not give up on Jonah. you sought to win him over by Jonah. you sought to win him over by Jonah. you sought to win him over by your actions. And we pray that that your actions. And we pray that that your actions. And we pray that that might be true in our lives that we would might be true in our lives that we would might be true in our lives that we would truly know that you [music] are uh the truly know that you [music] are uh the truly know that you [music] are uh the God of salvation. We thank you for all God of salvation. We thank you for all God of salvation. We thank you for all that is ours in Christ. And in [music] that is ours in Christ. And in [music] that is ours in Christ. And in [music] his name we pray. Amen.