The Compasionate God

There's poison in his heart. He doesn't There's poison in his heart. He doesn't want the Ninevites to become brothers want the Ninevites to become brothers want the Ninevites to become brothers and sisters inside of the family of God and sisters inside of the family of God and sisters inside of the family of God because they do not deserve my great because they do not deserve my great because they do not deserve my great God. God is trying to expose to Jonah God. God is trying to expose to Jonah God. God is trying to expose to Jonah the difference between the compassion in the difference between the compassion in the difference between the compassion in Jonah's heart and the compassion of the Jonah's heart and the compassion of the Jonah's heart and the compassion of the God that Jonah says he serves. I'm tough God that Jonah says he serves. I'm tough God that Jonah says he serves. I'm tough on sin, but when I'm tough on sin, I on sin, but when I'm tough on sin, I on sin, but when I'm tough on sin, I must not forget to be tender toward must not forget to be tender toward must not forget to be tender toward those who are caught in the web of sin. those who are caught in the web of sin. those who are caught in the web of sin. Just ask yourself regularly, am I a Just ask yourself regularly, am I a Just ask yourself regularly, am I a walking contradiction like Jonah, God? >> [music] >> [music] >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. It's good to see everybody and happy It's good to see everybody and happy It's good to see everybody and happy Father's Day, dads. Father's Day, dads. Father's Day, dads. Remember to pick up your gift. It's root Remember to pick up your gift. It's root Remember to pick up your gift. It's root beer that's available. beer that's available. beer that's available. And remember to despite the noise out And remember to despite the noise out And remember to despite the noise out there to make sure that you realize there to make sure that you realize there to make sure that you realize you've got a key God-given role in you've got a key God-given role in you've got a key God-given role in society and that it's beautiful when society and that it's beautiful when society and that it's beautiful when dads step into it. Society is better for dads step into it. Society is better for dads step into it. Society is better for it when we do. Now, we're coming to the it when we do. Now, we're coming to the it when we do. Now, we're coming to the close of our study in the book of Jonah.

close of our study in the book of Jonah. close of our study in the book of Jonah. We're this week and with another week. We're this week and with another week. We're this week and with another week. And and I'm I'm sad. I'm sad there's And and I'm I'm sad. I'm sad there's And and I'm I'm sad. I'm sad there's only four chapters. I want there to be only four chapters. I want there to be only four chapters. I want there to be more. I'm sure Jonah doesn't want there more. I'm sure Jonah doesn't want there more. I'm sure Jonah doesn't want there to be more, but I'd like there to be to be more, but I'd like there to be to be more, but I'd like there to be more. I'm learning so much through this more. I'm learning so much through this more. I'm learning so much through this wonderful story that's a kind that God wonderful story that's a kind that God wonderful story that's a kind that God has preserved for us. has preserved for us. has preserved for us. And by now, I hopefully you've picked up And by now, I hopefully you've picked up And by now, I hopefully you've picked up on the fact that that we're dealing on the fact that that we're dealing on the fact that that we're dealing generally with two big issues. And the generally with two big issues. And the generally with two big issues. And the first is God's heart for the culture out first is God's heart for the culture out first is God's heart for the culture out there around us. there around us. there around us. God's heart for the world. God wants to God's heart for the world. God wants to God's heart for the world. God wants to save even nasty, vile societies. save even nasty, vile societies. save even nasty, vile societies. And so, he sends his people into the And so, he sends his people into the And so, he sends his people into the culture with with his message, with culture with with his message, with culture with with his message, with truth. Did so back then, still does so truth. Did so back then, still does so truth. Did so back then, still does so today. And in Nineveh's case, he sends today. And in Nineveh's case, he sends today. And in Nineveh's case, he sends them he commissions to go to them a them he commissions to go to them a them he commissions to go to them a seasoned preacher seasoned preacher seasoned preacher with a very, very short message and an with a very, very short message and an with a very, very short message and an incredible fish story. And in [snorts] incredible fish story. And in [snorts] incredible fish story. And in [snorts] my head, a sort of a washed out Hawaiian my head, a sort of a washed out Hawaiian my head, a sort of a washed out Hawaiian t-shirt. But that's just in my head.

t-shirt. But that's just in my head. t-shirt. But that's just in my head. And you know, the Ninevites, they had And you know, the Ninevites, they had And you know, the Ninevites, they had fish gods. Did you know that? That in fish gods. Did you know that? That in fish gods. Did you know that? That in their pantheon of gods, there were fish their pantheon of gods, there were fish their pantheon of gods, there were fish gods. They worshipped fish gods. And so, gods. They worshipped fish gods. And so, gods. They worshipped fish gods. And so, when a preacher comes along with a have when a preacher comes along with a have when a preacher comes along with a have I got a fish story for you? They wouldn't have been finding that They wouldn't have been finding that hard to swallow. hard to swallow. hard to swallow. Ah, I see, it's Dad's Day. I had to I Ah, I see, it's Dad's Day. I had to I Ah, I see, it's Dad's Day. I had to I had to throw that in. They wouldn't have had to throw that in. They wouldn't have had to throw that in. They wouldn't have find it fishy, remember? And and they find it fishy, remember? And and they find it fishy, remember? And and they wouldn't have made, ready for it? They wouldn't have made, ready for it? They wouldn't have made, ready for it? They wouldn't It would have made a real big wouldn't It would have made a real big wouldn't It would have made a real big splash in Nineveh. splash in Nineveh. splash in Nineveh. The Ninevites hear truth. The Ninevites hear truth. The Ninevites hear truth. They hear truth and they respond to They hear truth and they respond to They hear truth and they respond to truth. They turn, they believe, they truth. They turn, they believe, they truth. They turn, they believe, they repent. Chapter 3, we're moving it We're repent. Chapter 3, we're moving it We're repent. Chapter 3, we're moving it We're in chapter 4, but but chapter 3 is one in chapter 4, but but chapter 3 is one in chapter 4, but but chapter 3 is one of the most beautiful chapters in the of the most beautiful chapters in the of the most beautiful chapters in the Bible. Bible. Bible. This beautiful a kind of of what God did This beautiful a kind of of what God did This beautiful a kind of of what God did to this city nation that that God wants to this city nation that that God wants to this city nation that that God wants to do with with any nation, even to this to do with with any nation, even to this to do with with any nation, even to this day. That's why, in part, it's recorded day. That's why, in part, it's recorded day. That's why, in part, it's recorded for us.

for us. for us. God wants to turn nations around. God wants to turn nations around. God wants to turn nations around. Recently, I I told you about God's past Recently, I I told you about God's past Recently, I I told you about God's past work in Northern Ireland a century or so work in Northern Ireland a century or so work in Northern Ireland a century or so ago. And how God's work then, the ago. And how God's work then, the ago. And how God's work then, the revival he brought through a few revival he brought through a few revival he brought through a few generations then, has had beautiful generations then, has had beautiful generations then, has had beautiful repercussions even to this day. repercussions even to this day. repercussions even to this day. Well, back in the early 1900s, Well, back in the early 1900s, Well, back in the early 1900s, uh there was a revival in Belfast. And uh there was a revival in Belfast. And uh there was a revival in Belfast. And recently, we were at the Titanic Museum. recently, we were at the Titanic Museum. recently, we were at the Titanic Museum. And of course, well, you might not have And of course, well, you might not have And of course, well, you might not have known this, the Titanic was built in known this, the Titanic was built in known this, the Titanic was built in Belfast. So, it reminded me of that Belfast. So, it reminded me of that Belfast. So, it reminded me of that revival because it took place amongst revival because it took place amongst revival because it took place amongst the shipbuilders. the shipbuilders. the shipbuilders. There was a pastor that God used called There was a pastor that God used called There was a pastor that God used called Nicholson, Pastor Nicholson, and he Nicholson, Pastor Nicholson, and he Nicholson, Pastor Nicholson, and he preached the gospel and thousands and preached the gospel and thousands and preached the gospel and thousands and thousands of shipbuilders, thousands of shipbuilders, thousands of shipbuilders, rough and ready men, came to faith in rough and ready men, came to faith in rough and ready men, came to faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. They were so convicted that they turned They were so convicted that they turned They were so convicted that they turned their lives around. their lives around. their lives around. The shipping company, Harland and Wolff The shipping company, Harland and Wolff The shipping company, Harland and Wolff it's called, they they had to build a it's called, they they had to build a it's called, they they had to build a big warehouse and they called it the big warehouse and they called it the big warehouse and they called it the Nicholson shed, named after Pastor Nicholson shed, named after Pastor Nicholson shed, named after Pastor Nicholson. And it wasn't so that they Nicholson. And it wasn't so that they Nicholson. And it wasn't so that they would facilitate the gathering of all would facilitate the gathering of all would facilitate the gathering of all these believers under the ministry of these believers under the ministry of these believers under the ministry of Pastor Nicholson. No, it was so that Pastor Nicholson. No, it was so that Pastor Nicholson. No, it was so that they could store all the returned tools they could store all the returned tools they could store all the returned tools that these now converted men were that these now converted men were that these now converted men were bringing back bringing back bringing back under the conviction of the spirit.

under the conviction of the spirit. under the conviction of the spirit. The obedience that comes from faith. The obedience that comes from faith. The obedience that comes from faith. When there's genuine faith in the Lord When there's genuine faith in the Lord When there's genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and sin isn't interrupting Jesus Christ and sin isn't interrupting Jesus Christ and sin isn't interrupting that in the Christian life, there's a that in the Christian life, there's a that in the Christian life, there's a desire to obey him. There's a desire to desire to obey him. There's a desire to desire to obey him. There's a desire to walk in fellowship with him. There's a walk in fellowship with him. There's a walk in fellowship with him. There's a desire to be loyal to him. desire to be loyal to him. desire to be loyal to him. So the book of Jonah, the story of Jonah So the book of Jonah, the story of Jonah So the book of Jonah, the story of Jonah shows us first God's heart for the shows us first God's heart for the shows us first God's heart for the cultures of the world that he wants to cultures of the world that he wants to cultures of the world that he wants to turn nations around. He wants to turn turn nations around. He wants to turn turn nations around. He wants to turn our nation around. God wants the 250th our nation around. God wants the 250th our nation around. God wants the 250th year of this great country to be a year of this great country to be a year of this great country to be a revival year, just like it was in its revival year, just like it was in its revival year, just like it was in its early days. early days. early days. But but this story is not just about But but this story is not just about But but this story is not just about God's heart for the cultures out there. God's heart for the cultures out there. God's heart for the cultures out there. It's also to mature Christians in here. It's also to mature Christians in here. It's also to mature Christians in here. God wants to do a work inside of his God wants to do a work inside of his God wants to do a work inside of his people. Yes, it's about the pagan people. Yes, it's about the pagan people. Yes, it's about the pagan Ninevites out there coming to be Ninevites out there coming to be Ninevites out there coming to be justified by faith in God, to become his justified by faith in God, to become his justified by faith in God, to become his children, but it's also, secondly, not children, but it's also, secondly, not children, but it's also, secondly, not in importance, in importance, in importance, about maturing Jonahs, about maturing Jonahs, about maturing Jonahs, Jonah-like Christians, sanctifying them Jonah-like Christians, sanctifying them Jonah-like Christians, sanctifying them in in in the faith.

the faith. the faith. Becoming like Christ Becoming like Christ Becoming like Christ because you belong to Christ. because you belong to Christ. because you belong to Christ. You, me, us. This is about you, me, and You, me, us. This is about you, me, and You, me, us. This is about you, me, and us. It's a beautiful story that's very us. It's a beautiful story that's very us. It's a beautiful story that's very relevant to our lives, not to just what relevant to our lives, not to just what relevant to our lives, not to just what God wants to do out there. And Jonah God wants to do out there. And Jonah God wants to do out there. And Jonah chapter 3 would beautifully end the chapter 3 would beautifully end the chapter 3 would beautifully end the book. book. book. Jonah would would leave a legacy that's Jonah would would leave a legacy that's Jonah would would leave a legacy that's incredible, right? If the story ended incredible, right? If the story ended incredible, right? If the story ended right there. I said that last week. He'd right there. I said that last week. He'd right there. I said that last week. He'd be on ancient Ninevites man of the year be on ancient Ninevites man of the year be on ancient Ninevites man of the year sort of front cover of their Time sort of front cover of their Time sort of front cover of their Time magazine. magazine. magazine. He could easily get a book deal writing He could easily get a book deal writing He could easily get a book deal writing a best-seller on how to turn pagans into a best-seller on how to turn pagans into a best-seller on how to turn pagans into Christians in just five words. But Jonah doesn't want that. But Jonah doesn't want that. And Jonah doesn't want that not because And Jonah doesn't want that not because And Jonah doesn't want that not because he's humble. he's humble. he's humble. Not because his life is full of Not because his life is full of Not because his life is full of humility. Jonah doesn't want that humility. Jonah doesn't want that humility. Jonah doesn't want that because his life is full of hatred. because his life is full of hatred. because his life is full of hatred. There's poison in his heart. He doesn't There's poison in his heart. He doesn't There's poison in his heart. He doesn't want the Ninevites to become brothers want the Ninevites to become brothers want the Ninevites to become brothers and sisters inside of the family of God and sisters inside of the family of God and sisters inside of the family of God because they do not deserve my great because they do not deserve my great because they do not deserve my great God.

God. God. That's Jonah's attitude. That's why the That's Jonah's attitude. That's why the That's Jonah's attitude. That's why the book doesn't end in chapter 3. God has book doesn't end in chapter 3. God has book doesn't end in chapter 3. God has to deal with that. And so when you move to deal with that. And so when you move to deal with that. And so when you move from chapter 3 into chapter 4, there's a from chapter 3 into chapter 4, there's a from chapter 3 into chapter 4, there's a there's an abrupt shift. there's an abrupt shift. there's an abrupt shift. You kind of nearly get literary You kind of nearly get literary You kind of nearly get literary whiplash. If you've never read this whiplash. If you've never read this whiplash. If you've never read this story before, when you move from three story before, when you move from three story before, when you move from three into four, you go, "What? What on earth into four, you go, "What? What on earth into four, you go, "What? What on earth is going on in this man's life?" It is going on in this man's life?" It is going on in this man's life?" It catches you off guard. catches you off guard. catches you off guard. I mentioned last week to you Frank and I mentioned last week to you Frank and I mentioned last week to you Frank and Linda in a joke. Linda in a joke. Linda in a joke. Well, I've got Frank and Linda for you Well, I've got Frank and Linda for you Well, I've got Frank and Linda for you again today. Uh it was coming up to again today. Uh it was coming up to again today. Uh it was coming up to Linda's birthday. Linda's birthday. Linda's birthday. Uh and so she was dropping hints uh Uh and so she was dropping hints uh Uh and so she was dropping hints uh left, right, and center to Frank about left, right, and center to Frank about left, right, and center to Frank about what to get her. what to get her. what to get her. Uh I want something shiny, Frank. I want Uh I want something shiny, Frank. I want Uh I want something shiny, Frank. I want something shiny. Something shiny and something shiny. Something shiny and something shiny. Something shiny and fast, Frank. I want something shiny and fast, Frank. I want something shiny and fast, Frank. I want something shiny and fast. Something that goes from zero to fast. Something that goes from zero to fast. Something that goes from zero to 100 in under 4 seconds. She was clear. 100 in under 4 seconds. She was clear. 100 in under 4 seconds. She was clear. So, Frank, bless his heart, he went out So, Frank, bless his heart, he went out So, Frank, bless his heart, he went out shopping. shopping. shopping. And he bought her bathroom scales.

Now, I Now, I bless his heart, I don't know what Frank bless his heart, I don't know what Frank bless his heart, I don't know what Frank was thinking. That didn't go down well. was thinking. That didn't go down well. was thinking. That didn't go down well. That was quite an abrupt shift that you That was quite an abrupt shift that you That was quite an abrupt shift that you weren't expecting, either. Come on, weren't expecting, either. Come on, weren't expecting, either. Come on, Frank. Frank. Frank. And when we move from chapter 3 into And when we move from chapter 3 into And when we move from chapter 3 into chapter 4, there's such an abrupt shift chapter 4, there's such an abrupt shift chapter 4, there's such an abrupt shift that's startling. How does a revivalist that's startling. How does a revivalist that's startling. How does a revivalist preacher holding a city revival not want preacher holding a city revival not want preacher holding a city revival not want anyone saved? anyone saved? anyone saved? Come on, Jonah. Come on, Jonah. Come on, Jonah. What's going on in your heart, servant What's going on in your heart, servant What's going on in your heart, servant of God, child of God? of God, child of God? of God, child of God? Jonah's angry at God's will. Jonah's angry at God's will. Jonah's angry at God's will. Jonah is upset with God how God fulfills Jonah is upset with God how God fulfills Jonah is upset with God how God fulfills his purposes and plans, how God manages, his purposes and plans, how God manages, his purposes and plans, how God manages, stewards the salvation that he has every stewards the salvation that he has every stewards the salvation that he has every right to offer. Jonah's not happy with God, and so he Jonah's not happy with God, and so he relapses in chapter 4, as we saw last relapses in chapter 4, as we saw last relapses in chapter 4, as we saw last time, back into this unholy obedience. time, back into this unholy obedience. time, back into this unholy obedience. He obeys, but his heart's not in it. He He obeys, but his heart's not in it. He He obeys, but his heart's not in it. He doesn't want it. doesn't want it. doesn't want it. The unholy obedience that seems to have The unholy obedience that seems to have The unholy obedience that seems to have characterized his life in the past. Why?

characterized his life in the past. Why? characterized his life in the past. Why? Because there's undisciplined areas in Because there's undisciplined areas in Because there's undisciplined areas in his heart. There's undisciplined and his heart. There's undisciplined and his heart. There's undisciplined and unsanctified areas that are that are unsanctified areas that are that are unsanctified areas that are that are growing in his heart. He's immature. growing in his heart. He's immature. growing in his heart. He's immature. So, this story, yes, it's about God's So, this story, yes, it's about God's So, this story, yes, it's about God's heart for the Ninevite cultures out heart for the Ninevite cultures out heart for the Ninevite cultures out there, around us, but it's also about there, around us, but it's also about there, around us, but it's also about God's heart to mature the Christians in God's heart to mature the Christians in God's heart to mature the Christians in here, Christian Jonahs. here, Christian Jonahs. here, Christian Jonahs. Christian men and women like you and I. Christian men and women like you and I. Christian men and women like you and I. Why? Because he who began a good work in Why? Because he who began a good work in Why? Because he who began a good work in you will complete it. It's incomplete. you will complete it. It's incomplete. you will complete it. It's incomplete. He will complete it until the day of He will complete it until the day of He will complete it until the day of Christ, as the Apostle Paul reminds us Christ, as the Apostle Paul reminds us Christ, as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians. in Philippians. in Philippians. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So, we're in chapter 4 and last week we >> So, we're in chapter 4 and last week we >> So, we're in chapter 4 and last week we looked at character cutout number one, looked at character cutout number one, looked at character cutout number one, the revivalist preacher. Today I want to the revivalist preacher. Today I want to the revivalist preacher. Today I want to look at character cutout number two, the look at character cutout number two, the look at character cutout number two, the compassionate God. compassionate God. compassionate God. The compassionate God. What does this The compassionate God. What does this The compassionate God. What does this private chat, this private conversation private chat, this private conversation private chat, this private conversation between Jonah and God reveal about God, between Jonah and God reveal about God, between Jonah and God reveal about God, reveal about your God? We've seen reveal about your God? We've seen reveal about your God? We've seen already that he's sovereign.

already that he's sovereign. already that he's sovereign. We've seen that all the way through this We've seen that all the way through this We've seen that all the way through this wonderful story. He's sovereign over wonderful story. He's sovereign over wonderful story. He's sovereign over sailors, he's sovereign over storms, sailors, he's sovereign over storms, sailors, he's sovereign over storms, he's sovereign over the casting stones, he's sovereign over the casting stones, he's sovereign over the casting stones, he's sovereign over the gobbling fish, he's sovereign over the gobbling fish, he's sovereign over the gobbling fish, he's sovereign over the jack Jack and he's sovereign over the jack Jack and he's sovereign over the jack Jack and the Beanstalk type plant. He's he's the Beanstalk type plant. He's he's the Beanstalk type plant. He's he's sovereign over the hungry hippo type sovereign over the hungry hippo type sovereign over the hungry hippo type worm. He's sovereign over the hot wind worm. He's sovereign over the hot wind worm. He's sovereign over the hot wind weather that blows in into Nineveh and weather that blows in into Nineveh and weather that blows in into Nineveh and into Jonah's face. God is in total into Jonah's face. God is in total into Jonah's face. God is in total control. We see that in this story. control. We see that in this story. control. We see that in this story. But in the midst of all of that, I don't But in the midst of all of that, I don't But in the midst of all of that, I don't want you to miss that this sovereign God want you to miss that this sovereign God want you to miss that this sovereign God is presented to us as a sovereign is presented to us as a sovereign is presented to us as a sovereign compassionate God. compassionate God. compassionate God. This has been in the story all along but This has been in the story all along but This has been in the story all along but emerges in chapter 4 at the climax of emerges in chapter 4 at the climax of emerges in chapter 4 at the climax of the story in a very very clear way. the story in a very very clear way. the story in a very very clear way. So, I've two points for you to chew on So, I've two points for you to chew on So, I've two points for you to chew on today and then an application of thought today and then an application of thought today and then an application of thought for you to take home and chew on. Also, for you to take home and chew on. Also, for you to take home and chew on. Also, I want you this week to become like that I want you this week to become like that I want you this week to become like that hungry hippo worm. hungry hippo worm. hungry hippo worm. Chewing up God's truth, making it yours Chewing up God's truth, making it yours Chewing up God's truth, making it yours to be lived out in your life. Well, to be lived out in your life. Well, to be lived out in your life. Well, first up, first up, first up, the compassionate God is tender and the compassionate God is tender and the compassionate God is tender and tough with his children.

tough with his children. tough with his children. That comes out loud and clear in this That comes out loud and clear in this That comes out loud and clear in this chapter. chapter. chapter. This compassionate God is is tender and This compassionate God is is tender and This compassionate God is is tender and tough with his child, with with with tough with his child, with with with tough with his child, with with with Jonah. He's gentle with him but he's Jonah. He's gentle with him but he's Jonah. He's gentle with him but he's firm with him. He's like a loving parent firm with him. He's like a loving parent firm with him. He's like a loving parent that is not a pushover. that is not a pushover. that is not a pushover. And that's how God deals with his And that's how God deals with his And that's how God deals with his people. And if you're a child of God, people. And if you're a child of God, people. And if you're a child of God, God will be tender and tough with you. God will be tender and tough with you. God will be tender and tough with you. Early in this scene in chapter 4, we we Early in this scene in chapter 4, we we Early in this scene in chapter 4, we we we hear we hear we hear on Jonah's lips that that God is on Jonah's lips that that God is on Jonah's lips that that God is compassionate. Look at verse 2. compassionate. Look at verse 2. compassionate. Look at verse 2. There's a whole list there of attributes There's a whole list there of attributes There's a whole list there of attributes of God that that Jonah knows to rehearse of God that that Jonah knows to rehearse of God that that Jonah knows to rehearse because he knows God to be like this. I because he knows God to be like this. I because he knows God to be like this. I mean, he might have sung songs to God mean, he might have sung songs to God mean, he might have sung songs to God celebrating this. And in the midst of celebrating this. And in the midst of celebrating this. And in the midst of all those attributes, there's the word all those attributes, there's the word all those attributes, there's the word compassionate. compassionate. compassionate. Some versions have uh merciful. Some versions have uh merciful. Some versions have uh merciful. I'll come back to all of that in a I'll come back to all of that in a I'll come back to all of that in a second. But, if you then glance down at second. But, if you then glance down at second. But, if you then glance down at verses 10 and 11, we zoom in out of all verses 10 and 11, we zoom in out of all verses 10 and 11, we zoom in out of all those attributes, we zoom in on that one those attributes, we zoom in on that one those attributes, we zoom in on that one attribute that this chapter's trying to attribute that this chapter's trying to attribute that this chapter's trying to flush to the surface and to your flush to the surface and to your flush to the surface and to your attention, compassion.

attention, compassion. attention, compassion. Look at verse 10. Then the Lord said, Look at verse 10. Then the Lord said, Look at verse 10. Then the Lord said, "You," to Jonah, "you had compassion "You," to Jonah, "you had compassion "You," to Jonah, "you had compassion on the plant. on the plant. on the plant. You had compassion on the plant." Some You had compassion on the plant." Some You had compassion on the plant." Some translations have troubled, "You were translations have troubled, "You were translations have troubled, "You were troubled by the plant. You were upset by troubled by the plant. You were upset by troubled by the plant. You were upset by the plant. You you were concerned or had the plant. You you were concerned or had the plant. You you were concerned or had pity on the plant." All of those are all pity on the plant." All of those are all pity on the plant." All of those are all legitimate translations, but the word is legitimate translations, but the word is legitimate translations, but the word is compassion. compassion. compassion. Now, look at uh verse 11. Now, look at uh verse 11. Now, look at uh verse 11. Then God says, Then God says, Then God says, "Should I not have compassion on "Should I not have compassion on "Should I not have compassion on Nineveh?" Nineveh?" Nineveh?" Again, some translations have concerned, Again, some translations have concerned, Again, some translations have concerned, "Should I not have concern? Should I not "Should I not have concern? Should I not "Should I not have concern? Should I not have be troubled by? Should I not be have be troubled by? Should I not be have be troubled by? Should I not be upset by? Or should I not have pity on upset by? Or should I not have pity on upset by? Or should I not have pity on Nineveh?" All of those are legitimate, Nineveh?" All of those are legitimate, Nineveh?" All of those are legitimate, uh but all of them really are rooted in uh but all of them really are rooted in uh but all of them really are rooted in the word compassion. Now, I I understand the word compassion. Now, I I understand the word compassion. Now, I I understand that some English translations try and that some English translations try and that some English translations try and smooth things out for the eye so that smooth things out for the eye so that smooth things out for the eye so that reads a little bit nicer. And and reads a little bit nicer. And and reads a little bit nicer. And and variation sometimes helps with that. variation sometimes helps with that. variation sometimes helps with that. But, in this case, repetition is But, in this case, repetition is But, in this case, repetition is important because if you keep repeating important because if you keep repeating important because if you keep repeating the word compassion, guess what comes to the word compassion, guess what comes to the word compassion, guess what comes to the surface as we read this chapter?

the surface as we read this chapter? the surface as we read this chapter? compassion. compassion. compassion. This is all about the compassion of God. This is all about the compassion of God. This is all about the compassion of God. Chapter 4, this conversation between Chapter 4, this conversation between Chapter 4, this conversation between Jonah and God is about the compassion of Jonah and God is about the compassion of Jonah and God is about the compassion of God versus the compassion of Jonah. God versus the compassion of Jonah. God versus the compassion of Jonah. I need you to understand that about your I need you to understand that about your I need you to understand that about your God. If you're a follower of the Lord God. If you're a follower of the Lord God. If you're a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, if you're a believer in Jesus Christ, if you're a believer in Jesus Christ, if you're a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you must the Lord Jesus Christ, you must the Lord Jesus Christ, you must understand that your God is a understand that your God is a understand that your God is a compassionate God. compassionate God. compassionate God. There are many aspects of God's being There are many aspects of God's being There are many aspects of God's being that that we struggle to understand. We that that we struggle to understand. We that that we struggle to understand. We hold them firmly, but we hold them also hold them firmly, but we hold them also hold them firmly, but we hold them also in mystery because we can't get our in mystery because we can't get our in mystery because we can't get our heads around them. heads around them. heads around them. We have limitations in our ability to We have limitations in our ability to We have limitations in our ability to understand all who God is. A few months understand all who God is. A few months understand all who God is. A few months ago, I was chatting with my wife in our ago, I was chatting with my wife in our ago, I was chatting with my wife in our sort of living room stroke kitchen area, sort of living room stroke kitchen area, sort of living room stroke kitchen area, and we were talking about God, and I was and we were talking about God, and I was and we were talking about God, and I was wrestling with some issues as as I was wrestling with some issues as as I was wrestling with some issues as as I was reading them, and I didn't realize that reading them, and I didn't realize that reading them, and I didn't realize that our youngest was lying on the on the our youngest was lying on the on the our youngest was lying on the on the floor of the living room looking up floor of the living room looking up floor of the living room looking up doing who knows what. They're off doing who knows what. They're off doing who knows what. They're off school. I think he was counting the school. I think he was counting the school. I think he was counting the spins on the ceiling fan.

But I hadn't realized he was there, and But I hadn't realized he was there, and and so he was listening, obviously, and and so he was listening, obviously, and and so he was listening, obviously, and then he he spoke up. then he he spoke up. then he he spoke up. And as he's sort of counting the the the And as he's sort of counting the the the And as he's sort of counting the the the revolutions in the ceiling fan, he says, revolutions in the ceiling fan, he says, revolutions in the ceiling fan, he says, "Dad, Dad, okay. So, we believe that the "Dad, Dad, okay. So, we believe that the "Dad, Dad, okay. So, we believe that the Father is God." And I said, "Yes, we Father is God." And I said, "Yes, we Father is God." And I said, "Yes, we do." do." do." And he says, "We believe that Jesus is And he says, "We believe that Jesus is And he says, "We believe that Jesus is God." And I said, "Yes, we do." God." And I said, "Yes, we do." God." And I said, "Yes, we do." And we believe that the Holy Spirit is And we believe that the Holy Spirit is And we believe that the Holy Spirit is God." And I said, "Yes, we do." God." And I said, "Yes, we do." God." And I said, "Yes, we do." But they're not the same person. I said, But they're not the same person. I said, But they're not the same person. I said, "Yes, they're not." "Yes, they're not." "Yes, they're not." So so there's three, but but there's but So so there's three, but but there's but So so there's three, but but there's but there's one God. And I said, "Exactly." there's one God. And I said, "Exactly." there's one God. And I said, "Exactly." And he goes, "Okay, Dad, in my head in And he goes, "Okay, Dad, in my head in And he goes, "Okay, Dad, in my head in my head it's like it's like it's like my head it's like it's like it's like my head it's like it's like it's like >> [screaming] [laughter] [laughter] >> And I laughed like you laughed because >> And I laughed like you laughed because >> And I laughed like you laughed because it's true. it's true. it's true. It's true. The doctrine of the Godhead, It's true. The doctrine of the Godhead, It's true. The doctrine of the Godhead, the doctrine of the Trinity is true even the doctrine of the Trinity is true even the doctrine of the Trinity is true even if my mind can't rationally understand if my mind can't rationally understand if my mind can't rationally understand it. it. it. That's how God has revealed himself in That's how God has revealed himself in That's how God has revealed himself in the scriptures. He is three in one in my the scriptures. He is three in one in my the scriptures. He is three in one in my head despite my head's ability to head despite my head's ability to head despite my head's ability to understand that. Now, there are aspects understand that. Now, there are aspects understand that. Now, there are aspects of God, of course, that we hold firmly of God, of course, that we hold firmly of God, of course, that we hold firmly but hold in mystery. There are other but hold in mystery. There are other but hold in mystery. There are other aspects of who God has revealed himself aspects of who God has revealed himself aspects of who God has revealed himself to be that we comprehend easier.

And that we're called to share in. And that we're called to share in. And that we're called to channel. And that we're called to channel. And that we're called to channel. We call them the shareable attributes of We call them the shareable attributes of We call them the shareable attributes of God. God's not calling you to be God. God's not calling you to be God. God's not calling you to be omniscient, all-knowing. God's not omniscient, all-knowing. God's not omniscient, all-knowing. God's not calling you to be omnipresent, being calling you to be omnipresent, being calling you to be omnipresent, being everywhere at the same time. When God everywhere at the same time. When God everywhere at the same time. When God made you in his image and likeness, made you in his image and likeness, made you in his image and likeness, there are some shareable and some there are some shareable and some there are some shareable and some non-shareable attributes of God. Well, non-shareable attributes of God. Well, non-shareable attributes of God. Well, guess what? Compassion is a shareable guess what? Compassion is a shareable guess what? Compassion is a shareable attribute of God. attribute of God. attribute of God. He wants it in the life of his servant He wants it in the life of his servant He wants it in the life of his servant Jonah. He wants it in the lives of his Jonah. He wants it in the lives of his Jonah. He wants it in the lives of his people. So, back up the verse two. people. So, back up the verse two. people. So, back up the verse two. We're in Jonah's prayer here to God. And We're in Jonah's prayer here to God. And We're in Jonah's prayer here to God. And he lists these attributes. he lists these attributes. he lists these attributes. And Jonah is quoting God's own words And Jonah is quoting God's own words And Jonah is quoting God's own words concerning himself, concerning God. concerning himself, concerning God. concerning himself, concerning God. Words that are recorded for us for the Words that are recorded for us for the Words that are recorded for us for the first time in Exodus chapter 34 verses first time in Exodus chapter 34 verses first time in Exodus chapter 34 verses six and seven. And I need to explain six and seven. And I need to explain six and seven. And I need to explain this a little bit to you because this is this a little bit to you because this is this a little bit to you because this is a big deal. a big deal. a big deal. This is a big deal. This is a This is a big deal. This is a This is a big deal. This is a significant teaching of the scriptures significant teaching of the scriptures significant teaching of the scriptures that pops up not just in this book, pops that pops up not just in this book, pops that pops up not just in this book, pops up regularly in the scriptures.

up regularly in the scriptures. up regularly in the scriptures. It gets repeated. It gets appealed to. It gets repeated. It gets appealed to. It gets repeated. It gets appealed to. It gets quoted by multiple authors in It gets quoted by multiple authors in It gets quoted by multiple authors in the scriptures. the scriptures. the scriptures. It's in obviously on Moses' pen in It's in obviously on Moses' pen in It's in obviously on Moses' pen in Exodus and in numbers. It's clearly on Exodus and in numbers. It's clearly on Exodus and in numbers. It's clearly on Jonah's pen here, but it's also on on Jonah's pen here, but it's also on on Jonah's pen here, but it's also on on David's pen and other psalmist pens. David's pen and other psalmist pens. David's pen and other psalmist pens. It's also on Nehemiah's pen and Nahum's It's also on Nehemiah's pen and Nahum's It's also on Nehemiah's pen and Nahum's pen and Joel's pen. This is a big deal pen and Joel's pen. This is a big deal pen and Joel's pen. This is a big deal verse. Some verses are so significant verse. Some verses are so significant verse. Some verses are so significant that that the rest of the scriptures that that the rest of the scriptures that that the rest of the scriptures keep appealing back to them. This is keep appealing back to them. This is keep appealing back to them. This is one. one. one. Exodus 34:6 and 7. Exodus 34:6 and 7. Exodus 34:6 and 7. God disclosing, God revealing God disclosing, God revealing God disclosing, God revealing to Moses to Moses to Moses what he, God, is like. what he, God, is like. what he, God, is like. God doesn't leave it up to Moses. God doesn't leave it up to Moses. God doesn't leave it up to Moses. God doesn't leave it up to the pagan God doesn't leave it up to the pagan God doesn't leave it up to the pagan Israelites to build their understanding Israelites to build their understanding Israelites to build their understanding of God. God doesn't leave it up to you of God. God doesn't leave it up to you of God. God doesn't leave it up to you or me or society to build our own DIY or me or society to build our own DIY or me or society to build our own DIY God. God tells us, "This is what I'm God. God tells us, "This is what I'm God. God tells us, "This is what I'm like."

God says to Moses here in Exodus 34 in God says to Moses here in Exodus 34 in the middle of the Israelites functioning the middle of the Israelites functioning the middle of the Israelites functioning like pagan Ninevites, actually, God like pagan Ninevites, actually, God like pagan Ninevites, actually, God tells them, "I am compassionate and tells them, "I am compassionate and tells them, "I am compassionate and gracious. gracious. gracious. I'm slow to anger. I'm abounding in I'm slow to anger. I'm abounding in I'm slow to anger. I'm abounding in loving kindness and faithfulness. I am loving kindness and faithfulness. I am loving kindness and faithfulness. I am one who keeps loving kindness for one who keeps loving kindness for one who keeps loving kindness for thousands of generations. I'm one who thousands of generations. I'm one who thousands of generations. I'm one who forgives iniquity, transgression, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet, sin. Yet, sin. Yet, I'm one who will not by no means leave I'm one who will not by no means leave I'm one who will not by no means leave the guilty unpunished, the guilty unpunished, the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on visiting the iniquity of the fathers on visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the children and on the grandchildren to the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." the third and fourth generations." the third and fourth generations." This is how God reveals himself. This is how God reveals himself. This is how God reveals himself. So, there's a little tension for us as So, there's a little tension for us as So, there's a little tension for us as we read that, as we read of those we read that, as we read of those we read that, as we read of those attributes, because we read of his attributes, because we read of his attributes, because we read of his tenderness, tenderness, tenderness, his compassion. his compassion. his compassion. But, we also read of his toughness, But, we also read of his toughness, But, we also read of his toughness, that he will punish sin generationally. that he will punish sin generationally. that he will punish sin generationally. We're reading essentially God is saying We're reading essentially God is saying We're reading essentially God is saying to Moses and through Moses to the rest to Moses and through Moses to the rest to Moses and through Moses to the rest of us that God saves, but that God of us that God saves, but that God of us that God saves, but that God judges. That God smiles, but that God judges. That God smiles, but that God judges. That God smiles, but that God frowns. And we want the the the face of frowns. And we want the the the face of frowns. And we want the the the face of God smiling at us. We don't want the God smiling at us. We don't want the God smiling at us. We don't want the face of God frowning at us, but God can face of God frowning at us, but God can face of God frowning at us, but God can smile and God can frown at the same time smile and God can frown at the same time smile and God can frown at the same time and that be consistent with his being.

I just want to focus on the attitude of I just want to focus on the attitude of companion of compassion, the attribute companion of compassion, the attribute companion of compassion, the attribute of compassion, because that's the focus of compassion, because that's the focus of compassion, because that's the focus that that comes to the surface out of that that comes to the surface out of that that comes to the surface out of Exodus 34 into the into the conversation Exodus 34 into the into the conversation Exodus 34 into the into the conversation that God and Jonah have here. that God and Jonah have here. that God and Jonah have here. God is trying to expose to Jonah God is trying to expose to Jonah God is trying to expose to Jonah the difference between the compassion in the difference between the compassion in the difference between the compassion in Jonah's heart Jonah's heart Jonah's heart and the God that Jonah says he serves. and the God that Jonah says he serves. and the God that Jonah says he serves. So, let me help you understand the word So, let me help you understand the word So, let me help you understand the word compassion. It's it's key. We're talking compassion. It's it's key. We're talking compassion. It's it's key. We're talking about the compassionate God who who about the compassionate God who who about the compassionate God who who wants us to to to to to channel it. So, wants us to to to to to channel it. So, wants us to to to to to channel it. So, what what is this compassion? What what what what is this compassion? What what what what is this compassion? What what can we understand of of the word can we understand of of the word can we understand of of the word compassion and what it means? Compassion compassion and what it means? Compassion compassion and what it means? Compassion means that one is deeply moved inside means that one is deeply moved inside means that one is deeply moved inside oneself. Deeply moved inside oneself. oneself. Deeply moved inside oneself. oneself. Deeply moved inside oneself. It's emotional. It's an emotional It's emotional. It's an emotional It's emotional. It's an emotional response deeply moved inside oneself to response deeply moved inside oneself to response deeply moved inside oneself to the distress of others out there. To the the distress of others out there. To the the distress of others out there. To the distress of others out there. And that distress of others out there. And that distress of others out there. And that it it it moves or it flows out in action it it it moves or it flows out in action it it it moves or it flows out in action toward those in distress in order to toward those in distress in order to toward those in distress in order to alleviate it.

alleviate it. alleviate it. All of those ingredients are important. All of those ingredients are important. All of those ingredients are important. It isn't an inner emotional feeling It isn't an inner emotional feeling It isn't an inner emotional feeling at the sight at seeing someone in at the sight at seeing someone in at the sight at seeing someone in distress, a feeling at the seeing of distress, a feeling at the seeing of distress, a feeling at the seeing of someone else, but then acts is active someone else, but then acts is active someone else, but then acts is active toward doing something about it. toward doing something about it. toward doing something about it. The word visually The word visually The word visually is rooted in in in emotions in the heart is rooted in in in emotions in the heart is rooted in in in emotions in the heart being stirred and then flowing out, being stirred and then flowing out, being stirred and then flowing out, flowing out meaning through tears. flowing out meaning through tears. flowing out meaning through tears. Right? How Right? How Right? How How do often your your emotions, your How do often your your emotions, your How do often your your emotions, your affections flow? They often flow through affections flow? They often flow through affections flow? They often flow through your tear ducts. your tear ducts. your tear ducts. So, it speaks of of the flowing out of So, it speaks of of the flowing out of So, it speaks of of the flowing out of one's heart through the eyes at the one's heart through the eyes at the one's heart through the eyes at the distress of what the eyes have seen in distress of what the eyes have seen in distress of what the eyes have seen in someone else and therefore manifesting someone else and therefore manifesting someone else and therefore manifesting themselves in helping hands to try and themselves in helping hands to try and themselves in helping hands to try and alleviate yet the others distress. alleviate yet the others distress. alleviate yet the others distress. It's heart stirred with flowing eyes and It's heart stirred with flowing eyes and It's heart stirred with flowing eyes and helping hands. That's a simple helping hands. That's a simple helping hands. That's a simple description of compassion as I've tried description of compassion as I've tried description of compassion as I've tried to wrestle with it. Heart stirred with to wrestle with it. Heart stirred with to wrestle with it. Heart stirred with flowing eyes and helping hands.

flowing eyes and helping hands. flowing eyes and helping hands. And so, compassion is heavily connected And so, compassion is heavily connected And so, compassion is heavily connected to love. to love. to love. Love is a broader category. Compassion Love is a broader category. Compassion Love is a broader category. Compassion is an aspect of love. It's a type of is an aspect of love. It's a type of is an aspect of love. It's a type of love. It's a type of love that manifests love. It's a type of love that manifests love. It's a type of love that manifests itself not when you have romantic itself not when you have romantic itself not when you have romantic thoughts for someone or or or because thoughts for someone or or or because thoughts for someone or or or because you have love for your family. It's It's you have love for your family. It's It's you have love for your family. It's It's a manifestation of love that a manifestation of love that a manifestation of love that specifically occurs when you see specifically occurs when you see specifically occurs when you see distress and you're moved toward distress and you're moved toward distress and you're moved toward alleviating it. alleviating it. alleviating it. So, it's a type of love. It's a type of So, it's a type of love. It's a type of So, it's a type of love. It's a type of love in action. love in action. love in action. And Jonah personally has experienced the And Jonah personally has experienced the And Jonah personally has experienced the compassion of God. compassion of God. compassion of God. And And Jonah personally has And And Jonah personally has And And Jonah personally has academically studied the compassion of academically studied the compassion of academically studied the compassion of God. I mean, he went to Bible College, God. I mean, he went to Bible College, God. I mean, he went to Bible College, remember? He studied the big texts of remember? He studied the big texts of remember? He studied the big texts of the Bible like Exodus 34:6-7. the Bible like Exodus 34:6-7. the Bible like Exodus 34:6-7. And of course, Jonah not only has And of course, Jonah not only has And of course, Jonah not only has personally experienced it and personally personally experienced it and personally personally experienced it and personally studied it academically, but he has studied it academically, but he has studied it academically, but he has studied it scripturally because studied it scripturally because studied it scripturally because the quote that we have here from Jonah the quote that we have here from Jonah the quote that we have here from Jonah in in verse two seems to be reliant on in in verse two seems to be reliant on in in verse two seems to be reliant on what the prophet Joel wrote concerning what the prophet Joel wrote concerning what the prophet Joel wrote concerning Exodus 34.

Exodus 34. Exodus 34. So, Jonah knows personally and So, Jonah knows personally and So, Jonah knows personally and academically and scripturally that God academically and scripturally that God academically and scripturally that God is compassionate, that God's heart is is compassionate, that God's heart is is compassionate, that God's heart is stirred, and his eyes flow, and his stirred, and his eyes flow, and his stirred, and his eyes flow, and his hands help. hands help. hands help. That's who he is. That's who he is. That's who he is. And Jonah welcomes it toward himself and And Jonah welcomes it toward himself and And Jonah welcomes it toward himself and has up until now and even must has up until now and even must has up until now and even must detect that God is dealing with him detect that God is dealing with him detect that God is dealing with him compassionately here in chapter 4. But God doesn't rebuke him, remember? But God doesn't rebuke him, remember? God doesn't rebuke him in my in anger God doesn't rebuke him in my in anger God doesn't rebuke him in my in anger for sulking. God doesn't manhandle him. for sulking. God doesn't manhandle him. for sulking. God doesn't manhandle him. Doesn't grab him by the scruff of the Doesn't grab him by the scruff of the Doesn't grab him by the scruff of the neck neck neck and say, "What are you thinking here, and say, "What are you thinking here, and say, "What are you thinking here, pal?" pal?" pal?" Like I want to do. Like I want to do. Like I want to do. God just asks him a few questions. God just asks him a few questions. God just asks him a few questions. And God, in fact, as the conversation And God, in fact, as the conversation And God, in fact, as the conversation flows with these questions, also gives flows with these questions, also gives flows with these questions, also gives him this beautiful little object lesson him this beautiful little object lesson him this beautiful little object lesson with this plant and this worm. with this plant and this worm. with this plant and this worm. So that Jonah gently, but firmly, will So that Jonah gently, but firmly, will So that Jonah gently, but firmly, will see the hypocrisy that's in his own see the hypocrisy that's in his own see the hypocrisy that's in his own heart.

heart. heart. God is gentle in teaching Jonah to God is gentle in teaching Jonah to God is gentle in teaching Jonah to submit to God's sovereignty. submit to God's sovereignty. submit to God's sovereignty. God is firmly teaching Jonah that the God is firmly teaching Jonah that the God is firmly teaching Jonah that the sovereign God is a compassionate God, sovereign God is a compassionate God, sovereign God is a compassionate God, and that he welcomed God's compassion. and that he welcomed God's compassion. and that he welcomed God's compassion. So, it doesn't make sense that he now So, it doesn't make sense that he now So, it doesn't make sense that he now doesn't welcome God's compassion toward doesn't welcome God's compassion toward doesn't welcome God's compassion toward other people. other people. other people. The irony of it all is that Jonah is The irony of it all is that Jonah is The irony of it all is that Jonah is angry at God for for not being angry at angry at God for for not being angry at angry at God for for not being angry at the Ninevites. the Ninevites. the Ninevites. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> You You You're all You know, >> You You You're all You know, >> You You You're all You know, it's great that I'm not God. it's great that I'm not God. it's great that I'm not God. I mean, I'd be all over this. I'd be I'd I mean, I'd be all over this. I'd be I'd I mean, I'd be all over this. I'd be I'd want to put Jonah in another time out. I'd want to give him one of my fantastic I'd want to give him one of my fantastic lectures that I give to my kids on why lectures that I give to my kids on why lectures that I give to my kids on why your view of what's fair is rubbish. your view of what's fair is rubbish. your view of what's fair is rubbish. And I wouldn't use rubbish. That's PG And I wouldn't use rubbish. That's PG And I wouldn't use rubbish. That's PG for my kids. I have the worm swallow Jonah up for 3 I have the worm swallow Jonah up for 3 days and 3 nights. days and 3 nights. days and 3 nights. I would. I'd have him sit in there in I would. I'd have him sit in there in I would. I'd have him sit in there in another time out. No Chick-fil-A door another time out. No Chick-fil-A door another time out. No Chick-fil-A door dashed this time.

dashed this time. dashed this time. No cable TV to watch the the the World No cable TV to watch the the the World No cable TV to watch the the the World Cup coverage. Cup coverage. Cup coverage. Sit there and think about what you're Sit there and think about what you're Sit there and think about what you're doing, Jonah. And yet God is gentle and doing, Jonah. And yet God is gentle and doing, Jonah. And yet God is gentle and yet God is firm with Jonah despite his yet God is firm with Jonah despite his yet God is firm with Jonah despite his desire for God not to be gentle, but desire for God not to be gentle, but desire for God not to be gentle, but only to be firm and heavy-handed with only to be firm and heavy-handed with only to be firm and heavy-handed with the Ninevites. the Ninevites. the Ninevites. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So, the compassionate God is tender and >> So, the compassionate God is tender and >> So, the compassionate God is tender and tough with his children. tough with his children. tough with his children. Don't forget that truth. Your God is Don't forget that truth. Your God is Don't forget that truth. Your God is compassionate. He's tender towards you, compassionate. He's tender towards you, compassionate. He's tender towards you, but he will be tough towards you as but he will be tough towards you as but he will be tough towards you as well. He's gentle yet firm with Jonah well. He's gentle yet firm with Jonah well. He's gentle yet firm with Jonah and will be gentle yet firm with and will be gentle yet firm with and will be gentle yet firm with Jonah-like Christians even today. He's Jonah-like Christians even today. He's Jonah-like Christians even today. He's been so in my life. been so in my life. been so in my life. I told you a little bit about my return I told you a little bit about my return I told you a little bit about my return to the US 11 years ago and how I to the US 11 years ago and how I to the US 11 years ago and how I struggled with it. Part of my silly struggled with it. Part of my silly struggled with it. Part of my silly struggles were, guess what? I had a struggles were, guess what? I had a struggles were, guess what? I had a beautiful home and I had planted beautiful home and I had planted beautiful home and I had planted beautiful plants. beautiful plants. beautiful plants. Apples and peach trees and plum trees.

Apples and peach trees and plum trees. Apples and peach trees and plum trees. I'd watch them grow. They were mine. I I'd watch them grow. They were mine. I I'd watch them grow. They were mine. I didn't want to leave them. didn't want to leave them. didn't want to leave them. It's ridiculous. That's what I've walked It's ridiculous. That's what I've walked It's ridiculous. That's what I've walked this. And yet God has been so compassionate And yet God has been so compassionate toward me just as like he's been toward me just as like he's been toward me just as like he's been compassionate to toward Jonah. Why? compassionate to toward Jonah. Why? compassionate to toward Jonah. Why? Because God treats us with a heart Because God treats us with a heart Because God treats us with a heart that's stirred on to flowing eyes and that's stirred on to flowing eyes and that's stirred on to flowing eyes and helping hands. He's a compassionate God helping hands. He's a compassionate God helping hands. He's a compassionate God toward his own. toward his own. toward his own. But secondly, the compassionate God is But secondly, the compassionate God is But secondly, the compassionate God is tender and tough tender and tough tender and tough with all. with all. with all. With all. With all. With all. Not just those who we believe deserve Not just those who we believe deserve Not just those who we believe deserve the compassion of God. the compassion of God. the compassion of God. Not just with those whom we select for Not just with those whom we select for Not just with those whom we select for God to be compassionate toward. God to be compassionate toward. God to be compassionate toward. He's gentle yet firm with the world, He's gentle yet firm with the world, He's gentle yet firm with the world, with the Israelites, with the Israelites, with the Israelites, with the Canaanites, with the Ninevites, with the Canaanites, with the Ninevites, with the Canaanites, with the Ninevites, and on into the 21st century with the and on into the 21st century with the and on into the 21st century with the Americanites, and with all the Americanites, and with all the Americanites, and with all the whateverites exist on the planet to this whateverites exist on the planet to this whateverites exist on the planet to this day.

day. day. God's first approach to any person and God's first approach to any person and God's first approach to any person and to any nation is usually with to any nation is usually with to any nation is usually with compassion. His first approach, his compassion. His first approach, his compassion. His first approach, his first step toward them is with first step toward them is with first step toward them is with compassion. compassion. compassion. He was willing to pardon even the pagan He was willing to pardon even the pagan He was willing to pardon even the pagan Sodom and Gomorrahites. He gave the Canaanites centuries, He gave the Canaanites centuries, centuries to turn. He gave the Israelites centuries to turn He gave the Israelites centuries to turn as well so that they wouldn't be sent as well so that they wouldn't be sent as well so that they wouldn't be sent into exile. He granted the Ninevites, as into exile. He granted the Ninevites, as into exile. He granted the Ninevites, as we saw in the previous chapter, 40 days we saw in the previous chapter, 40 days we saw in the previous chapter, 40 days to turn. to turn. to turn. He will give us, the US, who knows how He will give us, the US, who knows how He will give us, the US, who knows how long? I don't know, but I do know that long? I don't know, but I do know that long? I don't know, but I do know that there's always a phase of compassion there's always a phase of compassion there's always a phase of compassion before we arrive at the just wrath of before we arrive at the just wrath of before we arrive at the just wrath of God. God. God. Cuz he's a compassionate God. Cuz he's a compassionate God. Cuz he's a compassionate God. Slow to anger. Slow to anger. Slow to anger. Abounding in loving kindness. Abounding in loving kindness. Abounding in loving kindness. So, he's been sending Jonah to Nineveh So, he's been sending Jonah to Nineveh So, he's been sending Jonah to Nineveh all along all along all along because of his tender and tough because of his tender and tough because of his tender and tough compassion toward all the Ninevites, to compassion toward all the Ninevites, to compassion toward all the Ninevites, to give these people the opportunity to give these people the opportunity to give these people the opportunity to experience the compassion of God before experience the compassion of God before experience the compassion of God before it has to give way it has to give way it has to give way due to the integrity to the just wrath due to the integrity to the just wrath due to the integrity to the just wrath of God.

of God. of God. That little sermon that Jonah preached, That little sermon that Jonah preached, That little sermon that Jonah preached, those those five words in Hebrew, those those five words in Hebrew, those those five words in Hebrew, "40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed." "40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed." "40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed." is a compassionate sermon. is a compassionate sermon. is a compassionate sermon. When when you when you dig into it, When when you when you dig into it, When when you when you dig into it, built into it, there's an opportunity built into it, there's an opportunity built into it, there's an opportunity for it not to be destroyed, for them to for it not to be destroyed, for them to for it not to be destroyed, for them to turn. turn. turn. It's like in the 1700s on these shores It's like in the 1700s on these shores It's like in the 1700s on these shores when Jonathan Edwards preached Sinners when Jonathan Edwards preached Sinners when Jonathan Edwards preached Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. The title in the Hands of an Angry God. The title in the Hands of an Angry God. The title reads tough, but but it's actually a reads tough, but but it's actually a reads tough, but but it's actually a tender sermon inviting people into a tender sermon inviting people into a tender sermon inviting people into a walk with God rather than to walk with God rather than to walk with God rather than to the discipline and the judgment of God. the discipline and the judgment of God. the discipline and the judgment of God. Now, there are three very prodding Now, there are three very prodding Now, there are three very prodding questions that that run through this questions that that run through this questions that that run through this final scene that I don't want you to final scene that I don't want you to final scene that I don't want you to miss. miss. miss. Three prodding questions that that God Three prodding questions that that God Three prodding questions that that God asks Jonah to gently yet firmly expose asks Jonah to gently yet firmly expose asks Jonah to gently yet firmly expose the the the hypocrisy in his heart that the the the hypocrisy in his heart that the the the hypocrisy in his heart that that essentially set up side by side the that essentially set up side by side the that essentially set up side by side the compassion of God with the supposed compassion of God with the supposed compassion of God with the supposed compassion of Jonah.

compassion of Jonah. compassion of Jonah. Question number one is in verse four. Question number one is in verse four. Question number one is in verse four. Look at it. Look at it. Look at it. Question one in verse four deals with Question one in verse four deals with Question one in verse four deals with with Jonah's skewed passion against with Jonah's skewed passion against with Jonah's skewed passion against people. He's passionate. He's a people. He's passionate. He's a people. He's passionate. He's a passionate man, but it's a skewed passionate man, but it's a skewed passionate man, but it's a skewed passion and it's against people. Are you right to be angry? Or some Are you right to be angry? Or some translations have are you so thoroughly translations have are you so thoroughly translations have are you so thoroughly angry? angry? angry? Depending upon what what God is doing Depending upon what what God is doing Depending upon what what God is doing there. If he's sort of pushing at the there. If he's sort of pushing at the there. If he's sort of pushing at the ethics or the lack of ethics in Jonah's ethics or the lack of ethics in Jonah's ethics or the lack of ethics in Jonah's life, it's are you right to be angry? life, it's are you right to be angry? life, it's are you right to be angry? If he's pushing more to the extent or or If he's pushing more to the extent or or If he's pushing more to the extent or or or the thoroughness of Jonah's anger, it or the thoroughness of Jonah's anger, it or the thoroughness of Jonah's anger, it would be are you so thoroughly angry? It would be are you so thoroughly angry? It would be are you so thoroughly angry? It doesn't matter which one you go with. doesn't matter which one you go with. doesn't matter which one you go with. It's it's sort of can you be so angry It's it's sort of can you be so angry It's it's sort of can you be so angry because certain people are saved? God is because certain people are saved? God is because certain people are saved? God is exposing the inappropriateness of a exposing the inappropriateness of a exposing the inappropriateness of a skewed burning passion inside of Jonah's skewed burning passion inside of Jonah's skewed burning passion inside of Jonah's life because it's not aligned with with life because it's not aligned with with life because it's not aligned with with the God he says he loves and serves.

the God he says he loves and serves. the God he says he loves and serves. It's not aligned with God's heart. In It's not aligned with God's heart. In It's not aligned with God's heart. In fact, it challenges God's sovereignty. Jonah would rather be an Israel only Jonah would rather be an Israel only nationalist than than a global nationalist than than a global nationalist than than a global evangelist. evangelist. evangelist. Jonah, in all likelihood, does not like Jonah, in all likelihood, does not like Jonah, in all likelihood, does not like the presence of John 3:16 in the Bible. the presence of John 3:16 in the Bible. the presence of John 3:16 in the Bible. Or or maybe the the whosoever portion of Or or maybe the the whosoever portion of Or or maybe the the whosoever portion of John 3:16, that whosoever would believe. John 3:16, that whosoever would believe. John 3:16, that whosoever would believe. He doesn't like that. He doesn't like that. He doesn't like that. He doesn't see that that ultimately He doesn't see that that ultimately He doesn't see that that ultimately ultimately Israel benefits if its ultimately Israel benefits if its ultimately Israel benefits if its neighbor Assyria and Nineveh are godly. neighbor Assyria and Nineveh are godly. neighbor Assyria and Nineveh are godly. But Jonah can't get past his own But Jonah can't get past his own But Jonah can't get past his own bigotry. Jonah's Jonah's full of of a skewed passion against full of of a skewed passion against full of of a skewed passion against people. He's off. And so, he doesn't people. He's off. And so, he doesn't people. He's off. And so, he doesn't answer this question. Look at verse 5. answer this question. Look at verse 5. answer this question. Look at verse 5. Jonah doesn't answer God's question. He Jonah doesn't answer God's question. He Jonah doesn't answer God's question. He just struts off in a huff just struts off in a huff just struts off in a huff to build his little huff hut, to build his little huff hut, to build his little huff hut, which is what triggers God to gently, which is what triggers God to gently, which is what triggers God to gently, yet firmly, teach him an object lesson yet firmly, teach him an object lesson yet firmly, teach him an object lesson with the plant and the worm.

with the plant and the worm. with the plant and the worm. Question number two pops up in verse 9. Question number two pops up in verse 9. Question number two pops up in verse 9. Verse 9, it's exactly the same question, Verse 9, it's exactly the same question, Verse 9, it's exactly the same question, except that we've journeyed through except that we've journeyed through except that we've journeyed through verses 5, 6, 7, and 8, verses 5, 6, 7, and 8, verses 5, 6, 7, and 8, where this plant where this plant where this plant features. features. features. And so, it's the same question, but but And so, it's the same question, but but And so, it's the same question, but but it deals not not with with Jonah's heart it deals not not with with Jonah's heart it deals not not with with Jonah's heart toward people, but his heart toward a toward people, but his heart toward a toward people, but his heart toward a plant. plant. plant. It's exposing not just his skewed It's exposing not just his skewed It's exposing not just his skewed passion against people, but his skewed passion against people, but his skewed passion against people, but his skewed priorities toward a plant idol. priorities toward a plant idol. priorities toward a plant idol. So, it's not about certain people being So, it's not about certain people being So, it's not about certain people being saved now, it's about a plant that was saved now, it's about a plant that was saved now, it's about a plant that was lost now in Jonah's life. It's it's very lost now in Jonah's life. It's it's very lost now in Jonah's life. It's it's very ironic. ironic. ironic. And Jonah answers this one. And Jonah answers this one. And Jonah answers this one. As it relates to this plant idol in his As it relates to this plant idol in his As it relates to this plant idol in his life, he answers this one. He says, "Oh, life, he answers this one. He says, "Oh, life, he answers this one. He says, "Oh, I'm angry enough unto death." I'm angry enough unto death." I'm angry enough unto death." It's as though he's saying, "Give me It's as though he's saying, "Give me It's as though he's saying, "Give me back my precious little plant idol and back my precious little plant idol and back my precious little plant idol and you can have your Ninevites God."

you can have your Ninevites God." you can have your Ninevites God." See, Jonah has a skewed passion against See, Jonah has a skewed passion against See, Jonah has a skewed passion against people and skewed priorities toward his people and skewed priorities toward his people and skewed priorities toward his little heart idols. little heart idols. little heart idols. And it's not right. So, this leads us to And it's not right. So, this leads us to And it's not right. So, this leads us to question three question three question three in verse 11, which is the climax of the in verse 11, which is the climax of the in verse 11, which is the climax of the book. book. book. It puts God's passion and God's priority It puts God's passion and God's priority It puts God's passion and God's priority up alongside of Jonah's skewed passion up alongside of Jonah's skewed passion up alongside of Jonah's skewed passion and skewed priority. and skewed priority. and skewed priority. And this question is left intentionally And this question is left intentionally And this question is left intentionally unanswered. the story writer, who I believe to be the story writer, who I believe to be Jonah, come back next week and I'll tell Jonah, come back next week and I'll tell Jonah, come back next week and I'll tell you about that. you about that. you about that. It's as though Jonah's saying, "You It's as though Jonah's saying, "You It's as though Jonah's saying, "You answer it. This is about you. This is answer it. This is about you. This is answer it. This is about you. This is I'm I'm I'm throwing out all my dirty I'm I'm I'm throwing out all my dirty I'm I'm I'm throwing out all my dirty laundry here to to to show you about my laundry here to to to show you about my laundry here to to to show you about my walk with God, but but we've gone past walk with God, but but we've gone past walk with God, but but we've gone past that. God recorded this story for you to that. God recorded this story for you to that. God recorded this story for you to answer this question." Verse 10, Verse 10, then the Lord said to Jonah, then the Lord said to Jonah, then the Lord said to Jonah, "You had compassion on the plant for "You had compassion on the plant for "You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did which you did not work and which you did which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up not cause to grow, which came up not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight.

overnight and perished overnight. overnight and perished overnight. You had compassion, remember? You were You had compassion, remember? You were You had compassion, remember? You were troubled. You were upset. You were troubled. You were upset. You were troubled. You were upset. You were deeply moved. You pitied. You were deeply moved. You pitied. You were deeply moved. You pitied. You were stirred in your heart to flowing eyes, stirred in your heart to flowing eyes, stirred in your heart to flowing eyes, right? And presumably to helping hands right? And presumably to helping hands right? And presumably to helping hands to prop this plant up. to prop this plant up. to prop this plant up. But you didn't create that plant. But you didn't create that plant. But you didn't create that plant. You essentially had just one night with You essentially had just one night with You essentially had just one night with the plant. This was your one night stand the plant. This was your one night stand the plant. This was your one night stand for you. So, verse 11, "Should I not for you. So, verse 11, "Should I not for you. So, verse 11, "Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great have compassion on Nineveh, the great have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than city in which there are more than city in which there are more than 120,000 people who do not know the 120,000 people who do not know the 120,000 people who do not know the difference between their right and left difference between their right and left difference between their right and left hand as well as many animals? {question hand as well as many animals? {question hand as well as many animals? {question mark} left unanswered. Should I not have compassion? Should I Should I not have compassion? Should I not be concerned? Should I not be upset? not be concerned? Should I not be upset? not be concerned? Should I not be upset? Should I not have pity? Should my heart Should I not have pity? Should my heart Should I not have pity? Should my heart not be stirred with flowing eyes and not be stirred with flowing eyes and not be stirred with flowing eyes and helping hands toward those lost people, helping hands toward those lost people, helping hands toward those lost people, Jonah, who don't know truth? They can't Jonah, who don't know truth? They can't Jonah, who don't know truth? They can't discern what's right and wrong. They discern what's right and wrong. They discern what's right and wrong. They don't know truth as it relates to what's don't know truth as it relates to what's don't know truth as it relates to what's in their right hand and in their left in their right hand and in their left in their right hand and in their left hand as well as for all of those hand as well as for all of those hand as well as for all of those beautiful little cows and cats and beautiful little cows and cats and beautiful little cows and cats and fluffy chihuahuas fluffy chihuahuas fluffy chihuahuas that I created?

that I created? that I created? Should I not be concerned about a people Should I not be concerned about a people Should I not be concerned about a people that's lost whose only ability to that's lost whose only ability to that's lost whose only ability to understand truth is mediated through understand truth is mediated through understand truth is mediated through Israelites like you, Jonah, Israelites like you, Jonah, Israelites like you, Jonah, who've been called to tell the world who've been called to tell the world who've been called to tell the world about their great God and life under the about their great God and life under the about their great God and life under the rule of their great God given all the rule of their great God given all the rule of their great God given all the nasty alternatives that are out there? nasty alternatives that are out there? nasty alternatives that are out there? Should I not be concerned for them? Should I not be concerned for them? Should I not be concerned for them? And Jonah doesn't answer it. And Jonah doesn't answer it. And Jonah doesn't answer it. Yet, remember, come back next week. Yet, remember, come back next week. Yet, remember, come back next week. But you can answer it. But you can answer it. But you can answer it. And you know the answer is, of course, And you know the answer is, of course, And you know the answer is, of course, God should make people his passion and God should make people his passion and God should make people his passion and his priority to save. That's in keeping his priority to save. That's in keeping his priority to save. That's in keeping with why he made the world and why he with why he made the world and why he with why he made the world and why he created a being in his image and created a being in his image and created a being in his image and likeness. That's in keeping with what likeness. That's in keeping with what likeness. That's in keeping with what he's been pursuing throughout the ages. he's been pursuing throughout the ages. he's been pursuing throughout the ages. God should make people his passion and God should make people his passion and God should make people his passion and priority priority priority despite his servants being more fixated despite his servants being more fixated despite his servants being more fixated and distracted by plant idols. Why? and distracted by plant idols. Why? and distracted by plant idols. Why? Because he is a compassionate God.

Because he is a compassionate God. Because he is a compassionate God. That's who he is. That's who he is. That's who he is. His heart is a heart that gets stirred. His heart is a heart that gets stirred. His heart is a heart that gets stirred. His eyes flow His eyes flow His eyes flow into helping hands when he sees into helping hands when he sees into helping hands when he sees distress. distress. distress. When he sees suffering and pain in his When he sees suffering and pain in his When he sees suffering and pain in his people. And across the world. So, the And across the world. So, the compassionate God is tender and tough. compassionate God is tender and tough. compassionate God is tender and tough. The compassionate God is tender and The compassionate God is tender and The compassionate God is tender and tough with all, and that's a good thing tough with all, and that's a good thing tough with all, and that's a good thing with the entire world, and he will with the entire world, and he will with the entire world, and he will pursue the Israelites and the Canaanites pursue the Israelites and the Canaanites pursue the Israelites and the Canaanites and the Ninevites and the Americanites and the Ninevites and the Americanites and the Ninevites and the Americanites and all the whateverites that exist and all the whateverites that exist and all the whateverites that exist today because he is a compassionate God. today because he is a compassionate God. today because he is a compassionate God. Your God is a compassionate God. Your God is a compassionate God. Your God is a compassionate God. Praise God. So, here's a summary of character cutout So, here's a summary of character cutout number two for those of you who are number two for those of you who are number two for those of you who are taking notes as it relates to this final taking notes as it relates to this final taking notes as it relates to this final scene. Write this down. It captures how scene. Write this down. It captures how scene. Write this down. It captures how God wants you to know him in this scene. God wants you to know him in this scene. God wants you to know him in this scene. The compassionate God is tender and The compassionate God is tender and The compassionate God is tender and tough, wanting his people to copy his tough, wanting his people to copy his tough, wanting his people to copy his compassion, too.

compassion, too. compassion, too. That's key. That's key. That's key. That's what God is doing with Jonah here That's what God is doing with Jonah here That's what God is doing with Jonah here in chapter four. in chapter four. in chapter four. He's not just telling Jonah what Jonah He's not just telling Jonah what Jonah He's not just telling Jonah what Jonah already knows academically, biblically, already knows academically, biblically, already knows academically, biblically, and experientially. and experientially. and experientially. He's He's He's teaching Jonah and He's He's He's teaching Jonah and He's He's He's teaching Jonah and through Jonah us that he wants us to through Jonah us that he wants us to through Jonah us that he wants us to share in and to show his passion and his share in and to show his passion and his share in and to show his passion and his priorities. priorities. priorities. His compassion. His compassion. His compassion. He wants us to copy his compassion, too. So, let me send you into your week with So, let me send you into your week with a thought and an application thought a thought and an application thought a thought and an application thought that I want you to chew on. Remember that I want you to chew on. Remember that I want you to chew on. Remember like that hungry hippo worm. Just munch like that hungry hippo worm. Just munch like that hungry hippo worm. Just munch on this this week. on this this week. on this this week. Remember there are aspects of who God is Remember there are aspects of who God is Remember there are aspects of who God is that make us as young one as one young that make us as young one as one young that make us as young one as one young theologian recently said, "Go theologian recently said, "Go theologian recently said, "Go >> [groaning] There are others that we hold, you know, There are others that we hold, you know, in mystery, but not not this one. God in mystery, but not not this one. God in mystery, but not not this one. God has told us this he's compassionate has told us this he's compassionate has told us this he's compassionate because he wants us to share in his because he wants us to share in his because he wants us to share in his compassion and channel his compassion to compassion and channel his compassion to compassion and channel his compassion to replicate his compassion as his replicate his compassion as his replicate his compassion as his image-bearers in the world. It's a image-bearers in the world. It's a image-bearers in the world. It's a shareable attribute of God.

shareable attribute of God. shareable attribute of God. God is teaching Jonah-like Christians God is teaching Jonah-like Christians God is teaching Jonah-like Christians that he wants us to be commissioned into that he wants us to be commissioned into that he wants us to be commissioned into culture with God-like compassion given culture with God-like compassion given culture with God-like compassion given our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, write this application or thought down. write this application or thought down. write this application or thought down. Cultivate God-like compassion in your Cultivate God-like compassion in your Cultivate God-like compassion in your life. life. life. That's it. That's it. That's it. Cultivate Cultivate Cultivate God-like compassion in your life. Please God-like compassion in your life. Please God-like compassion in your life. Please cultivate. Please develop cultivate. Please develop cultivate. Please develop a stirred heart with flowing eyes and a stirred heart with flowing eyes and a stirred heart with flowing eyes and helping hands toward those people around helping hands toward those people around helping hands toward those people around you. you. you. Whatever their distress may be. Don't Whatever their distress may be. Don't Whatever their distress may be. Don't just well-wish people away and move on. just well-wish people away and move on. just well-wish people away and move on. You can be tender and tough like God. You can be tender and tough like God. You can be tender and tough like God. And yes, like God, we've to be tough on And yes, like God, we've to be tough on And yes, like God, we've to be tough on sin. I hate sin for its affront on God. sin. I hate sin for its affront on God. sin. I hate sin for its affront on God. I hate what sin has done to human I hate what sin has done to human I hate what sin has done to human beings, to every human being. I'm tough beings, to every human being. I'm tough beings, to every human being. I'm tough on sin, but when I'm tough on sin, I on sin, but when I'm tough on sin, I on sin, but when I'm tough on sin, I must not forget must not forget must not forget to be tender toward those who are caught to be tender toward those who are caught to be tender toward those who are caught in the web of sin.

I'm saying cultivate and I'm saying I'm saying cultivate and I'm saying develop intentionally because this takes develop intentionally because this takes develop intentionally because this takes work. work. work. This is obedience that that comes from This is obedience that that comes from This is obedience that that comes from faith. faith. faith. This is downstream This is downstream This is downstream in the lives of those who are walking in the lives of those who are walking in the lives of those who are walking with God in Christ. with God in Christ. with God in Christ. It takes work. It takes work in the It takes work. It takes work in the It takes work. It takes work in the company of the Spirit of God who wants company of the Spirit of God who wants company of the Spirit of God who wants to do a work in you, right? He who began to do a work in you, right? He who began to do a work in you, right? He who began a work in you will complete it to the a work in you will complete it to the a work in you will complete it to the day of Christ. You grow in compassion. I quoted the You grow in compassion. I quoted the Apostle Paul earlier and just recently. Apostle Paul earlier and just recently. Apostle Paul earlier and just recently. But but the Apostle Paul also says this But but the Apostle Paul also says this But but the Apostle Paul also says this in Colossians 3:12. in Colossians 3:12. in Colossians 3:12. Very, very clear. Very, very clear. Very, very clear. He says this to believers. It's exactly, He says this to believers. It's exactly, He says this to believers. It's exactly, in my opinion, in my opinion, in my opinion, the Apostle Paul's version of Jonah the Apostle Paul's version of Jonah the Apostle Paul's version of Jonah chapter 4. He says this, "Clothe chapter 4. He says this, "Clothe chapter 4. He says this, "Clothe yourselves with compassion." yourselves with compassion." yourselves with compassion." Clothe yourselves with compassion. Clothe yourselves with compassion. Clothe yourselves with compassion. In the morning, yes, wake up and wash In the morning, yes, wake up and wash In the morning, yes, wake up and wash your face, please. your face, please. your face, please. And beautify yourself. And please, put And beautify yourself. And please, put And beautify yourself. And please, put on some clothes.

on some clothes. on some clothes. But if you're a Christian, here's But if you're a Christian, here's But if you're a Christian, here's another garment. Here's another aspect another garment. Here's another aspect another garment. Here's another aspect of the attire that you must wear every of the attire that you must wear every of the attire that you must wear every day. It's compassion. day. It's compassion. day. It's compassion. Clothe yourselves with compassion. Wear Clothe yourselves with compassion. Wear Clothe yourselves with compassion. Wear compassion, Christians. It's part of compassion, Christians. It's part of compassion, Christians. It's part of your attire. your attire. your attire. So, the question is, how do we So, the question is, how do we So, the question is, how do we cultivate? How do we develop? cultivate? How do we develop? cultivate? How do we develop? How do we How do we grow compassion so How do we How do we grow compassion so How do we How do we grow compassion so that it smothers out all the little that it smothers out all the little that it smothers out all the little plant idols that I very quickly want to plant idols that I very quickly want to plant idols that I very quickly want to grow in my heart? grow in my heart? grow in my heart? I haven't got one simple answer for you. I haven't got one simple answer for you. I haven't got one simple answer for you. I do know that what your heart is I do know that what your heart is I do know that what your heart is exposed to, your heart ends up eating, exposed to, your heart ends up eating, exposed to, your heart ends up eating, and your heart ends up liking, and and your heart ends up liking, and and your heart ends up liking, and ultimately loving. ultimately loving. ultimately loving. So, what do you serve up to your heart? So, what do you serve up to your heart? So, what do you serve up to your heart? Regularly. Regularly. Regularly. What does it feast on? Because what it What does it feast on? Because what it What does it feast on? Because what it feasts on is ultimately the type of feasts on is ultimately the type of feasts on is ultimately the type of person you're going to become. And so, I person you're going to become. And so, I person you're going to become. And so, I would say, why don't you feast a little would say, why don't you feast a little would say, why don't you feast a little bit more on spending time with God in bit more on spending time with God in bit more on spending time with God in his word?

his word? his word? In his word. In In books like Jonah. In his word. In In books like Jonah. In his word. In In books like Jonah. Just cuz our series is ending soon, Just cuz our series is ending soon, Just cuz our series is ending soon, doesn't mean that the message and the doesn't mean that the message and the doesn't mean that the message and the relevance and the importance of Jonah in relevance and the importance of Jonah in relevance and the importance of Jonah in your life ends soon. your life ends soon. your life ends soon. Go back to it repeatedly. Meditate on Go back to it repeatedly. Meditate on Go back to it repeatedly. Meditate on it, like Psalm 1 says. Chew on it. it, like Psalm 1 says. Chew on it. it, like Psalm 1 says. Chew on it. Absorb it. Digest it. Be like a tree Absorb it. Digest it. Be like a tree Absorb it. Digest it. Be like a tree that's planted by streams of water. that's planted by streams of water. that's planted by streams of water. Because when you do, you will bear Because when you do, you will bear Because when you do, you will bear fruit. fruit. fruit. Obedience comes from those who are in Obedience comes from those who are in Obedience comes from those who are in the faith unless there's a disruption of the faith unless there's a disruption of the faith unless there's a disruption of of sin. of sin. of sin. So, spend time with God in in the book So, spend time with God in in the book So, spend time with God in in the book of Jonah well past this series. Ask of Jonah well past this series. Ask of Jonah well past this series. Ask yourself regularly, am I a walking yourself regularly, am I a walking yourself regularly, am I a walking contradiction like Jonah, God? contradiction like Jonah, God? contradiction like Jonah, God? Am I a walking contradiction? Are my Am I a walking contradiction? Are my Am I a walking contradiction? Are my passions and my priorities skewed passions and my priorities skewed passions and my priorities skewed selfishly, God? selfishly, God? selfishly, God? Spend time with the Lord in his word Spend time with the Lord in his word Spend time with the Lord in his word studying the life of our Lord Jesus studying the life of our Lord Jesus studying the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There's a little clock here. There's a little clock here. I don't know who did that, but I stopped I don't know who did that, but I stopped I don't know who did that, but I stopped it. it. it. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Friends, you spend time contemplating >> Friends, you spend time contemplating >> Friends, you spend time contemplating the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. You know what you will see as you study You know what you will see as you study You know what you will see as you study the Gospels? That yes, Jesus does a the Gospels? That yes, Jesus does a the Gospels? That yes, Jesus does a whole bunch of beautiful miraculous whole bunch of beautiful miraculous whole bunch of beautiful miraculous deeds, but there's usually like a few deeds, but there's usually like a few deeds, but there's usually like a few words that precede it that say this, words that precede it that say this, words that precede it that say this, moved by or with compassion. moved by or with compassion. moved by or with compassion. Moved with compassion. Moved with compassion. Moved with compassion. Pops up all the time. Pops up all the time. Pops up all the time. Stirred in light of what he saw Stirred in light of what he saw Stirred in light of what he saw of people in distress to the point where of people in distress to the point where of people in distress to the point where his his his eyes flow and his hands help. Compassion towards the leper, compassion Compassion towards the leper, compassion towards the blind, compassion toward the towards the blind, compassion toward the towards the blind, compassion toward the lame, compassion toward the crowds who lame, compassion toward the crowds who lame, compassion toward the crowds who who are like sheep without a shepherd, who are like sheep without a shepherd, who are like sheep without a shepherd, compassion toward the hungry. compassion toward the hungry. compassion toward the hungry. One of the greatest One of the greatest One of the greatest lessons that Jesus taught us comes to us lessons that Jesus taught us comes to us lessons that Jesus taught us comes to us through the parable of the good through the parable of the good through the parable of the good Samaritan. I like to call it the parable Samaritan. I like to call it the parable Samaritan. I like to call it the parable of the good Ninevite this morning.

of the good Ninevite this morning. of the good Ninevite this morning. Cuz in the in the hearer's mind, it's Cuz in the in the hearer's mind, it's Cuz in the in the hearer's mind, it's the same thing. How can How can a the same thing. How can How can a the same thing. How can How can a Ninevite How can a Samaritan be a hero Ninevite How can a Samaritan be a hero Ninevite How can a Samaritan be a hero that you're asking Jesus me to copy? that you're asking Jesus me to copy? that you're asking Jesus me to copy? And here's what it says in Luke chapter And here's what it says in Luke chapter And here's what it says in Luke chapter 10, verses 33 and 34. But a Samaritan 10, verses 33 and 34. But a Samaritan 10, verses 33 and 34. But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him. Came who was on a journey came upon him. Came who was on a journey came upon him. Came upon who? The man who was caught and upon who? The man who was caught and upon who? The man who was caught and beat up by the robbers and left for beat up by the robbers and left for beat up by the robbers and left for dead. dead. dead. And the Samaritan came to him and he And the Samaritan came to him and he And the Samaritan came to him and he sees him. sees him. sees him. And he felt compassion. And he felt compassion. And he felt compassion. Felt compassion. He was stirred. Felt compassion. He was stirred. Felt compassion. He was stirred. And his heart His eyes flowed. And his heart His eyes flowed. And his heart His eyes flowed. And his hands helped. Verse 34. And so And his hands helped. Verse 34. And so And his hands helped. Verse 34. And so he came to him and he bandaged up his he came to him and he bandaged up his he came to him and he bandaged up his wounds and he poured oil and wine on wounds and he poured oil and wine on wounds and he poured oil and wine on them and he put him on his own animal them and he put him on his own animal them and he put him on his own animal and he brought him to an inn and he took and he brought him to an inn and he took and he brought him to an inn and he took care of him. care of him. care of him. You spend time with Jesus and compassion You spend time with Jesus and compassion You spend time with Jesus and compassion develops. There's no doubt about it. develops. There's no doubt about it. develops. There's no doubt about it. Uh another Uh another Uh another another way to cultivate compassion in another way to cultivate compassion in another way to cultivate compassion in your in your heart is to to get involved your in your heart is to to get involved your in your heart is to to get involved in the lives of other people.

in the lives of other people. in the lives of other people. The people are around you, to some The people are around you, to some The people are around you, to some extent, are hurting. extent, are hurting. extent, are hurting. They They need help. They need other They They need help. They need other They They need help. They need other believers who whose hearts are stirred believers who whose hearts are stirred believers who whose hearts are stirred and whose eyes flow and whose hands and whose eyes flow and whose hands and whose eyes flow and whose hands help. Position your life alongside of help. Position your life alongside of help. Position your life alongside of other people, even around here, other people, even around here, other people, even around here, regularly and you will begin to regularly and you will begin to regularly and you will begin to cultivate to develop compassion. It's cultivate to develop compassion. It's cultivate to develop compassion. It's what happens when your heart is exposed what happens when your heart is exposed what happens when your heart is exposed to that. It eats it up. to that. It eats it up. to that. It eats it up. It wants to eat it up. It wants to eat it up. It wants to eat it up. You begin to hear their story. You begin You begin to hear their story. You begin You begin to hear their story. You begin to hear their hurts. You begin to hear to hear their hurts. You begin to hear to hear their hurts. You begin to hear their prayer requests. their prayer requests. their prayer requests. For many, many years, For many, many years, For many, many years, uh my wife has rightly observed the mess uh my wife has rightly observed the mess uh my wife has rightly observed the mess that I make when I'm making my morning that I make when I'm making my morning that I make when I'm making my morning coffee. coffee. coffee. Now, she's usually in the dark, you see. Now, she's usually in the dark, you see. Now, she's usually in the dark, you see. You see, she likes the little You see, she likes the little You see, she likes the little pods, right? The little pod you put in pods, right? The little pod you put in pods, right? The little pod you put in the machine. the machine. the machine. And but I I can't drink that stuff. I And but I I can't drink that stuff. I And but I I can't drink that stuff. I like the real ground coffee beans.

like the real ground coffee beans. like the real ground coffee beans. All right. All right. All right. >> [laughter] >> I don't know if this is my brother's >> I don't know if this is my brother's experience, but in my experience, those experience, but in my experience, those experience, but in my experience, those wonderful granules develop legs and run wonderful granules develop legs and run wonderful granules develop legs and run around the countertop like prodigals. around the countertop like prodigals. around the countertop like prodigals. They scatter, especially in the dark. They scatter, especially in the dark. They scatter, especially in the dark. And my wife has been wonderful. She She And my wife has been wonderful. She She And my wife has been wonderful. She She always comes in and graciously cleans up always comes in and graciously cleans up always comes in and graciously cleans up the mess without complaint. But here's the mess without complaint. But here's the mess without complaint. But here's the thing, the kids are off school. the thing, the kids are off school. the thing, the kids are off school. So, the little pods don't have enough So, the little pods don't have enough So, the little pods don't have enough caffeine in them anymore. So, guess what caffeine in them anymore. So, guess what caffeine in them anymore. So, guess what she's drinking? she's drinking? she's drinking? Granulated coffee with all those Granulated coffee with all those Granulated coffee with all those wandering prodigal legs running right wandering prodigal legs running right wandering prodigal legs running right across the countertop. across the countertop. across the countertop. And so, we laugh about it because now And so, we laugh about it because now And so, we laugh about it because now she's walking my morning shoes. she's walking my morning shoes. she's walking my morning shoes. And she's realizing the complexity of And she's realizing the complexity of And she's realizing the complexity of keeping everything contained. keeping everything contained. keeping everything contained. And how easily it gets messy. And how easily it gets messy. And how easily it gets messy. And so, she's been stirred in her heart. And so, she's been stirred in her heart. And so, she's been stirred in her heart. And her eyes [snorts] flow with tears of And her eyes [snorts] flow with tears of And her eyes [snorts] flow with tears of joy.

joy. joy. But her hands are all the more ready to But her hands are all the more ready to But her hands are all the more ready to help in the mornings now, praise the help in the mornings now, praise the help in the mornings now, praise the Lord. You put yourself in the shoes. You walk You put yourself in the shoes. You walk with other people around you regularly with other people around you regularly with other people around you regularly in a meaningful relationship, and you in a meaningful relationship, and you in a meaningful relationship, and you will begin to cultivate compassion. You will begin to cultivate compassion. You will begin to cultivate compassion. You will develop a stirred heart and flowing will develop a stirred heart and flowing will develop a stirred heart and flowing eyes and helping hands toward other eyes and helping hands toward other eyes and helping hands toward other people. people. people. You will You will You will You will cultivate God-like compassion, You will cultivate God-like compassion, You will cultivate God-like compassion, which is God's will for your life. which is God's will for your life. which is God's will for your life. It's a shareable attribute It's a shareable attribute It's a shareable attribute that he wants manifested not just in that he wants manifested not just in that he wants manifested not just in Jonah, but in Jonah-like Christians Jonah, but in Jonah-like Christians Jonah, but in Jonah-like Christians today. today. today. Friends, our time is gone. Remember God's goal for Jonah is God's Remember God's goal for Jonah is God's goal for you. He who began a good work goal for you. He who began a good work goal for you. He who began a good work in you wants to complete it until the in you wants to complete it until the in you wants to complete it until the day of Christ. day of Christ. day of Christ. So, clothe yourself with compassion this So, clothe yourself with compassion this So, clothe yourself with compassion this week. We cannot be reluctant in what God is so We cannot be reluctant in what God is so passionate about.

passionate about. passionate about. Begin to cultivate a stirred heart with Begin to cultivate a stirred heart with Begin to cultivate a stirred heart with flowing eyes and helping hands toward flowing eyes and helping hands toward flowing eyes and helping hands toward whoever God happens to put near you this whoever God happens to put near you this whoever God happens to put near you this week. week. week. That's God's will for your life. That's God's will for your life. That's God's will for your life. That's not I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT That's not I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT That's not I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> AH. >> AH. >> AH. That's easy to do. That's easy to do. That's easy to do. If you're fixated on the Lord Jesus If you're fixated on the Lord Jesus If you're fixated on the Lord Jesus Christ regularly. Let me pray and then Christ regularly. Let me pray and then Christ regularly. Let me pray and then we're going to stand and sing and then we're going to stand and sing and then we're going to stand and sing and then we're going to head out those back doors we're going to head out those back doors we're going to head out those back doors and if you can stay we're going to and if you can stay we're going to and if you can stay we're going to celebrate with those who are going celebrate with those who are going celebrate with those who are going through the waters of of baptism. through the waters of of baptism. through the waters of of baptism. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Heavenly Father, we thank you for your goodness to us. goodness to us. goodness to us. We thank you for how you treat us. We thank you for how you treat us. We thank you for how you treat us. We thank you that you're you're gentle We thank you that you're you're gentle We thank you that you're you're gentle and yet at the same time you're firm. and yet at the same time you're firm. and yet at the same time you're firm. Help us this week Help us this week Help us this week to to live to to live to to live as you deserve. as you deserve. as you deserve. Lord, help us to do that in in the power Lord, help us to do that in in the power Lord, help us to do that in in the power of the spirit of the spirit of the spirit and in the name of our Lord Jesus and in the name of our Lord Jesus and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.