When God says Go!

He's willing to pay big money to disobey He's willing to pay big money to disobey God, to not show up to serve God where God, to not show up to serve God where God, to not show up to serve God where God told him to show up to serve God. God told him to show up to serve God. God told him to show up to serve God. God says go, Jonah says no. If it helps, God says go, Jonah says no. If it helps, God says go, Jonah says no. If it helps, Satan you sailing away from God's will Satan you sailing away from God's will Satan you sailing away from God's will Satan will provide you with getaway Satan will provide you with getaway Satan will provide you with getaway ships every day and getaway jobs ships every day and getaway jobs ships every day and getaway jobs and getaway relationships [music] and getaway relationships [music] and getaway relationships [music] and getaway churches. Running from God's and getaway churches. Running from God's and getaway churches. Running from God's will is always running towards Satan's will is always running towards Satan's will is always running towards Satan's will. Obedience to God even though it is will. Obedience to God even though it is will. Obedience to God even though it is hard and costly hard and costly hard and costly is allegiance to Jesus Christ. We're delighted you're here and we're in We're delighted you're here and we're in the story of Jonah as you just saw from the story of Jonah as you just saw from the story of Jonah as you just saw from that bumper video. What a great story. that bumper video. What a great story. that bumper video. What a great story. We all love stories, right? The We all love stories, right? The We all love stories, right? The intrigue, the suspense, the twists and intrigue, the suspense, the twists and intrigue, the suspense, the twists and turns. You know, we're hardwired to turns. You know, we're hardwired to turns. You know, we're hardwired to enjoy the journey that a story takes us enjoy the journey that a story takes us enjoy the journey that a story takes us inside of our imagination.

inside of our imagination. inside of our imagination. Even stories with with no significant Even stories with with no significant Even stories with with no significant life lesson can grab us. life lesson can grab us. life lesson can grab us. Like this one. Like this one. Like this one. Once upon a time Once upon a time Once upon a time the Murphy's took a short trip to San the Murphy's took a short trip to San the Murphy's took a short trip to San Antonio during spring break. Antonio during spring break. Antonio during spring break. Just recently. Just recently. Just recently. The bags were packed, the car was The bags were packed, the car was The bags were packed, the car was loaded, the dog was sent far, far away loaded, the dog was sent far, far away loaded, the dog was sent far, far away uninvited. uninvited. uninvited. The Riverwalk and the Alamo awaited the The Riverwalk and the Alamo awaited the The Riverwalk and the Alamo awaited the Murphy's just 4 hours or so south. Murphy's just 4 hours or so south. Murphy's just 4 hours or so south. But But But it was 4 hours south down a horrible, it was 4 hours south down a horrible, it was 4 hours south down a horrible, nasty, hellish highway called I-35. nasty, hellish highway called I-35. nasty, hellish highway called I-35. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. Now, the Murphy's survived the drive, Now, the Murphy's survived the drive, Now, the Murphy's survived the drive, barely. barely. barely. Arriving late, but checking into our Arriving late, but checking into our Arriving late, but checking into our hotel to enjoy a night crammed into the hotel to enjoy a night crammed into the hotel to enjoy a night crammed into the one room like Irish sardines in a can.

one room like Irish sardines in a can. one room like Irish sardines in a can. I woke very early the next morning and I woke very early the next morning and I woke very early the next morning and went down to the lobby, grabbed a went down to the lobby, grabbed a went down to the lobby, grabbed a coffee, opened up the word of God and coffee, opened up the word of God and coffee, opened up the word of God and some books on Jonah and began to enjoy some books on Jonah and began to enjoy some books on Jonah and began to enjoy some time studying this wonderful story. some time studying this wonderful story. some time studying this wonderful story. Now, my youngest joined me a few hours Now, my youngest joined me a few hours Now, my youngest joined me a few hours later. later. later. He was excited about San Antonio, none He was excited about San Antonio, none He was excited about San Antonio, none of this sleeping. He wanted to get up of this sleeping. He wanted to get up of this sleeping. He wanted to get up and to get out and enjoy our little and to get out and enjoy our little and to get out and enjoy our little staycation there. But, he emerged in the staycation there. But, he emerged in the staycation there. But, he emerged in the lobby looking exactly as you'd expect of lobby looking exactly as you'd expect of lobby looking exactly as you'd expect of someone who got dressed in the dark. Bed hair, hair everywhere, you know, Bed hair, hair everywhere, you know, face unwashed, eyes barely open, wearing face unwashed, eyes barely open, wearing face unwashed, eyes barely open, wearing whatever his hands reached in the dark. whatever his hands reached in the dark. whatever his hands reached in the dark. But, but he wore a beautiful smile. But, but he wore a beautiful smile. But, but he wore a beautiful smile. And and he was hungry, so the two of us, And and he was hungry, so the two of us, And and he was hungry, so the two of us, him and I, went over to the little him and I, went over to the little him and I, went over to the little breakfast area there in in the in the breakfast area there in in the in the breakfast area there in in the in the hotel hotel hotel to check out what was on the menu. to check out what was on the menu. to check out what was on the menu. Now, as we got there, we were confronted Now, as we got there, we were confronted Now, as we got there, we were confronted at its entrance by a very stern-looking at its entrance by a very stern-looking at its entrance by a very stern-looking lobby lady behind a sort of pulpit, a lobby lady behind a sort of pulpit, a lobby lady behind a sort of pulpit, a bit smaller than this one. And as she bit smaller than this one. And as she bit smaller than this one. And as she asked us for our room number, because I asked us for our room number, because I asked us for our room number, because I think she thought that we were two think she thought that we were two think she thought that we were two homeless people who had just snuck off homeless people who had just snuck off homeless people who had just snuck off from the street to get a free breakfast.

from the street to get a free breakfast. from the street to get a free breakfast. Now, we checked out, we had our room Now, we checked out, we had our room Now, we checked out, we had our room number, and so she invited us to proceed number, and so she invited us to proceed number, and so she invited us to proceed into the breakfast area. Now, I wasn't into the breakfast area. Now, I wasn't into the breakfast area. Now, I wasn't eating because that's how I keep my eating because that's how I keep my eating because that's how I keep my athletic figure. athletic figure. athletic figure. But, but James, my son, was very, very But, but James, my son, was very, very But, but James, my son, was very, very hungry, so he grabbed the biggest plate hungry, so he grabbed the biggest plate hungry, so he grabbed the biggest plate he could find and he stacked it high he could find and he stacked it high he could find and he stacked it high with a mountain of bacon. with a mountain of bacon. with a mountain of bacon. And with lots of waffles around it, and And with lots of waffles around it, and And with lots of waffles around it, and he baptized them all with syrup. he baptized them all with syrup. he baptized them all with syrup. A wonderful, massive plate of food. A wonderful, massive plate of food. A wonderful, massive plate of food. All, I believe, while the lobby lady All, I believe, while the lobby lady All, I believe, while the lobby lady side-eyed us with disapproval from her side-eyed us with disapproval from her side-eyed us with disapproval from her little pulpit stage place. little pulpit stage place. little pulpit stage place. And as we were walking past her to get And as we were walking past her to get And as we were walking past her to get to the little table where we were going to the little table where we were going to the little table where we were going to sit, I happened to say something to to sit, I happened to say something to to sit, I happened to say something to James that made him turn quite suddenly James that made him turn quite suddenly James that made him turn quite suddenly to look, to respond. He was holding his to look, to respond. He was holding his to look, to respond. He was holding his plate in one hand, and the plate turned plate in one hand, and the plate turned plate in one hand, and the plate turned with him, but the mountain of bacon and with him, but the mountain of bacon and with him, but the mountain of bacon and all the waffles baptized in syrup all the waffles baptized in syrup all the waffles baptized in syrup didn't.

didn't. didn't. The rebels decided to fly off way toward The rebels decided to fly off way toward The rebels decided to fly off way toward the feet of the disapproving lobby lady, the feet of the disapproving lobby lady, the feet of the disapproving lobby lady, bouncing off her little pulpit as they bouncing off her little pulpit as they bouncing off her little pulpit as they landed right beside her. landed right beside her. landed right beside her. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> All of it. I mean, the whole lot of >> All of it. I mean, the whole lot of >> All of it. I mean, the whole lot of food. The plate was squeaky-clean. food. The plate was squeaky-clean. food. The plate was squeaky-clean. Nothing left on it. All at her feet, Nothing left on it. All at her feet, Nothing left on it. All at her feet, bowing down to her as their master. Now, bowing down to her as their master. Now, bowing down to her as their master. Now, there was much, much frowning from her, there was much, much frowning from her, there was much, much frowning from her, and there was a tremendous amount of and there was a tremendous amount of and there was a tremendous amount of childlike giggling from me childlike giggling from me childlike giggling from me as I bowed myself at her feet trying to as I bowed myself at her feet trying to as I bowed myself at her feet trying to pick all of this stuff up. Just as pick all of this stuff up. Just as pick all of this stuff up. Just as James, like we were two homeless people James, like we were two homeless people James, like we were two homeless people who snuck off off the street to get a who snuck off off the street to get a who snuck off off the street to get a free breakfast, just like as he said the free breakfast, just like as he said the free breakfast, just like as he said the following, "That's right, Dad. following, "That's right, Dad. following, "That's right, Dad. Five-second rule. Five-second rule." Five-second rule. Five-second rule." Five-second rule. Five-second rule." >> [laughter] >> And so started our morning in San >> And so started our morning in San Antonio.

Antonio. Antonio. As you will understand, it's more than As you will understand, it's more than As you will understand, it's more than the Alamo that I will be remembering the Alamo that I will be remembering the Alamo that I will be remembering from that trip for years to come. Now, from that trip for years to come. Now, from that trip for years to come. Now, there's absolutely no significant point there's absolutely no significant point there's absolutely no significant point at all to that story. at all to that story. at all to that story. But, it's still enjoyable. But, it's still enjoyable. But, it's still enjoyable. It it it It it it It it it >> [laughter and clears throat] >> [laughter and clears throat] >> [laughter and clears throat] >> it it gets in your head. >> it it gets in your head. >> it it gets in your head. I know, if you're a normal human being, I know, if you're a normal human being, I know, if you're a normal human being, that you played it out in your head. You that you played it out in your head. You that you played it out in your head. You created that breakfast area. created that breakfast area. created that breakfast area. You put a face to that lobby lady and You put a face to that lobby lady and You put a face to that lobby lady and her disapproving look behind her pulpit. her disapproving look behind her pulpit. her disapproving look behind her pulpit. You saw the flying bacon You saw the flying bacon You saw the flying bacon departing from his plate. You may even departing from his plate. You may even departing from his plate. You may even have got a little bit hungry have got a little bit hungry have got a little bit hungry as I talked about bacon and waffles and as I talked about bacon and waffles and as I talked about bacon and waffles and syrup. Stories do that. syrup. Stories do that. syrup. Stories do that. Stories always do that. They they engage Stories always do that. They they engage Stories always do that. They they engage us in ways that other forms of us in ways that other forms of us in ways that other forms of communication simply can't. I could have communication simply can't. I could have communication simply can't. I could have sent you all a text this morning that sent you all a text this morning that sent you all a text this morning that said this, "James dropped his food at said this, "James dropped his food at said this, "James dropped his food at the hotel." It's as accurate as the the hotel." It's as accurate as the the hotel." It's as accurate as the story, but it's not as engaging.

story, but it's not as engaging. story, but it's not as engaging. It doesn't get into you in the same in It doesn't get into you in the same in It doesn't get into you in the same in the same way. the same way. the same way. Stories grab us. Stories grab us. Stories grab us. Stories connect with us. Stories stick Stories connect with us. Stories stick Stories connect with us. Stories stick with us. And God knows that. with us. And God knows that. with us. And God knows that. God hardwired [snorts] God hardwired [snorts] God hardwired [snorts] you to to be receptive to many forms of you to to be receptive to many forms of you to to be receptive to many forms of communication, but especially stories. communication, but especially stories. communication, but especially stories. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Because stories about people living in >> Because stories about people living in >> Because stories about people living in places, doing things, interacting with places, doing things, interacting with places, doing things, interacting with one another, usually with a purpose in one another, usually with a purpose in one another, usually with a purpose in mind. mind. mind. And you're a person And you're a person And you're a person with other persons with other persons with other persons >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> somewhere >> somewhere >> somewhere doing stuff, hopefully with some sort of doing stuff, hopefully with some sort of doing stuff, hopefully with some sort of purpose for your life in mind. purpose for your life in mind. purpose for your life in mind. God knows that. So, God communicates God knows that. So, God communicates God knows that. So, God communicates repeatedly in the scriptures through repeatedly in the scriptures through repeatedly in the scriptures through narrative, through stories. 70 around narrative, through stories. 70 around narrative, through stories. 70 around 70% of what God says in the scriptures 70% of what God says in the scriptures 70% of what God says in the scriptures comes to us as real stories, just like comes to us as real stories, just like comes to us as real stories, just like the story of Jonah. the story of Jonah. the story of Jonah. A wonderful, engaging story, a story A wonderful, engaging story, a story A wonderful, engaging story, a story that God wants to teach us significant that God wants to teach us significant that God wants to teach us significant lessons through.

lessons through. lessons through. As we watch this this man walk with God, As we watch this this man walk with God, As we watch this this man walk with God, we're invited on the journey with God to we're invited on the journey with God to we're invited on the journey with God to hear him out, to to observe his heart, hear him out, to to observe his heart, hear him out, to to observe his heart, to align our hearts to his. to align our hearts to his. to align our hearts to his. God doesn't send us God doesn't send us God doesn't send us whatever [snorts] whatever [snorts] whatever [snorts] whatever letters Jonah wrote in his whatever letters Jonah wrote in his whatever letters Jonah wrote in his life. He He does that with other writers life. He He does that with other writers life. He He does that with other writers of the Bible, right? We get lots of of the Bible, right? We get lots of of the Bible, right? We get lots of letters, but but not this one. God letters, but but not this one. God letters, but but not this one. God doesn't tell us send us Jonah's sermons doesn't tell us send us Jonah's sermons doesn't tell us send us Jonah's sermons either, his manuscripts. He does that either, his manuscripts. He does that either, his manuscripts. He does that with the 11 other minor prophets in the with the 11 other minor prophets in the with the 11 other minor prophets in the Old Testament. We get their sermon Old Testament. We get their sermon Old Testament. We get their sermon manuscripts to read. manuscripts to read. manuscripts to read. But with with Jonah, we get a story. But with with Jonah, we get a story. But with with Jonah, we get a story. Just a story of a few months in the live Just a story of a few months in the live Just a story of a few months in the live in the life of this man. It's not a in the life of this man. It's not a in the life of this man. It's not a biography of his entire life. It's just biography of his entire life. It's just biography of his entire life. It's just a few months. And And yes, it comes a few months. And And yes, it comes a few months. And And yes, it comes dressed in 8th century BC language that dressed in 8th century BC language that dressed in 8th century BC language that can be very alien to us, words like can be very alien to us, words like can be very alien to us, words like Tarshish and Joppa and the Ninevites, Tarshish and Joppa and the Ninevites, Tarshish and Joppa and the Ninevites, but but its point its its lesson is but but its point its its lesson is but but its point its its lesson is significant in 21st century in the 21st significant in 21st century in the 21st significant in 21st century in the 21st century world that you live in.

century world that you live in. century world that you live in. God's God's voice through this story God's God's voice through this story God's God's voice through this story >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> it is alive and well. >> it is alive and well. >> it is alive and well. This isn't just a window to peer into This isn't just a window to peer into This isn't just a window to peer into the life of this individual way back the life of this individual way back the life of this individual way back then. There are many stories that God then. There are many stories that God then. There are many stories that God doesn't put in his Bible. This is doesn't put in his Bible. This is doesn't put in his Bible. This is supposed to be a a sort of a mirror supposed to be a a sort of a mirror supposed to be a a sort of a mirror where you get to see yourself reflected where you get to see yourself reflected where you get to see yourself reflected in the interactions of this man with in the interactions of this man with in the interactions of this man with God, God, God, this is the story of a Bible-believing this is the story of a Bible-believing this is the story of a Bible-believing God-follower, God-follower, God-follower, just like you and I, just like you and I, just like you and I, except it's presented as a except it's presented as a except it's presented as a Bible-believing God-follower who is not Bible-believing God-follower who is not Bible-believing God-follower who is not happy with God leading his life. happy with God leading his life. happy with God leading his life. That's still relevant. That's still relevant. That's still relevant. It's the story of a believer who It's the story of a believer who It's the story of a believer who disapproves disapproves disapproves of God's plans. That's still relevant. of God's plans. That's still relevant. of God's plans. That's still relevant. This is a story that's passed on for you This is a story that's passed on for you This is a story that's passed on for you to check your life and adjust your walk to check your life and adjust your walk to check your life and adjust your walk with God if you are a Bible-believing with God if you are a Bible-believing with God if you are a Bible-believing God-follower today. God-follower today. God-follower today. Last time in in that little introductory Last time in in that little introductory Last time in in that little introductory sermon to this series, my goal was sermon to this series, my goal was sermon to this series, my goal was simply to prepare you to enter this simply to prepare you to enter this simply to prepare you to enter this story just as Jonah did and in in one story just as Jonah did and in in one story just as Jonah did and in in one sense get you to arrive at the shores of sense get you to arrive at the shores of sense get you to arrive at the shores of the story.

the story. the story. To to remind you that that you, if To to remind you that that you, if To to remind you that that you, if you're a Bible-believing God-follower, you're a Bible-believing God-follower, you're a Bible-believing God-follower, share in much of the same frame of mind, share in much of the same frame of mind, share in much of the same frame of mind, much of the same theology or worldview much of the same theology or worldview much of the same theology or worldview that Jonah did at the time. Jonah would that Jonah did at the time. Jonah would that Jonah did at the time. Jonah would be very comfortable in our church this be very comfortable in our church this be very comfortable in our church this morning, I think. morning, I think. morning, I think. Jonah knew, like we know, that that no Jonah knew, like we know, that that no Jonah knew, like we know, that that no one on the planet deserves God's one on the planet deserves God's one on the planet deserves God's compassion, remember? No one on the compassion, remember? No one on the compassion, remember? No one on the planet deserves compassion. You don't planet deserves compassion. You don't planet deserves compassion. You don't deserve God's compassion. I don't deserve God's compassion. I don't deserve God's compassion. I don't deserve God's compassion. None of us do. deserve God's compassion. None of us do. deserve God's compassion. None of us do. Jonah and we know, given what the Jonah and we know, given what the Jonah and we know, given what the scriptures say, that while we don't scriptures say, that while we don't scriptures say, that while we don't deserve God's compassion, we have been deserve God's compassion, we have been deserve God's compassion, we have been the recipients of God's undeserved the recipients of God's undeserved the recipients of God's undeserved compassion. compassion. compassion. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> That God has been kind to us. That God >> That God has been kind to us. That God >> That God has been kind to us. That God has been kind to you. And if you don't has been kind to you. And if you don't has been kind to you. And if you don't know God personally, hear me clearly, know God personally, hear me clearly, know God personally, hear me clearly, God wants to be kind to you. God wants to be kind to you. God wants to be kind to you. We've been the recipients of God's We've been the recipients of God's We've been the recipients of God's unconditional grace, his unconditional unconditional grace, his unconditional unconditional grace, his unconditional kindness, his compassion on our lives.

kindness, his compassion on our lives. kindness, his compassion on our lives. Not because of any personal merit, but Not because of any personal merit, but Not because of any personal merit, but because of God's choice. Thirdly, we saw that God expects those Thirdly, we saw that God expects those who have tasted of his compassion who have tasted of his compassion who have tasted of his compassion to proclaim its availability to other to proclaim its availability to other to proclaim its availability to other people. God God wants those who who know what he God God wants those who who know what he is like, who have been blessed by his is like, who have been blessed by his is like, who have been blessed by his compassion, to to to share that, to compassion, to to to share that, to compassion, to to to share that, to invite others to to to to understand invite others to to to to understand invite others to to to to understand that it's available to them. That's not an unfair request. That's not an unfair request. Jonah knew it and and we know it. So, Jonah knew it and and we know it. So, Jonah knew it and and we know it. So, today I want to jump right into the today I want to jump right into the today I want to jump right into the start of this great story full of all start of this great story full of all start of this great story full of all the wonderful drama that that many of the wonderful drama that that many of the wonderful drama that that many of you are already very familiar with. And you are already very familiar with. And you are already very familiar with. And to do so with those truths in mind, I to do so with those truths in mind, I to do so with those truths in mind, I don't deserve God's compassion, but God don't deserve God's compassion, but God don't deserve God's compassion, but God has gifted me his compassion, and I have has gifted me his compassion, and I have has gifted me his compassion, and I have a responsibility to proclaim the a responsibility to proclaim the a responsibility to proclaim the compassion of God to those around us. compassion of God to those around us. compassion of God to those around us. So, let's jump right in and see what God So, let's jump right in and see what God So, let's jump right in and see what God is telling us is telling us is telling us in this wonderful well-known story. We in this wonderful well-known story. We in this wonderful well-known story. We start with a very clear call.

start with a very clear call. start with a very clear call. A very very clear call is how this story A very very clear call is how this story A very very clear call is how this story is introduced. Look at verse one. The is introduced. Look at verse one. The is introduced. Look at verse one. The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of word of the Lord came to Jonah son of word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai. Amittai. Amittai. God spoke. God spoke. God spoke. God spoke clearly. God spoke clearly to God spoke clearly. God spoke clearly to God spoke clearly. God spoke clearly to Jonah. The word came very clearly and Jonah. The word came very clearly and Jonah. The word came very clearly and very directly to him and Jonah knew it. very directly to him and Jonah knew it. very directly to him and Jonah knew it. God doesn't mince his words. This isn't God doesn't mince his words. This isn't God doesn't mince his words. This isn't an opinion from someone else that can be an opinion from someone else that can be an opinion from someone else that can be dismissed if it doesn't suit. dismissed if it doesn't suit. dismissed if it doesn't suit. God speaks, and God speaks to Jonah, and God speaks, and God speaks to Jonah, and God speaks, and God speaks to Jonah, and he doesn't do it with a a a text, a he doesn't do it with a a a text, a he doesn't do it with a a a text, a mobile text message with with emojis mobile text message with with emojis mobile text message with with emojis that can be easily misunderstood. Who that can be easily misunderstood. Who that can be easily misunderstood. Who understands the vast array of emojis understands the vast array of emojis understands the vast array of emojis that we have in our text messaging? that we have in our text messaging? that we have in our text messaging? There's no ambiguity here because God There's no ambiguity here because God There's no ambiguity here because God speaks clearly. His word comes not as a speaks clearly. His word comes not as a speaks clearly. His word comes not as a text message, his word doesn't come as text message, his word doesn't come as text message, his word doesn't come as an email that Jonah can leave unread. an email that Jonah can leave unread. an email that Jonah can leave unread. I I didn't read it. Sorry, God. I I I I didn't read it. Sorry, God. I I I I didn't read it. Sorry, God. I I missed that. No. The word of the Lord missed that. No. The word of the Lord missed that. No. The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai. And here came to Jonah son of Amittai. And here came to Jonah son of Amittai. And here it is, verse two. Go to the great city it is, verse two. Go to the great city it is, verse two. Go to the great city of Nineveh.

of Nineveh. of Nineveh. And preach against it And preach against it And preach against it because its wickedness has come up because its wickedness has come up because its wickedness has come up before me. before me. before me. Now, Now, Now, in my opinion, there are three clear in my opinion, there are three clear in my opinion, there are three clear bits to that message that I don't want bits to that message that I don't want bits to that message that I don't want you to miss. you to miss. you to miss. And the first is that we have a very And the first is that we have a very And the first is that we have a very clear commissioning. clear commissioning. clear commissioning. What Jonah is called to do, what Jonah What Jonah is called to do, what Jonah What Jonah is called to do, what Jonah must do. A very clear commissioning must do. A very clear commissioning must do. A very clear commissioning here. Go. here. Go. here. Go. Now, many English translations have Now, many English translations have Now, many English translations have arise and go or get up and go arise and go or get up and go arise and go or get up and go as though it's a two-step command. And as though it's a two-step command. And as though it's a two-step command. And while there are two verbs there in the while there are two verbs there in the while there are two verbs there in the Hebrew, it really is one command. Hebrew, it really is one command. Hebrew, it really is one command. The arise or the get up is servant to The arise or the get up is servant to The arise or the get up is servant to the go. The main push is that you go. the go. The main push is that you go. the go. The main push is that you go. Now, we have wonderful translations in Now, we have wonderful translations in Now, we have wonderful translations in English of the Bible. English of the Bible. English of the Bible. Lots of different ones. Lots of different ones. Lots of different ones. And and within all the array of Bible And and within all the array of Bible And and within all the array of Bible versions that we have and and many of versions that we have and and many of versions that we have and and many of you use different ones, there are you use different ones, there are you use different ones, there are probably at least 10 that are really probably at least 10 that are really probably at least 10 that are really really good and accurate. At least 10.

really good and accurate. At least 10. really good and accurate. At least 10. So, we're spoiled for choice in English. So, we're spoiled for choice in English. So, we're spoiled for choice in English. And so, yours might say get up and go or And so, yours might say get up and go or And so, yours might say get up and go or arise and go or it might just simply say arise and go or it might just simply say arise and go or it might just simply say go. go. go. The one I like at this little section of The one I like at this little section of The one I like at this little section of of the story of Jonah is the NET Bible, of the story of Jonah is the NET Bible, of the story of Jonah is the NET Bible, the NET Bible, because they're trying to the NET Bible, because they're trying to the NET Bible, because they're trying to show you that the arise or the get up show you that the arise or the get up show you that the arise or the get up serves the go. It adds immediacy and serves the go. It adds immediacy and serves the go. It adds immediacy and urgency to the go. So, they translated urgency to the go. So, they translated urgency to the go. So, they translated this way, go immediately. this way, go immediately. this way, go immediately. Go immediately. Go immediately. Go immediately. Go go with urgency. Go right now. Go go with urgency. Go right now. Go go with urgency. Go right now. And and that's accurate. That's that's And and that's accurate. That's that's And and that's accurate. That's that's really the push behind it. really the push behind it. really the push behind it. So, I don't mind if you have a rise and So, I don't mind if you have a rise and So, I don't mind if you have a rise and go, if you have get up and go, as long go, if you have get up and go, as long go, if you have get up and go, as long as you understand that as the one as you understand that as the one as you understand that as the one command, it's time to go. command, it's time to go. command, it's time to go. To go immediately. Jonah's call is to go To go immediately. Jonah's call is to go To go immediately. Jonah's call is to go now. It's a very clear commissioning. now. It's a very clear commissioning. now. It's a very clear commissioning. It's a very clear call on his life. It's a very clear call on his life. It's a very clear call on his life. The word of God has been clearly The word of God has been clearly The word of God has been clearly presented to him. There's also, presented to him. There's also, presented to him. There's also, secondly, a very clear destination, not secondly, a very clear destination, not secondly, a very clear destination, not just what Jonah must do, but where Jonah just what Jonah must do, but where Jonah just what Jonah must do, but where Jonah must go, the direction in which this must go, the direction in which this must go, the direction in which this urgent going has to be directed toward, urgent going has to be directed toward, urgent going has to be directed toward, to the great city of Nineveh.

to the great city of Nineveh. to the great city of Nineveh. He's called to a specific people. He's called to a specific people. He's called to a specific people. They're not his people, but it is one of They're not his people, but it is one of They're not his people, but it is one of the great cultures of the ancient Near the great cultures of the ancient Near the great cultures of the ancient Near East in all sorts of ways of East in all sorts of ways of East in all sorts of ways of understanding the word great. understanding the word great. understanding the word great. Which is what it says. Is a the great Which is what it says. Is a the great Which is what it says. Is a the great city of Nineveh. city of Nineveh. city of Nineveh. Nineveh Nineveh Nineveh sat about 500 miles off to the east of sat about 500 miles off to the east of sat about 500 miles off to the east of Israel by the river Tigris, near what Israel by the river Tigris, near what Israel by the river Tigris, near what today we call Mosul in northern Iraq. today we call Mosul in northern Iraq. today we call Mosul in northern Iraq. Not not very far from the Iranian Not not very far from the Iranian Not not very far from the Iranian border. border. border. And we know that that by by great, given And we know that that by by great, given And we know that that by by great, given what the rest of the story tells us what the rest of the story tells us what the rest of the story tells us later, by by this by the greatness of later, by by this by the greatness of later, by by this by the greatness of this city included its footprint. Its this city included its footprint. Its this city included its footprint. Its geographical size. It is a huge city by geographical size. It is a huge city by geographical size. It is a huge city by the standards of city sizes back then. the standards of city sizes back then. the standards of city sizes back then. We also know from what is said later on We also know from what is said later on We also know from what is said later on that it's great in population. that it's great in population. that it's great in population. In the amount of people that are there.

In the amount of people that are there. In the amount of people that are there. And we also know that it's great in the And we also know that it's great in the And we also know that it's great in the number of cattle or livestock that that number of cattle or livestock that that number of cattle or livestock that that service essentially this city. It's it's service essentially this city. It's it's service essentially this city. It's it's industry, as it were. industry, as it were. industry, as it were. Now, we know from first and second Now, we know from first and second Now, we know from first and second Kings, which mentions the Assyrians, and Kings, which mentions the Assyrians, and Kings, which mentions the Assyrians, and the Ninevites are Assyrians, the Ninevites are Assyrians, the Ninevites are Assyrians, uh and uh from external literature, we uh and uh from external literature, we uh and uh from external literature, we know that they were also great know that they were also great know that they were also great militarily. militarily. militarily. They were a superpower in their day. They were a superpower in their day. They were a superpower in their day. Uh and and and to get to that status of Uh and and and to get to that status of Uh and and and to get to that status of strength uh and superpower categorizing, strength uh and superpower categorizing, strength uh and superpower categorizing, uh as we know here in the US, takes a uh as we know here in the US, takes a uh as we know here in the US, takes a lot of other moving parts or foundations lot of other moving parts or foundations lot of other moving parts or foundations beneath it. beneath it. beneath it. So, they're a great militarily because So, they're a great militarily because So, they're a great militarily because they're also great technologically. they're also great technologically. they're also great technologically. The The These guys know science. These The The These guys know science. These The The These guys know science. These guys know mathematics. They understand guys know mathematics. They understand guys know mathematics. They understand engineering. engineering. engineering. They're educated in many ways. They They're educated in many ways. They They're educated in many ways. They They're great also economically. We You They're great also economically. We You They're great also economically. We You can't do what we know the Assyrians and can't do what we know the Assyrians and can't do what we know the Assyrians and the Ninevites did unless they were the Ninevites did unless they were the Ninevites did unless they were funded by a strong economy.

funded by a strong economy. funded by a strong economy. They're also very good administratively. They're also very good administratively. They're also very good administratively. They understood how to govern people They understood how to govern people They understood how to govern people and how to govern large masses of land. and how to govern large masses of land. and how to govern large masses of land. We tend to dismiss how clever and We tend to dismiss how clever and We tend to dismiss how clever and advanced people back then were just advanced people back then were just advanced people back then were just because they didn't have light bulbs or because they didn't have light bulbs or because they didn't have light bulbs or because they hadn't figured out how to because they hadn't figured out how to because they hadn't figured out how to flavor the gum that they chew. flavor the gum that they chew. flavor the gum that they chew. But, these were clever people. But, these were clever people. But, these were clever people. God's the one who calls them a great God's the one who calls them a great God's the one who calls them a great city. city. city. This is a large and sophisticated This is a large and sophisticated This is a large and sophisticated metroplex, a great culture. metroplex, a great culture. metroplex, a great culture. With restaurants and sporting arenas and With restaurants and sporting arenas and With restaurants and sporting arenas and business districts and parks and schools business districts and parks and schools business districts and parks and schools and Tigris River boats like the and Tigris River boats like the and Tigris River boats like the Riverwalk boat cruises you can take in Riverwalk boat cruises you can take in Riverwalk boat cruises you can take in San Antonio and and water systems and San Antonio and and water systems and San Antonio and and water systems and sewage systems and taxation systems, and sewage systems and taxation systems, and sewage systems and taxation systems, and a police force, etc. etc. etc. etc. a police force, etc. etc. etc. etc. a police force, etc. etc. etc. etc. These are sophisticated people These are sophisticated people These are sophisticated people by the standards of the day. So, so by the standards of the day. So, so by the standards of the day. So, so Jonah is told to go immediately to a Jonah is told to go immediately to a Jonah is told to go immediately to a great culture.

great culture. great culture. See, God is not by default against any See, God is not by default against any See, God is not by default against any culture. culture. culture. The culture belongs to God. He isn't by The culture belongs to God. He isn't by The culture belongs to God. He isn't by default anti any people. God made default anti any people. God made default anti any people. God made humanity to produce culture, to humanity to produce culture, to humanity to produce culture, to culturize. culturize. culturize. Culture is the the the the values, the Culture is the the the the values, the Culture is the the the the values, the the the doings, the the product of of a the the doings, the the product of of a the the doings, the the product of of a community of people, of a society of community of people, of a society of community of people, of a society of people doing life together. That was people doing life together. That was people doing life together. That was God's intention all along. Culture is God's intention all along. Culture is God's intention all along. Culture is God's idea. God's idea. God's idea. God loves culture. And so, he God loves culture. And so, he God loves culture. And so, he commissions his servant in Israel commissions his servant in Israel commissions his servant in Israel who has had a ministry there, remember, who has had a ministry there, remember, who has had a ministry there, remember, to go immediately to that great culture, to go immediately to that great culture, to go immediately to that great culture, the metroplex of Nineveh. the metroplex of Nineveh. the metroplex of Nineveh. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Now, there's a reason for this clear >> Now, there's a reason for this clear >> Now, there's a reason for this clear commissioning with this to this clear commissioning with this to this clear commissioning with this to this clear destination. So, thirdly here in this destination. So, thirdly here in this destination. So, thirdly here in this little section of verse two, we have the little section of verse two, we have the little section of verse two, we have the clear intention laid out. Why Jonah must clear intention laid out. Why Jonah must clear intention laid out. Why Jonah must go there.

go there. go there. Why Jonah must go there? It says to Why Jonah must go there? It says to Why Jonah must go there? It says to preach against it. preach against it. preach against it. Because its wickedness has come up Because its wickedness has come up Because its wickedness has come up before me. before me. before me. God speaking there. God speaking there. God speaking there. Nineveh is great in all senses of the Nineveh is great in all senses of the Nineveh is great in all senses of the word great, including evil word great, including evil word great, including evil and wickedness. and wickedness. and wickedness. It's a wicked culture, and that is It's a wicked culture, and that is It's a wicked culture, and that is simply not acceptable to God. simply not acceptable to God. simply not acceptable to God. Culture was God's idea. Culture was God's idea. Culture was God's idea. Wickedness inside of culture is not Wickedness inside of culture is not Wickedness inside of culture is not God's idea, and is not God's desire. Sin God's idea, and is not God's desire. Sin God's idea, and is not God's desire. Sin has infected the culturizing potential has infected the culturizing potential has infected the culturizing potential of God's humanity of the world. of God's humanity of the world. of God's humanity of the world. Remember, culture is the values, the Remember, culture is the values, the Remember, culture is the values, the doings, the interactions, the the doings, the interactions, the the doings, the interactions, the the product of a people or of a society. product of a people or of a society. product of a people or of a society. Culture is is is is beautiful. Culture is is is is beautiful. Culture is is is is beautiful. Alas, its values, its doings, its Alas, its values, its doings, its Alas, its values, its doings, its interactions, its products are offensive interactions, its products are offensive interactions, its products are offensive to God.

to God. to God. Unless they're geared Unless they're geared Unless they're geared in rebellion toward God. And And these in rebellion toward God. And And these in rebellion toward God. And And these Ninevites are great in so many areas, Ninevites are great in so many areas, Ninevites are great in so many areas, but also in rebellion against the ways but also in rebellion against the ways but also in rebellion against the ways of God. That's not the way God wanted of God. That's not the way God wanted of God. That's not the way God wanted the culture of Nineveh to be. the culture of Nineveh to be. the culture of Nineveh to be. It's not acceptable to him. It's not acceptable to him. It's not acceptable to him. So, go tell them, Jonah. So, go tell them, Jonah. So, go tell them, Jonah. Expose to them, it says that their Expose to them, it says that their Expose to them, it says that their wickedness has come up before me. That wickedness has come up before me. That wickedness has come up before me. That phrase is a beautiful phrase there. phrase is a beautiful phrase there. phrase is a beautiful phrase there. It's speaking of Remember, their their It's speaking of Remember, their their It's speaking of Remember, their their ways of doing life ways of doing life ways of doing life as God as God as God looks out upon this metroplex and sees looks out upon this metroplex and sees looks out upon this metroplex and sees their the culturing of these people, their the culturing of these people, their the culturing of these people, he's not he's not happy at what's rising he's not he's not happy at what's rising he's not he's not happy at what's rising into his face. That's literally what's into his face. That's literally what's into his face. That's literally what's there. The The wickedness that is rising there. The The wickedness that is rising there. The The wickedness that is rising into the face of God, it has the the into the face of God, it has the the into the face of God, it has the the visual visual visual of a smell rising up into the nostrils of a smell rising up into the nostrils of a smell rising up into the nostrils of a holy God that stinks.

of a holy God that stinks. of a holy God that stinks. I can't stand the smell of those people. I can't stand the smell of those people. I can't stand the smell of those people. And so, you've got to go immediately. And so, you've got to go immediately. And so, you've got to go immediately. You know, the the phrase, the language You know, the the phrase, the language You know, the the phrase, the language that's there is used positively that's there is used positively that's there is used positively elsewhere in the scriptures. When when elsewhere in the scriptures. When when elsewhere in the scriptures. When when we pray or when we cry out to God in we pray or when we cry out to God in we pray or when we cry out to God in prayer, prayer, prayer, it's described in some of the Psalms as it's described in some of the Psalms as it's described in some of the Psalms as as an aroma that's sort of rising up as an aroma that's sort of rising up as an aroma that's sort of rising up into the the of God. into the the of God. into the the of God. Or Or when we talk about worship, Or Or when we talk about worship, Or Or when we talk about worship, certainly in the book of Leviticus, it's certainly in the book of Leviticus, it's certainly in the book of Leviticus, it's very clearly described as a sacrificial very clearly described as a sacrificial very clearly described as a sacrificial system that's supposed to communicate system that's supposed to communicate system that's supposed to communicate the heart of the worshiper as it rises the heart of the worshiper as it rises the heart of the worshiper as it rises up into the nostrils of God, hopefully up into the nostrils of God, hopefully up into the nostrils of God, hopefully being being being a pleasing aroma in his nose and his a pleasing aroma in his nose and his a pleasing aroma in his nose and his face. face. face. So, this phrase is used positively So, this phrase is used positively So, this phrase is used positively elsewhere. Here it is used negatively. elsewhere. Here it is used negatively. elsewhere. Here it is used negatively. The Ninevites were so spiritually rotten The Ninevites were so spiritually rotten The Ninevites were so spiritually rotten that they smelt bad to God. And we know from the scriptures, and we And we know from the scriptures, and we know from what the Ninevites and the know from what the Ninevites and the know from what the Ninevites and the Assyrians have passed on in their own Assyrians have passed on in their own Assyrians have passed on in their own literature and in their own cultural literature and in their own cultural literature and in their own cultural products, that that that they were a products, that that that they were a products, that that that they were a brutal, wicked, violent people.

brutal, wicked, violent people. brutal, wicked, violent people. And that they have been a an absolute And that they have been a an absolute And that they have been a an absolute pest on the side of God's people Israel pest on the side of God's people Israel pest on the side of God's people Israel for for nearly two centuries for for nearly two centuries for for nearly two centuries up until the days of Jonah. up until the days of Jonah. up until the days of Jonah. Under Jonah, remember there's a little Under Jonah, remember there's a little Under Jonah, remember there's a little bit of prosperity in Israel, so they've bit of prosperity in Israel, so they've bit of prosperity in Israel, so they've backed off a little bit, but but backed off a little bit, but but backed off a little bit, but but Jonah, like like any good Jew studying Jonah, like like any good Jew studying Jonah, like like any good Jew studying history, would understand that the history, would understand that the history, would understand that the Assyrians aren't good people. You could go to You could go to to London. If you were to hop on a plane to London. If you were to hop on a plane to London. If you were to hop on a plane this evening and arrive in London this evening and arrive in London this evening and arrive in London tomorrow morning, you could make your tomorrow morning, you could make your tomorrow morning, you could make your way up to the British Museum and go to way up to the British Museum and go to way up to the British Museum and go to the ancient Near Eastern section, and the ancient Near Eastern section, and the ancient Near Eastern section, and you'll have the ability to see some of you'll have the ability to see some of you'll have the ability to see some of their products, their cultural their products, their cultural their products, their cultural artifacts, and you'll see a massive artifacts, and you'll see a massive artifacts, and you'll see a massive mural, a long, long wall. Basically, mural, a long, long wall. Basically, mural, a long, long wall. Basically, it's ancient social media messaging. it's ancient social media messaging. it's ancient social media messaging. And it's pictures of what type of people And it's pictures of what type of people And it's pictures of what type of people they were, what they did to their they were, what they did to their they were, what they did to their enemies, and it's brutal. enemies, and it's brutal. enemies, and it's brutal. It's wicked.

It's wicked. It's wicked. These people had an inflated sense of These people had an inflated sense of These people had an inflated sense of their greatness because they were great, their greatness because they were great, their greatness because they were great, but it smelled awful to God. but it smelled awful to God. but it smelled awful to God. And their prosperity, their success, And their prosperity, their success, And their prosperity, their success, like in Israel under Jonah, had birthed like in Israel under Jonah, had birthed like in Israel under Jonah, had birthed confidence. And and confidence is fine confidence. And and confidence is fine confidence. And and confidence is fine except that you can easily slip toward except that you can easily slip toward except that you can easily slip toward arrogance, and that's where they had arrogance, and that's where they had arrogance, and that's where they had landed. landed. landed. It's an easy slip. It's an easy slip. It's an easy slip. So, Jonah is commissioned now to leave So, Jonah is commissioned now to leave So, Jonah is commissioned now to leave his current ministry in smelly little his current ministry in smelly little his current ministry in smelly little Israel to go and preach against Israel to go and preach against Israel to go and preach against a smelly foreign culture. a smelly foreign culture. a smelly foreign culture. Preach against. That's That's what the Preach against. That's That's what the Preach against. That's That's what the word is there. If you look at your copy word is there. If you look at your copy word is there. If you look at your copy of the scriptures, it'll either say of the scriptures, it'll either say of the scriptures, it'll either say preach against or cry out against, but preach against or cry out against, but preach against or cry out against, but don't be fooled by the meaning of that don't be fooled by the meaning of that don't be fooled by the meaning of that word against. word against. word against. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We'll get back to it in a second. At >> We'll get back to it in a second. At >> We'll get back to it in a second. At this point, all I want you to understand this point, all I want you to understand this point, all I want you to understand is that Jonah has been called to expose is that Jonah has been called to expose is that Jonah has been called to expose their wickedness. Show them. They don't their wickedness. Show them. They don't their wickedness. Show them. They don't know it is a stench in the nostrils of know it is a stench in the nostrils of know it is a stench in the nostrils of the true God.

the true God. the true God. They don't know that. They don't know that. They don't know that. So, tell them. Go and tell them that the So, tell them. Go and tell them that the So, tell them. Go and tell them that the way they are doing life as a culture, way they are doing life as a culture, way they are doing life as a culture, they're culturizing, is evil. It's they're culturizing, is evil. It's they're culturizing, is evil. It's wrong. It doesn't sit well with God. wrong. It doesn't sit well with God. wrong. It doesn't sit well with God. That God sees all sin, be it individual That God sees all sin, be it individual That God sees all sin, be it individual sin or national sin, be it home sin, be sin or national sin, be it home sin, be sin or national sin, be it home sin, be it foreign sin. God sees it all, and he it foreign sin. God sees it all, and he it foreign sin. God sees it all, and he will punish sin. will punish sin. will punish sin. So, the story starts right at the So, the story starts right at the So, the story starts right at the beginning with great drama. beginning with great drama. beginning with great drama. A clear call. God says, "Go." A clear call. God says, "Go." A clear call. God says, "Go." Go. Go. Go. God says, "Go. Go now." God says, "Go. Go now." God says, "Go. Go now." Go immediately. Go immediately. Go immediately. Friends, that clear call remains as a Friends, that clear call remains as a Friends, that clear call remains as a word from the Lord for us, too. You know word from the Lord for us, too. You know word from the Lord for us, too. You know that. that. that. God still clearly says to his people, God still clearly says to his people, God still clearly says to his people, "Go." "Go." "Go." That That part of the call to Jonah is That That part of the call to Jonah is That That part of the call to Jonah is the call to Jonathan. Is the call to the call to Jonathan. Is the call to the call to Jonathan. Is the call to you. We have been called to go. Jesus is you. We have been called to go. Jesus is you. We have been called to go. Jesus is very clear in his commissioning of his very clear in his commissioning of his very clear in his commissioning of his followers.

followers. followers. Remember Matthew 28? Go. Remember Matthew 28? Go. Remember Matthew 28? Go. Make disciples of all nations, all Make disciples of all nations, all Make disciples of all nations, all cultures. cultures. cultures. It's articulated on a separate occasion It's articulated on a separate occasion It's articulated on a separate occasion in the book of Acts in the book of Acts in the book of Acts chapter 1 verse 8 as be my witnesses. chapter 1 verse 8 as be my witnesses. chapter 1 verse 8 as be my witnesses. Testify to me in Jerusalem, in Judea and Testify to me in Jerusalem, in Judea and Testify to me in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. That's been God's desire all along. That That's been God's desire all along. That That's been God's desire all along. That That his humanity That his humanity That his humanity whatever culture whatever culture whatever culture would come to would come to would come to know him. know him. know him. Hear of him. Hear of him. Hear of him. That That That That clear call remains. That That That That clear call remains. That That That That clear call remains. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We're called to go into our version of >> We're called to go into our version of >> We're called to go into our version of Nineveh-like metroplexes that may smell Nineveh-like metroplexes that may smell Nineveh-like metroplexes that may smell spiritually off to God, too, even though spiritually off to God, too, even though spiritually off to God, too, even though they may not have reached the levels of they may not have reached the levels of they may not have reached the levels of of stench that this real Nineveh of stench that this real Nineveh of stench that this real Nineveh metroplex had. metroplex had. metroplex had. Because God owns every culture, and he Because God owns every culture, and he Because God owns every culture, and he wants us to go to every culture. And the wants us to go to every culture. And the wants us to go to every culture. And the cultures of the world are are right at cultures of the world are are right at cultures of the world are are right at your doorstep your doorstep your doorstep to hear in in North Texas today.

to hear in in North Texas today. to hear in in North Texas today. God wants cultures back. They're his. God wants cultures back. They're his. God wants cultures back. They're his. God wants culture back. No culture is God wants culture back. No culture is God wants culture back. No culture is outside of his reach. No culture is outside of his reach. No culture is outside of his reach. No culture is outside of his heart. And all cultures outside of his heart. And all cultures outside of his heart. And all cultures are still accountable to him. Be it the are still accountable to him. Be it the are still accountable to him. Be it the Ninevite culture or the northern Ninevite culture or the northern Ninevite culture or the northern Israelite culture of the 8th century BC Israelite culture of the 8th century BC Israelite culture of the 8th century BC or the northern Irish culture or the or the northern Irish culture or the or the northern Irish culture or the North Texan culture in the 21st century. North Texan culture in the 21st century. North Texan culture in the 21st century. They're all his, and they're all They're all his, and they're all They're all his, and they're all accountable to him. accountable to him. accountable to him. So, a clear call remains on your life, So, a clear call remains on your life, So, a clear call remains on your life, just like it just like it just like it came to Jonah. If you're a follower of came to Jonah. If you're a follower of came to Jonah. If you're a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, God still says, the Lord Jesus Christ, God still says, the Lord Jesus Christ, God still says, "Arise and go, get up and go, go now, go "Arise and go, get up and go, go now, go "Arise and go, get up and go, go now, go immediately with urgency." immediately with urgency." immediately with urgency." Now, the story shifts abruptly, Now, the story shifts abruptly, Now, the story shifts abruptly, immediately, right at the very start. immediately, right at the very start. immediately, right at the very start. Look at verse three. We have a clear Look at verse three. We have a clear Look at verse three. We have a clear fall. fall. fall. A very clear fall right at the very A very clear fall right at the very A very clear fall right at the very start. Look at verse three. But, Jonah start. Look at verse three. But, Jonah start. Look at verse three. But, Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for ran away from the Lord and headed for ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.

Tarshish. Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, He went down to Joppa, He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for the port where he found a ship bound for the port where he found a ship bound for the port of Tarshish. After paying the fare, he of Tarshish. After paying the fare, he of Tarshish. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. flee from the Lord. flee from the Lord. Now, if you've never heard this story Now, if you've never heard this story Now, if you've never heard this story before, this is the moment where you go, before, this is the moment where you go, before, this is the moment where you go, "What?" This is a massive twist This is a massive twist in this beautiful story right from the in this beautiful story right from the in this beautiful story right from the very start. very start. very start. Jonah Jonah does get up and goes Jonah Jonah does get up and goes Jonah Jonah does get up and goes immediately, but to run from God. immediately, but to run from God. immediately, but to run from God. To run from God. To run from God. To run from God. Now, the Ninevites may smell off in Now, the Ninevites may smell off in Now, the Ninevites may smell off in God's face way over there near the God's face way over there near the God's face way over there near the Tigris River with all their violence, Tigris River with all their violence, Tigris River with all their violence, but we here we have a man of God but we here we have a man of God but we here we have a man of God disobeying God, and that doesn't smell disobeying God, and that doesn't smell disobeying God, and that doesn't smell right to God, either. Here we have a professional preacher. Here we have a professional preacher. Remember, we we studied this last time. Remember, we we studied this last time. Remember, we we studied this last time. A man schooled in the ways of God. He's A man schooled in the ways of God. He's A man schooled in the ways of God. He's a celebrity. He's a seasoned, successful a celebrity. He's a seasoned, successful a celebrity. He's a seasoned, successful preacher in Israel and has been so for preacher in Israel and has been so for preacher in Israel and has been so for many, many decades. He's been happy to many, many decades. He's been happy to many, many decades. He's been happy to deliver the word of God to his own deliver the word of God to his own deliver the word of God to his own people.

people. people. A word of prosperity. A word of prosperity. A word of prosperity. And here we see that he's quite happy to And here we see that he's quite happy to And here we see that he's quite happy to disobey God, to pick and choose when to disobey God, to pick and choose when to disobey God, to pick and choose when to obey God and when not to obey God? obey God and when not to obey God? obey God and when not to obey God? His great ministry thus far has become, His great ministry thus far has become, His great ministry thus far has become, it seems to me at this point, his it seems to me at this point, his it seems to me at this point, his ministry. And he's not going to let that ministry. And he's not going to let that ministry. And he's not going to let that go to go off to start a new ministry go to go off to start a new ministry go to go off to start a new ministry with those pagan Ninevites. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It's like he's saying to God, "I like >> It's like he's saying to God, "I like >> It's like he's saying to God, "I like the gig I've got. the gig I've got. the gig I've got. I'm not trading what I've built up here I'm not trading what I've built up here I'm not trading what I've built up here in Israel for something less than that. in Israel for something less than that. in Israel for something less than that. I'm big stuff around here now, God. Why I'm big stuff around here now, God. Why I'm big stuff around here now, God. Why would you take me from this? would you take me from this? would you take me from this? Send Pastor Amos. Nobody likes him, Send Pastor Amos. Nobody likes him, Send Pastor Amos. Nobody likes him, anyway." But it's But it's But Jonah didn't learn that in Bible But Jonah didn't learn that in Bible But Jonah didn't learn that in Bible college. college. college. And Jonah didn't [snorts] learn that And Jonah didn't [snorts] learn that And Jonah didn't [snorts] learn that through through through a systematic through through through a systematic through through through a systematic reading of the scriptures.

reading of the scriptures. reading of the scriptures. That's an attitude That's an attitude That's an attitude of hardening of hardening of hardening toward God's will that developed in a toward God's will that developed in a toward God's will that developed in a man of God who was successful. man of God who was successful. man of God who was successful. And it can develop in a person who who And it can develop in a person who who And it can develop in a person who who gets distracted. Jonah got distracted. gets distracted. Jonah got distracted. gets distracted. Jonah got distracted. Jonah got comfortable. Jonah got, I Jonah got comfortable. Jonah got, I Jonah got comfortable. Jonah got, I believe, successful. Jonah got believe, successful. Jonah got believe, successful. Jonah got celebrated. Jonah got applauded where he celebrated. Jonah got applauded where he celebrated. Jonah got applauded where he was at. And he wasn't going to give it was at. And he wasn't going to give it was at. And he wasn't going to give it up. He's not going to trade that legacy up. He's not going to trade that legacy up. He's not going to trade that legacy in Israel to start a new ministry in in Israel to start a new ministry in in Israel to start a new ministry in Nineveh. So, what does he do? He runs. So, what does he do? He runs. His feet do the talking. His feet do the talking. His feet do the talking. He runs from God. He runs from God. He runs from God. And he runs toward Tarshish. Look at it, And he runs toward Tarshish. Look at it, And he runs toward Tarshish. Look at it, verse 3. Tarshish. I need you to see it. verse 3. Tarshish. I need you to see it. verse 3. Tarshish. I need you to see it. He runs toward Tarshish, verse 3. He He runs toward Tarshish, verse 3. He He runs toward Tarshish, verse 3. He runs toward Tarshish, the portion of runs toward Tarshish, the portion of runs toward Tarshish, the portion of Tarshish, verse 3. He runs toward Tarshish, verse 3. He runs toward Tarshish, verse 3. He runs toward Tarshish, three times. Tarshish, three times. Tarshish, three times. Now, in our English versions, Now, in our English versions, Now, in our English versions, they they try and smooth them out over they they try and smooth them out over they they try and smooth them out over repetition. And so, it might say repetition. And so, it might say repetition. And so, it might say Tarshish, a port of Tarshish. But in the Tarshish, a port of Tarshish. But in the Tarshish, a port of Tarshish. But in the Hebrew text, it says Tarshish, Tarshish, Hebrew text, it says Tarshish, Tarshish, Hebrew text, it says Tarshish, Tarshish, Tarshish, as if don't miss where he runs Tarshish, as if don't miss where he runs Tarshish, as if don't miss where he runs toward.

toward. toward. Three times it's repeated there. And Three times it's repeated there. And Three times it's repeated there. And what it essentially means is this, he what it essentially means is this, he what it essentially means is this, he runs from God and toward sunny Spain, runs from God and toward sunny Spain, runs from God and toward sunny Spain, sunny Spain, sunny Spain. sunny Spain, sunny Spain. sunny Spain, sunny Spain. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> And I go, >> And I go, >> And I go, >> [groaning] >> [groaning] >> [groaning] >> ah, yes. >> ah, yes. >> ah, yes. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Those of you who know me know that I >> Those of you who know me know that I >> Those of you who know me know that I grew up in Spain. grew up in Spain. grew up in Spain. I get I get that choice destination. 70s I get I get that choice destination. 70s I get I get that choice destination. 70s where I grew up all year round. where I grew up all year round. where I grew up all year round. A light breeze, A light breeze, A light breeze, waves crashing on a sandy beach, waves crashing on a sandy beach, waves crashing on a sandy beach, a cool drink to enjoy the afternoon and a cool drink to enjoy the afternoon and a cool drink to enjoy the afternoon and a no one to bother you. a no one to bother you. a no one to bother you. Sounds amazing to me. Sounds amazing to me. Sounds amazing to me. In fact, Tarshish back then in the In fact, Tarshish back then in the In fact, Tarshish back then in the ancient mind was known as the ends of ancient mind was known as the ends of ancient mind was known as the ends of the earth, just before you fall off the the earth, just before you fall off the the earth, just before you fall off the earth. earth. earth. That's where Tarshish was, just past That's where Tarshish was, just past That's where Tarshish was, just past Gibraltar, heading out into the Atlantic Gibraltar, heading out into the Atlantic Gibraltar, heading out into the Atlantic from the Mediterranean Sea. from the Mediterranean Sea. from the Mediterranean Sea. And Tarshish, as the ends of the earth, And Tarshish, as the ends of the earth, And Tarshish, as the ends of the earth, is part of God's plan, not just in Acts is part of God's plan, not just in Acts is part of God's plan, not just in Acts 1:8 when Jesus says, "Be my witnesses in 1:8 when Jesus says, "Be my witnesses in 1:8 when Jesus says, "Be my witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth," but even in the the ends of the earth," but even in the the ends of the earth," but even in the Old Testament, it's God's desire to Old Testament, it's God's desire to Old Testament, it's God's desire to reach Tarshish, the ends of the earth.

reach Tarshish, the ends of the earth. reach Tarshish, the ends of the earth. But Jonah hasn't been called to go But Jonah hasn't been called to go But Jonah hasn't been called to go there. there. there. Instead of heading 500 miles east toward Instead of heading 500 miles east toward Instead of heading 500 miles east toward Nineveh, he plans to go 2,000-plus miles Nineveh, he plans to go 2,000-plus miles Nineveh, he plans to go 2,000-plus miles west. west. west. And this is not a big accidental, And this is not a big accidental, And this is not a big accidental, whoops, God, I got on the wrong boat whoops, God, I got on the wrong boat whoops, God, I got on the wrong boat as it relates to the will of God. This as it relates to the will of God. This as it relates to the will of God. This is flat-out rebellion against what he is flat-out rebellion against what he is flat-out rebellion against what he knows God has called him to do. He knows knows God has called him to do. He knows knows God has called him to do. He knows it. it. it. The word of God came to the to Jonah son The word of God came to the to Jonah son The word of God came to the to Jonah son of Amittai. It came very very clearly. of Amittai. It came very very clearly. of Amittai. It came very very clearly. It came directly. No text messages It came directly. No text messages It came directly. No text messages back then. back then. back then. God spoke. Jonah knows, of course, God spoke. Jonah knows, of course, God spoke. Jonah knows, of course, because he's been to Bible College and a because he's been to Bible College and a because he's been to Bible College and a a very basic Bible class will teach you a very basic Bible class will teach you a very basic Bible class will teach you that you can't actually escape the that you can't actually escape the that you can't actually escape the presence of God. Jonah knows that. presence of God. Jonah knows that. presence of God. Jonah knows that. He knows that that God is in sunny He knows that that God is in sunny He knows that that God is in sunny Spain, too. But he just wants to get away for a But he just wants to get away for a while.

while. while. He wants to let God settle. He wants to let God settle. He wants to let God settle. He wants to give God time to to send He wants to give God time to to send He wants to give God time to to send someone else. Remember, Pastor Amos is someone else. Remember, Pastor Amos is someone else. Remember, Pastor Amos is surely available. Nobody likes him in surely available. Nobody likes him in surely available. Nobody likes him in Israel. So, not being liked will not be Israel. So, not being liked will not be Israel. So, not being liked will not be a problem for him in Nineveh. God. Think a problem for him in Nineveh. God. Think a problem for him in Nineveh. God. Think about that. about that. about that. He wants to create some distance and He wants to create some distance and He wants to create some distance and [snorts] wait it out until God changes [snorts] wait it out until God changes [snorts] wait it out until God changes his mind and sends someone else. his mind and sends someone else. his mind and sends someone else. Now, why why does Jonah not want to Now, why why does Jonah not want to Now, why why does Jonah not want to preach there? Remember I mentioned he preach there? Remember I mentioned he preach there? Remember I mentioned he was called to preach against. Why why was called to preach against. Why why was called to preach against. Why why why would a a patriotic prosperous why would a a patriotic prosperous why would a a patriotic prosperous Israelite preacher like like Jonah not Israelite preacher like like Jonah not Israelite preacher like like Jonah not want to preach against the Ninevites, want to preach against the Ninevites, want to preach against the Ninevites, their their rivals, their enemies? their their rivals, their enemies? their their rivals, their enemies? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Well, it's because Jonah knows the >> Well, it's because Jonah knows the >> Well, it's because Jonah knows the Bible. Jonah knows God personally. Jonah knows God personally. Now, the answer directly comes way over Now, the answer directly comes way over Now, the answer directly comes way over in chapter 4 and I don't want to spoil in chapter 4 and I don't want to spoil in chapter 4 and I don't want to spoil the story for you. We'll do that when we the story for you. We'll do that when we the story for you. We'll do that when we when we get there. We'll we'll explore when we get there. We'll we'll explore when we get there. We'll we'll explore that. But but you know what's going on that. But but you know what's going on that. But but you know what's going on here.

here. here. Jonah knows Jonah knows Jonah knows from his ministry in Israel from his ministry in Israel from his ministry in Israel that no one deserves God's compassion. that no one deserves God's compassion. that no one deserves God's compassion. But But But God may choose to be compassionate. Don't be fooled by that word against. Don't be fooled by that word against. That that word against there doesn't That that word against there doesn't That that word against there doesn't mean that God is not for Nineveh, mean that God is not for Nineveh, mean that God is not for Nineveh, but that God wants Jonah to preach but that God wants Jonah to preach but that God wants Jonah to preach against the the wickedness of Nineveh. against the the wickedness of Nineveh. against the the wickedness of Nineveh. It It's It's It's part of the burn and It It's It's It's part of the burn and It It's It's It's part of the burn and and and the turn or burn or burn and and the turn or burn or burn and and the turn or burn or burn messages that that that that we deliver messages that that that that we deliver messages that that that that we deliver and we see in the scriptures. Jonah and we see in the scriptures. Jonah and we see in the scriptures. Jonah understands that that the built into understands that that the built into understands that that the built into those burn messages, built into the bad those burn messages, built into the bad those burn messages, built into the bad news of what could be, there is good news of what could be, there is good news of what could be, there is good news. You can turn. news. You can turn. news. You can turn. But there is a turn in the turn or burn But there is a turn in the turn or burn But there is a turn in the turn or burn messages and sermons. And Jonah fears messages and sermons. And Jonah fears messages and sermons. And Jonah fears what a gracious God is planning to do to what a gracious God is planning to do to what a gracious God is planning to do to the people that Jonah does not like.

He disapproves of God's plan for that He disapproves of God's plan for that culture. culture. culture. I don't like them. Why would you like I don't like them. Why would you like I don't like them. Why would you like them? them? them? I don't want you to extend compassion to I don't want you to extend compassion to I don't want you to extend compassion to them. So, he struts off on down to them. So, he struts off on down to them. So, he struts off on down to Joppa, which is a port city at the time. Joppa, which is a port city at the time. Joppa, which is a port city at the time. It's It's It's ruins its remnants are still there near ruins its remnants are still there near ruins its remnants are still there near modern-day Tel Aviv in in Israel. And modern-day Tel Aviv in in Israel. And modern-day Tel Aviv in in Israel. And And wouldn't you know, when he gets And wouldn't you know, when he gets And wouldn't you know, when he gets there, the right boat to sunny Spain is there, the right boat to sunny Spain is there, the right boat to sunny Spain is right there, right there, right there, available. available. available. What a God incidence. In the few days that it In the few days that it took him to get down there from where he took him to get down there from where he took him to get down there from where he was, it's about 60 mi, it seems like God was, it's about 60 mi, it seems like God was, it's about 60 mi, it seems like God is now on board with my decision. Jonah is now on board with my decision. Jonah is now on board with my decision. Jonah must be thinking to himself, "Good boy, must be thinking to himself, "Good boy, must be thinking to himself, "Good boy, God. You You You've even provided me God. You You You've even provided me God. You You You've even provided me with a getaway vehicle. with a getaway vehicle. with a getaway vehicle. A boat to the very place that I want to A boat to the very place that I want to A boat to the very place that I want to go." go." go." Jonah pays the fare, verse 3.

Jonah pays the fare, verse 3. Jonah pays the fare, verse 3. And don't miss it. Jonah is paying money And don't miss it. Jonah is paying money And don't miss it. Jonah is paying money to run from God. to run from God. to run from God. It's costing him financially. It's costing him financially. It's costing him financially. In fact, it it it in the Hebrew, it In fact, it it it in the Hebrew, it In fact, it it it in the Hebrew, it literally says that he paid her fare. literally says that he paid her fare. literally says that he paid her fare. Her meaning referring to the boat. Not Her meaning referring to the boat. Not Her meaning referring to the boat. Not his fare, her fare. Now, you've got to his fare, her fare. Now, you've got to his fare, her fare. Now, you've got to understand in the ancient world, when a understand in the ancient world, when a understand in the ancient world, when a boat was going to set sail, it didn't boat was going to set sail, it didn't boat was going to set sail, it didn't actually set sail until the costs of the actually set sail until the costs of the actually set sail until the costs of the journey were covered by the fares of journey were covered by the fares of journey were covered by the fares of those who were going to take the travel. those who were going to take the travel. those who were going to take the travel. And it wouldn't leave until they had And it wouldn't leave until they had And it wouldn't leave until they had enough people traveling. enough people traveling. enough people traveling. Well, it seems here that it's likely Well, it seems here that it's likely Well, it seems here that it's likely that that Jonah pays the fare of the that that Jonah pays the fare of the that that Jonah pays the fare of the boat. boat. boat. Celebrity pastor Jonah in prosperous but Celebrity pastor Jonah in prosperous but Celebrity pastor Jonah in prosperous but wicked Israel has done very well for wicked Israel has done very well for wicked Israel has done very well for himself in his first ministry gig. himself in his first ministry gig. himself in his first ministry gig. Preaching prosperity to God's people Preaching prosperity to God's people Preaching prosperity to God's people because of God's compassion. So, it because of God's compassion. So, it because of God's compassion. So, it seems like he charters his own personal seems like he charters his own personal seems like he charters his own personal Mediterranean cruise ship to sunny Mediterranean cruise ship to sunny Mediterranean cruise ship to sunny Spain.

Spain. Spain. He's willing to pay big money to disobey He's willing to pay big money to disobey He's willing to pay big money to disobey God. God. God. To not show up to serve God where God To not show up to serve God where God To not show up to serve God where God told him to show up to serve God. told him to show up to serve God. told him to show up to serve God. So, we start with a clear call. God So, we start with a clear call. God So, we start with a clear call. God says, "Go." But this is immediately says, "Go." But this is immediately says, "Go." But this is immediately followed by by a clear fall. Jonah says, followed by by a clear fall. Jonah says, followed by by a clear fall. Jonah says, "No." "No." "No." God says, "Go." Jonah says, "No." God says, "Go." Jonah says, "No." God says, "Go." Jonah says, "No." Don't miss that. God says, "Go." Don't miss that. God says, "Go." Don't miss that. God says, "Go." Jonah says, "No. Jonah says, "No. Jonah says, "No. I'm not going." I'm not going." I'm not going." And friends, that danger remains before And friends, that danger remains before And friends, that danger remains before you you you this week. this week. this week. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Saying no to God. >> Saying no to God. >> Saying no to God. When God says, "Go and do something." When God says, "Go and do something." When God says, "Go and do something." You say, "No." That it's a clash of You say, "No." That it's a clash of You say, "No." That it's a clash of wills. That's what's going on here. wills. That's what's going on here. wills. That's what's going on here. It it's it's Jonah's will, it's your It it's it's Jonah's will, it's your It it's it's Jonah's will, it's your will or my will against God's will. It's will or my will against God's will. It's will or my will against God's will. It's a contest that comes down to who a contest that comes down to who a contest that comes down to who actually determines the use of my life.

Who determines how I spend my days? Is Who determines how I spend my days? Is it Is it me? it Is it me? it Is it me? Or is it God? Or is it God? Or is it God? It's still easy to run from God's will It's still easy to run from God's will It's still easy to run from God's will when you don't like it. when you don't like it. when you don't like it. And then to begin to justify your And then to begin to justify your And then to begin to justify your disobedience, certainly if getaway disobedience, certainly if getaway disobedience, certainly if getaway vehicles to Tarshish seem to show up. vehicles to Tarshish seem to show up. vehicles to Tarshish seem to show up. And to begin to label those And to begin to label those And to begin to label those circumstances as potential circumstances as potential circumstances as potential God-incidences God-incidences God-incidences that are not from God. that are not from God. that are not from God. If you're in disobedience like Jonah, so If you're in disobedience like Jonah, so If you're in disobedience like Jonah, so that's important. If you're in that's important. If you're in that's important. If you're in disobedience like Jonah is, disobedience like Jonah is, disobedience like Jonah is, circumstances are never a safe guiding circumstances are never a safe guiding circumstances are never a safe guiding voice. voice. voice. Only God's word is. You see, inside of disobedience, You see, inside of disobedience, circumstances like ships to Tarshish may circumstances like ships to Tarshish may circumstances like ships to Tarshish may not actually be the providential hand of not actually be the providential hand of not actually be the providential hand of God directing you subtly in the in the God directing you subtly in the in the God directing you subtly in the in the intricacies of life. They can easily be intricacies of life. They can easily be intricacies of life. They can easily be the providential dirty hand of Satan the providential dirty hand of Satan the providential dirty hand of Satan wooing you away from God because that's wooing you away from God because that's wooing you away from God because that's his plan.

his plan. his plan. And if you're in disobedience, you put And if you're in disobedience, you put And if you're in disobedience, you put yourself into his terrain. yourself into his terrain. yourself into his terrain. Expose yourself to his puppeteering. If it helps set you sailing away from If it helps set you sailing away from God's will, Satan will provide you with God's will, Satan will provide you with God's will, Satan will provide you with getaway ships every day. getaway ships every day. getaway ships every day. And getaway jobs. And getaway jobs. And getaway jobs. And getaway relationships. And getaway And getaway relationships. And getaway And getaway relationships. And getaway churches. churches. churches. Just get away alternative options to Just get away alternative options to Just get away alternative options to spending your life where God wants you spending your life where God wants you spending your life where God wants you to show up and serve. Satan wants to show up and serve. Satan wants to show up and serve. Satan wants nothing more than to do that. Warren Wiersbe from yesteryear says it Warren Wiersbe from yesteryear says it so beautifully, I quote, "It is possible so beautifully, I quote, "It is possible so beautifully, I quote, "It is possible to be out of the will of God and still to be out of the will of God and still to be out of the will of God and still have circumstances appear to be working have circumstances appear to be working have circumstances appear to be working on your behalf." on your behalf." on your behalf." That's true. That's true. That's true. In my experience, and I think this In my experience, and I think this In my experience, and I think this passage of scripture testifies to it, passage of scripture testifies to it, passage of scripture testifies to it, running from God's will is always running from God's will is always running from God's will is always running towards Satan's will.

Even though it might look appealing at Even though it might look appealing at first like sunny Tarshish, sunny first like sunny Tarshish, sunny first like sunny Tarshish, sunny Tarshish, sunny Tarshish. Tarshish, sunny Tarshish. Tarshish, sunny Tarshish. Running away from God's will is always Running away from God's will is always Running away from God's will is always running toward God's will. There's running toward God's will. There's running toward God's will. There's There's no middle There's no middle There's no middle ground where you can sit in. ground where you can sit in. ground where you can sit in. If you're in disobedience to God, you're If you're in disobedience to God, you're If you're in disobedience to God, you're actually following actually following actually following God's plan Satan's plans for your life, God's plan Satan's plans for your life, God's plan Satan's plans for your life, and I submit to you that that stinks and I submit to you that that stinks and I submit to you that that stinks in the face of God. Jonah chapter 1, in the face of God. Jonah chapter 1, in the face of God. Jonah chapter 1, verse 3 doesn't smell good to God. verse 3 doesn't smell good to God. verse 3 doesn't smell good to God. Perhaps smells even worse than the smell Perhaps smells even worse than the smell Perhaps smells even worse than the smell of the pagan culture of Nineveh because of the pagan culture of Nineveh because of the pagan culture of Nineveh because they know no better. Our time is gone. Let me close with a Our time is gone. Let me close with a lesson for you to chew on and to take lesson for you to chew on and to take lesson for you to chew on and to take home. You've heard a clear call. You've home. You've heard a clear call. You've home. You've heard a clear call. You've been witnesses to a very clear fall of a been witnesses to a very clear fall of a been witnesses to a very clear fall of a of a servant of God. Here's a lesson for of a servant of God. Here's a lesson for of a servant of God. Here's a lesson for you today, a lesson for all I've called you today, a lesson for all I've called you today, a lesson for all I've called it, or a lesson for y'all.

It's very, very simple, but it's very, It's very, very simple, but it's very, very hard. very hard. very hard. When God says go, When God says go, When God says go, don't say no. When God says go, don't say no. You must When God says go, don't say no. You must not say no. When God says go, whatever not say no. When God says go, whatever not say no. When God says go, whatever that is for you this week, don't say no that is for you this week, don't say no that is for you this week, don't say no even if everything within you wants to even if everything within you wants to even if everything within you wants to say no, don't say no. That's the say no, don't say no. That's the say no, don't say no. That's the warning. That's the lesson from Jonah's warning. That's the lesson from Jonah's warning. That's the lesson from Jonah's life thus far. life thus far. life thus far. It's a truth that's guided me on two It's a truth that's guided me on two It's a truth that's guided me on two major life decisions in my life. major life decisions in my life. major life decisions in my life. But it was hard both times to apply. But it was hard both times to apply. But it was hard both times to apply. I didn't want to trust this truth, but I I didn't want to trust this truth, but I I didn't want to trust this truth, but I did trust this truth. did trust this truth. did trust this truth. And it was hard. Let me tell you about And it was hard. Let me tell you about And it was hard. Let me tell you about one of those major life decisions in one of those major life decisions in one of those major life decisions in closing. It was in 2014-ish, 20 end of closing. It was in 2014-ish, 20 end of closing. It was in 2014-ish, 20 end of 2014, beginning of 2015. 2014, beginning of 2015. 2014, beginning of 2015. God clearly said to Jonathan, "Go." God clearly said to Jonathan, "Go." God clearly said to Jonathan, "Go." Not go to the great city of Nineveh, but Not go to the great city of Nineveh, but Not go to the great city of Nineveh, but go to the great United States of go to the great United States of go to the great United States of America.

America. America. And don't get all upset. God's God's go And don't get all upset. God's God's go And don't get all upset. God's God's go to me was not because the wickedness of to me was not because the wickedness of to me was not because the wickedness of the United States of America has wafted the United States of America has wafted the United States of America has wafted up into my presence, and I'm disgusted. up into my presence, and I'm disgusted. up into my presence, and I'm disgusted. That That part of it was for Jonah. That That That part of it was for Jonah. That That That part of it was for Jonah. That part of it wasn't for me, but the first part of it wasn't for me, but the first part of it wasn't for me, but the first part was go. part was go. part was go. Very clear, very clear destination. Different purpose, different intention, Different purpose, different intention, but it was clear. The word of the Lord but it was clear. The word of the Lord but it was clear. The word of the Lord came to Jonathan in 2014 saying, "Get up came to Jonathan in 2014 saying, "Get up came to Jonathan in 2014 saying, "Get up and go. Go now. Arise and go. Go and go. Go now. Arise and go. Go and go. Go now. Arise and go. Go immediately." And I didn't like it. immediately." And I didn't like it. immediately." And I didn't like it. I didn't like it. I didn't like it. I didn't like it. I was comfortable. I was happy where I I was comfortable. I was happy where I I was comfortable. I was happy where I was. was. was. I was in ministry. Life was good back I was in ministry. Life was good back I was in ministry. Life was good back home in the UK. Ministry was good there. home in the UK. Ministry was good there. home in the UK. Ministry was good there. Family was there. And I Family was there. And I Family was there. And I got to take trips to sunny Spain every got to take trips to sunny Spain every got to take trips to sunny Spain every year. year. year. Ah, 70° all year round.

Ah, 70° all year round. Ah, 70° all year round. Lovely beaches. Life was good. Lovely beaches. Life was good. Lovely beaches. Life was good. And I had Friday night rugby life. God said, "Go." I was thinking, "No." I God said, "Go." I was thinking, "No." I just did not approve of God's decision just did not approve of God's decision just did not approve of God's decision and God's call. So, I wrestled with that and God's call. So, I wrestled with that and God's call. So, I wrestled with that call. call. call. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And I I tried to convince God of what a >> And I I tried to convince God of what a >> And I I tried to convince God of what a bad decision he was making. bad decision he was making. bad decision he was making. "You want me to move my wee kids from "You want me to move my wee kids from "You want me to move my wee kids from their family? What sort of a God would their family? What sort of a God would their family? What sort of a God would do that? do that? do that? You want me to separate my wife from her You want me to separate my wife from her You want me to separate my wife from her parents? You want me to leave the church parents? You want me to leave the church parents? You want me to leave the church we love? we love? we love? Lord, do you know I got practical? Lord, Lord, do you know I got practical? Lord, Lord, do you know I got practical? Lord, do you know that for years I've been do you know that for years I've been do you know that for years I've been paying into the equivalent of social paying into the equivalent of social paying into the equivalent of social security payments so that I can retire security payments so that I can retire security payments so that I can retire well, and all of that will be gone, and well, and all of that will be gone, and well, and all of that will be gone, and I have to start from scratch if I head I have to start from scratch if I head I have to start from scratch if I head over to the Ninevites, I mean, to the over to the Ninevites, I mean, to the over to the Ninevites, I mean, to the Americanites?

And they're even going to call me an And they're even going to call me an alien over there. alien over there. alien over there. That's their word for me." But I knew God was clearly saying, "Go." But I knew God was clearly saying, "Go." And I was desperately wanting to say, And I was desperately wanting to say, And I was desperately wanting to say, "No." Except that God took me to the "No." Except that God took me to the "No." Except that God took me to the book of Jonah chapter 1 verses 1 to 3. I saw myself right there. I saw myself right there. I I I understand what parts of what's I I I understand what parts of what's I I I understand what parts of what's going on in Jonah's life here. going on in Jonah's life here. going on in Jonah's life here. Not wanting to obey that call. Not wanting to obey that call. Not wanting to obey that call. Wanting to take myself out of doing that Wanting to take myself out of doing that Wanting to take myself out of doing that will of God. And And And And coming up will of God. And And And And coming up will of God. And And And And coming up with a mix of reasons for not obeying with a mix of reasons for not obeying with a mix of reasons for not obeying him. Some of them selfish, some of them him. Some of them selfish, some of them him. Some of them selfish, some of them good and practical, some of them very, good and practical, some of them very, good and practical, some of them very, very rebellious. I simply did not very rebellious. I simply did not very rebellious. I simply did not approve of God's plan. approve of God's plan. approve of God's plan. But But But by God's grace and in light of his by God's grace and in light of his by God's grace and in light of his compassion, I did heed the lesson from compassion, I did heed the lesson from compassion, I did heed the lesson from Jonah.

Jonah. Jonah. I wobbled. I wobbled. I wobbled. I was reluctant, but I obeyed. I was reluctant, but I obeyed. I was reluctant, but I obeyed. I was grumpy I was grumpy I was grumpy at the start, at the start, at the start, but I obeyed. but I obeyed. but I obeyed. And I thank God for his kindness to me And I thank God for his kindness to me And I thank God for his kindness to me regularly on that. regularly on that. regularly on that. We all can wobble a bit. We all can wobble a bit. We all can wobble a bit. You know, Moses was reluctant to obey You know, Moses was reluctant to obey You know, Moses was reluctant to obey God cuz it would be hard. God cuz it would be hard. God cuz it would be hard. Gideon was reluctant to obey God because Gideon was reluctant to obey God because Gideon was reluctant to obey God because it was going to be hard. Elijah was to it was going to be hard. Elijah was to it was going to be hard. Elijah was to obey God because it was going to be obey God because it was going to be obey God because it was going to be hard. Jeremiah was reluctant to obey God hard. Jeremiah was reluctant to obey God hard. Jeremiah was reluctant to obey God because it was going to be hard. Being because it was going to be hard. Being because it was going to be hard. Being reluctant isn't wrong. Disobedience is. reluctant isn't wrong. Disobedience is. reluctant isn't wrong. Disobedience is. It never smells right in the face of It never smells right in the face of It never smells right in the face of God. God. God. And I don't know what God is calling you And I don't know what God is calling you And I don't know what God is calling you to this week. I'm sure of this, it's to this week. I'm sure of this, it's to this week. I'm sure of this, it's hard. hard. hard. And I'm sure of this, you will find And I'm sure of this, you will find And I'm sure of this, you will find getaway options. getaway options. getaway options. But when God says go, But when God says go, But when God says go, please don't say no.

Obedience to God, Obedience to God, even though it is hard and costly, even though it is hard and costly, even though it is hard and costly, is allegiance to Jesus Christ. It is loyalty to Jesus Christ. It is loyalty to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who says, "Whoever Jesus is the one who says, "Whoever Jesus is the one who says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple, whoever wants wants to be my disciple, whoever wants wants to be my disciple, whoever wants to be a God follower, whoever wants to to be a God follower, whoever wants to to be a God follower, whoever wants to follow me, must deny themselves." That's follow me, must deny themselves." That's follow me, must deny themselves." That's costly and that's hard. costly and that's hard. costly and that's hard. And they must take up their cross daily And they must take up their cross daily And they must take up their cross daily to follow me. to follow me. to follow me. That's not easy, but that sure smells That's not easy, but that sure smells That's not easy, but that sure smells good to God. good to God. good to God. That smells of worship to him. That smells of worship to him. That smells of worship to him. So, friends, what a great story. So, friends, what a great story. So, friends, what a great story. And we're just at the very start. I And we're just at the very start. I And we're just at the very start. I mean, drama from the get-go. mean, drama from the get-go. mean, drama from the get-go. Yes, Yes, Yes, dressed in 8th century weird words, but dressed in 8th century weird words, but dressed in 8th century weird words, but 21st century relevant for Bible 21st century relevant for Bible 21st century relevant for Bible believing God followers today. believing God followers today. believing God followers today. The word of the Lord has come to you The word of the Lord has come to you The word of the Lord has come to you clearly today. clearly today. clearly today. With a significant lesson unlike my With a significant lesson unlike my With a significant lesson unlike my story of San Antonio.

So don't dismiss it. So don't dismiss it. Heed it. Heed it. Heed it. When tempted to disobey God's go, Satan When tempted to disobey God's go, Satan When tempted to disobey God's go, Satan is going to send you a fleet of boats to is going to send you a fleet of boats to is going to send you a fleet of boats to Tarshish. Do not pay the fare and do not Tarshish. Do not pay the fare and do not Tarshish. Do not pay the fare and do not get on board. get on board. get on board. When God says go, don't say no. You go. When God says go, don't say no. You go. When God says go, don't say no. You go. You go. You go. You go. You just go. You just go. You just go. Let me pray for us. Heavenly Father, we Let me pray for us. Heavenly Father, we Let me pray for us. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word. We thank you for your real stories of We thank you for your real stories of real people interacting with you in real real people interacting with you in real real people interacting with you in real settings. settings. settings. They're so like our world. They're so like our world. They're so like our world. They help us see your heart. They help They help us see your heart. They help They help us see your heart. They help us hear your voice. us hear your voice. us hear your voice. Help us to do that this week. Help us to do that this week. Help us to do that this week. In the name of Jesus and in the power of In the name of Jesus and in the power of In the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. Amen.