When God Says GO! (2.0)

God never allows his children to sin God never allows his children to sin successfully. successfully. successfully. Sin may even feel pleasant and great for Sin may even feel pleasant and great for Sin may even feel pleasant and great for for a season like like God forgot or for a season like like God forgot or for a season like like God forgot or God's not watching or God's busy and and God's not watching or God's busy and and God's not watching or God's busy and and I love it and I'm getting away with it. I love it and I'm getting away with it. I love it and I'm getting away with it. Sin may even be something that you can Sin may even be something that you can Sin may even be something that you can hide for a season even for decades, but hide for a season even for decades, but hide for a season even for decades, but if you are truly a child of God, if you are truly a child of God, if you are truly a child of God, he catches you. he catches you. he catches you. And here's what's frightening. And here's what's frightening. And here's what's frightening. God's discipline on you never just God's discipline on you never just God's discipline on you never just affects you. affects you. affects you. You're part of a web of relationships You're part of a web of relationships You're part of a web of relationships and you begin to drag everybody else and you begin to drag everybody else and you begin to drag everybody else down. That's not God being unfair. down. That's not God being unfair. down. That's not God being unfair. That's you not being fair. Good morning. Good morning. It is good to have you here or to have It is good to have you here or to have It is good to have you here or to have you joining us online, whichever which you joining us online, whichever which you joining us online, whichever which way you're connecting with us, it's a way you're connecting with us, it's a way you're connecting with us, it's a pleasure that to worship the Lord with pleasure that to worship the Lord with pleasure that to worship the Lord with you and to open up his word before you.

you and to open up his word before you. you and to open up his word before you. And happy Memorial Day weekend from me And happy Memorial Day weekend from me And happy Memorial Day weekend from me as well to you all. You know, as as well to you all. You know, as as well to you all. You know, as somebody who didn't grow up here, I I I somebody who didn't grow up here, I I I somebody who didn't grow up here, I I I believe this is a great nation. This is believe this is a great nation. This is believe this is a great nation. This is perhaps the best perhaps the best perhaps the best nation that humanity has been able to nation that humanity has been able to nation that humanity has been able to produce. There's no doubt about that. produce. There's no doubt about that. produce. There's no doubt about that. >> [applause] >> And that's an appropriate applause if >> And that's an appropriate applause if you remember that that's thanks to God. you remember that that's thanks to God. you remember that that's thanks to God. That's thanks to God and yeah. That's thanks to God and yeah. That's thanks to God and yeah. >> [applause] >> And and many of course have sacrificed >> And and many of course have sacrificed for that and that's beautiful. So, I for that and that's beautiful. So, I for that and that's beautiful. So, I hope you do find time tomorrow while hope you do find time tomorrow while hope you do find time tomorrow while you're munching on a hot dog to say you're munching on a hot dog to say you're munching on a hot dog to say thank you. To say thank you to God and thank you. To say thank you to God and thank you. To say thank you to God and and yes, please don't forget to come and yes, please don't forget to come and yes, please don't forget to come back later on for our concert. It's back later on for our concert. It's back later on for our concert. It's going to be a great time together. I see going to be a great time together. I see going to be a great time together. I see it as part of a broader celebration of it as part of a broader celebration of it as part of a broader celebration of this nation's 250th year and I can this nation's 250th year and I can this nation's 250th year and I can guarantee you you're in for a treat guarantee you you're in for a treat guarantee you you're in for a treat because Pete Hazard organized it and because Pete Hazard organized it and because Pete Hazard organized it and brought it together and anything he puts brought it together and anything he puts brought it together and anything he puts his hand to is a blessing to us. So, his hand to is a blessing to us. So, his hand to is a blessing to us. So, please come back.

please come back. please come back. Okay, we're listening to God's voice in Okay, we're listening to God's voice in Okay, we're listening to God's voice in the book of Jonah and we're shifting the book of Jonah and we're shifting the book of Jonah and we're shifting into chapter 3 this morning. So, please into chapter 3 this morning. So, please into chapter 3 this morning. So, please turn to chapter 3 and as we shift, we're turn to chapter 3 and as we shift, we're turn to chapter 3 and as we shift, we're actually shifting scenes. We've been in actually shifting scenes. We've been in actually shifting scenes. We've been in several scenes and this is a new scene. several scenes and this is a new scene. several scenes and this is a new scene. As you head there, let me tell you about As you head there, let me tell you about As you head there, let me tell you about a beautiful viewing platform that looks a beautiful viewing platform that looks a beautiful viewing platform that looks out into the North Atlantic Ocean from out into the North Atlantic Ocean from out into the North Atlantic Ocean from the North Coast of Ireland. the North Coast of Ireland. the North Coast of Ireland. As I was reflecting on Jonah and his As I was reflecting on Jonah and his As I was reflecting on Jonah and his experience over the last few weeks, I I experience over the last few weeks, I I experience over the last few weeks, I I was reminded of a comparable incident was reminded of a comparable incident was reminded of a comparable incident that occurred just off the coast there that occurred just off the coast there that occurred just off the coast there during an Atlantic storm, which is what during an Atlantic storm, which is what during an Atlantic storm, which is what this viewing platform commemorates. this viewing platform commemorates. this viewing platform commemorates. It was a Jonah-like storm that that God It was a Jonah-like storm that that God It was a Jonah-like storm that that God also used to turn the life around of a also used to turn the life around of a also used to turn the life around of a man called John. man called John. man called John. John grew up in a Christian home. He John grew up in a Christian home. He John grew up in a Christian home. He grew up under the influence of a godly grew up under the influence of a godly grew up under the influence of a godly mom and yet he walked away from God.

mom and yet he walked away from God. mom and yet he walked away from God. He became eventually a sailor and He became eventually a sailor and He became eventually a sailor and applied himself to the deplorable applied himself to the deplorable applied himself to the deplorable African slave trade. African slave trade. African slave trade. Did extremely well in that horrible Did extremely well in that horrible Did extremely well in that horrible business. He He lived a wretched life. business. He He lived a wretched life. business. He He lived a wretched life. He U-turned on the faith of his youth He U-turned on the faith of his youth He U-turned on the faith of his youth and he indulged in everything that you'd and he indulged in everything that you'd and he indulged in everything that you'd stereotypically associate with a sailor. stereotypically associate with a sailor. stereotypically associate with a sailor. Added to that, disregard, Added to that, disregard, Added to that, disregard, no compassion for a human life. no compassion for a human life. no compassion for a human life. He ran from the God of his youth just He ran from the God of his youth just He ran from the God of his youth just like Jonah. like Jonah. like Jonah. But but just like Jonah, he could not But but just like Jonah, he could not But but just like Jonah, he could not outrun God. You can't outrun God. outrun God. You can't outrun God. outrun God. You can't outrun God. So, God got him in a storm, and the So, God got him in a storm, and the So, God got him in a storm, and the storm happened just off the coast of the storm happened just off the coast of the storm happened just off the coast of the north of Ireland on the 8th of April, north of Ireland on the 8th of April, north of Ireland on the 8th of April, 1748. 1748. 1748. And I know, And I know, And I know, why do all the key dates have to have why do all the key dates have to have why do all the key dates have to have the one number nobody can understand? 8 He cried out He cried out to God for salvation.

to God for salvation. to God for salvation. The truth that had been The truth that had been The truth that had been buried deep within his soul by his mom buried deep within his soul by his mom buried deep within his soul by his mom who had died decades before and never who had died decades before and never who had died decades before and never even saw him live his teenage years. even saw him live his teenage years. even saw him live his teenage years. That truth that she planted in his That truth that she planted in his That truth that she planted in his little life emerged. little life emerged. little life emerged. When he faced death, When he faced death, When he faced death, truth emerged, and he cried out for God truth emerged, and he cried out for God truth emerged, and he cried out for God for mercy and for salvation, and God had for mercy and for salvation, and God had for mercy and for salvation, and God had mercy on his life. And in that little mercy on his life. And in that little mercy on his life. And in that little viewing platform out there, you can you viewing platform out there, you can you viewing platform out there, you can you can read a little placard. There's a can read a little placard. There's a can read a little placard. There's a series of of quotes there, and one of series of of quotes there, and one of series of of quotes there, and one of the quotes from John is this, "I began the quotes from John is this, "I began the quotes from John is this, "I began to know there is a God that hears and to know there is a God that hears and to know there is a God that hears and answers prayer. answers prayer. answers prayer. I stood in need of of an almighty I stood in need of of an almighty I stood in need of of an almighty savior. savior. savior. I was sorry for my past misspent life I was sorry for my past misspent life I was sorry for my past misspent life and purposed and purposed and purposed an immediate reformation." an immediate reformation." an immediate reformation." That's Jonah chapter 1 and chapter 2 That's Jonah chapter 1 and chapter 2 That's Jonah chapter 1 and chapter 2 right there in right there in right there in the 8th of April, 1748.

the 8th of April, 1748. the 8th of April, 1748. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He survived. John survived. He dried >> He survived. John survived. He dried >> He survived. John survived. He dried off, presumably on an Irish beach, and off, presumably on an Irish beach, and off, presumably on an Irish beach, and he eventually fulfilled his vow to God. he eventually fulfilled his vow to God. he eventually fulfilled his vow to God. He goes on to become a pastor. He goes He goes on to become a pastor. He goes He goes on to become a pastor. He goes on to become an anti-slavery advocate, on to become an anti-slavery advocate, on to become an anti-slavery advocate, and he becomes a hymn writer. In fact, and he becomes a hymn writer. In fact, and he becomes a hymn writer. In fact, he writes one of our all-time greatest he writes one of our all-time greatest he writes one of our all-time greatest hymns, Amazing Grace. hymns, Amazing Grace. hymns, Amazing Grace. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> How sweet the sound >> How sweet the sound >> How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. I I once was lost, but now I'm found. I was blind, but now I see. You can see why I thought of John Newton You can see why I thought of John Newton as I've been wrestling with the book of as I've been wrestling with the book of as I've been wrestling with the book of Jonah and the story of Jonah and what Jonah and the story of Jonah and what Jonah and the story of Jonah and what God has for us. Same type of experience. God has for us. Same type of experience. God has for us. Same type of experience. Massive storm. Same U-turn. Yes, 2,500 Massive storm. Same U-turn. Yes, 2,500 Massive storm. Same U-turn. Yes, 2,500 years apart, these two individuals, but years apart, these two individuals, but years apart, these two individuals, but but the same God. but the same God. but the same God. The same act of God. The same act of God. The same act of God. The same rule of God over his affairs, The same rule of God over his affairs, The same rule of God over his affairs, administrating administrating administrating his rule over his affairs providentially his rule over his affairs providentially his rule over his affairs providentially inside of history to do what? To save.

inside of history to do what? To save. inside of history to do what? To save. The God who rules is the God who saves. The God who rules is the God who saves. The God who rules is the God who saves. God saves wretched unbelieving sailors. God saves wretched unbelieving sailors. God saves wretched unbelieving sailors. God saves wretched prodigal believers, God saves wretched prodigal believers, God saves wretched prodigal believers, including pastors who think they can including pastors who think they can including pastors who think they can live like unbelievers because salvation live like unbelievers because salvation live like unbelievers because salvation belongs to God. belongs to God. belongs to God. Salvation belongs to God who offers it Salvation belongs to God who offers it Salvation belongs to God who offers it to all back then and even today because to all back then and even today because to all back then and even today because it's paid for through the Lord Jesus it's paid for through the Lord Jesus it's paid for through the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. And it's offered to all who would And it's offered to all who would And it's offered to all who would believe. That's amazing grace. believe. That's amazing grace. believe. That's amazing grace. The kindness of God. The kindness of God. The kindness of God. And Jonah experienced that. And Jonah experienced that. And Jonah experienced that. And so we pick up his story in a new And so we pick up his story in a new And so we pick up his story in a new scene in chapter 3. He's now not only a scene in chapter 3. He's now not only a scene in chapter 3. He's now not only a graduate of of prophets Bible school graduate of of prophets Bible school graduate of of prophets Bible school decades before And not only an decades before And not only an decades before And not only an experienced legacy preacher in Israel experienced legacy preacher in Israel experienced legacy preacher in Israel for decades, now he's the graduate of for decades, now he's the graduate of for decades, now he's the graduate of nasty storm bottom of the sea survivor nasty storm bottom of the sea survivor nasty storm bottom of the sea survivor of life in a fish belly seminary.

of life in a fish belly seminary. of life in a fish belly seminary. That's quite a graduate. But he's a graduate really of God's But he's a graduate really of God's discipline. discipline. discipline. That's what that was. That's what that was. That's what that was. Charles Spurgeon, famous pastor of Charles Spurgeon, famous pastor of Charles Spurgeon, famous pastor of yesteryear, says this so well. He says, yesteryear, says this so well. He says, yesteryear, says this so well. He says, "God never allows his children to sin "God never allows his children to sin "God never allows his children to sin successfully." Successfully. It may look like he does Successfully. It may look like he does for a while. for a while. for a while. Sin may even feel pleasant and great for Sin may even feel pleasant and great for Sin may even feel pleasant and great for for a season, like like God forgot or for a season, like like God forgot or for a season, like like God forgot or God's not watching or God's busy and and God's not watching or God's busy and and God's not watching or God's busy and and I love it and I'm getting away with it. I love it and I'm getting away with it. I love it and I'm getting away with it. It may feel pleasant and great. It may feel pleasant and great. It may feel pleasant and great. Sin may even produce lots of dollars. Sin may even produce lots of dollars. Sin may even produce lots of dollars. Sin may even be something that you can Sin may even be something that you can Sin may even be something that you can hide for a season, even for decades, but hide for a season, even for decades, but hide for a season, even for decades, but if you are truly a child of God, if you are truly a child of God, if you are truly a child of God, he catches you he catches you he catches you in his time in his time in his time because he's merciful. God never allows because he's merciful. God never allows because he's merciful. God never allows his children to sin successfully.

his children to sin successfully. his children to sin successfully. Discipline comes to the spiritual unruly Discipline comes to the spiritual unruly Discipline comes to the spiritual unruly son and daughter of God. And and Jonah son and daughter of God. And and Jonah son and daughter of God. And and Jonah Jonah paid to flee from God, but God Jonah paid to flee from God, but God Jonah paid to flee from God, but God grabbed him and timed out him and then grabbed him and timed out him and then grabbed him and timed out him and then got him back with a free ride to the got him back with a free ride to the got him back with a free ride to the shore on an obedient Uber fish. That's shore on an obedient Uber fish. That's shore on an obedient Uber fish. That's kindness. kindness. kindness. That's our God. That's where we're at as we turn the That's where we're at as we turn the page and begin a new scene in chapter page and begin a new scene in chapter page and begin a new scene in chapter three. Don't you want to know what three. Don't you want to know what three. Don't you want to know what happened? I know most of you know what happened? I know most of you know what happened? I know most of you know what happened. happened. happened. But it's fascinating to sink our teeth a But it's fascinating to sink our teeth a But it's fascinating to sink our teeth a little bit more into it as Jonah begins little bit more into it as Jonah begins little bit more into it as Jonah begins to dry off on the shores there of some to dry off on the shores there of some to dry off on the shores there of some beach somewhere in Israel at the time. beach somewhere in Israel at the time. beach somewhere in Israel at the time. So, it's back to, because it's a new So, it's back to, because it's a new So, it's back to, because it's a new scene, a clear flannelgraph board, scene, a clear flannelgraph board, scene, a clear flannelgraph board, right? We take all the other character right? We take all the other character right? We take all the other character cutouts off and now we begin to place cutouts off and now we begin to place cutouts off and now we begin to place some new ones on. The The scene runs some new ones on. The The scene runs some new ones on. The The scene runs through all of chapter 3. I'm only going through all of chapter 3. I'm only going through all of chapter 3. I'm only going to look at two character cutouts that to look at two character cutouts that to look at two character cutouts that emerge in this scene, but I'm only going emerge in this scene, but I'm only going emerge in this scene, but I'm only going to do one today. Only one today. The to do one today. Only one today. The to do one today. Only one today. The first few verses there of Jonah 3 and first few verses there of Jonah 3 and first few verses there of Jonah 3 and and and and ultimately it's it's Jonah and and and ultimately it's it's Jonah and and and ultimately it's it's Jonah whose character cutout number one.

whose character cutout number one. whose character cutout number one. Jonah as the restored prophet. Jonah as the restored prophet. Jonah as the restored prophet. Jonah as the restored believer, as the Jonah as the restored believer, as the Jonah as the restored believer, as the restored prodigal pastor, as the as the restored prodigal pastor, as the as the restored prodigal pastor, as the as the restored legacy wayward servant of God. restored legacy wayward servant of God. restored legacy wayward servant of God. He's He's just off of his time out. He's He's just off of his time out. He's He's just off of his time out. He's just risen from his naughty step, He's just risen from his naughty step, He's just risen from his naughty step, if you recall that. And I want you to see three things that And I want you to see three things that emerge in those those first four verses. emerge in those those first four verses. emerge in those those first four verses. As we see this man begin to move as God As we see this man begin to move as God As we see this man begin to move as God desired all along. desired all along. desired all along. So, first of those three things is this: So, first of those three things is this: So, first of those three things is this: restored Restored prodigals get a second restored Restored prodigals get a second restored Restored prodigals get a second opportunity opportunity opportunity to obey. To obey. to obey. To obey. to obey. To obey. Restored wayward believers get a second Restored wayward believers get a second Restored wayward believers get a second opportunity to obey. God's restored opportunity to obey. God's restored opportunity to obey. God's restored prophet here, Jonah, gets a second prophet here, Jonah, gets a second prophet here, Jonah, gets a second chance at obeying God. God graciously chance at obeying God. God graciously chance at obeying God. God graciously grants him the opportunity to resume grants him the opportunity to resume grants him the opportunity to resume life inside of God's purposes, inside of life inside of God's purposes, inside of life inside of God's purposes, inside of God's service.

God's service. God's service. He restores Jonah to recommission Jonah He restores Jonah to recommission Jonah He restores Jonah to recommission Jonah to the exact same mission. to the exact same mission. to the exact same mission. He doesn't restore Jonah and and get him He doesn't restore Jonah and and get him He doesn't restore Jonah and and get him off of this time out so that he can go off of this time out so that he can go off of this time out so that he can go back to where Jonah wants to be, not back to where Jonah wants to be, not back to where Jonah wants to be, not Tarshish, but the perhaps maybe to send Tarshish, but the perhaps maybe to send Tarshish, but the perhaps maybe to send him back to the suburbs of prosperous him back to the suburbs of prosperous him back to the suburbs of prosperous Israel doing nothing but getting chubby Israel doing nothing but getting chubby Israel doing nothing but getting chubby on lattes. on lattes. on lattes. That's not what he's doing. That's not what he's doing. That's not what he's doing. He's He's getting him back He's He's getting him back He's He's getting him back to obedience to the will of God, not the to obedience to the will of God, not the to obedience to the will of God, not the will of Jonah. will of Jonah. will of Jonah. Look at verses 1 and 2 there in chapter Look at verses 1 and 2 there in chapter Look at verses 1 and 2 there in chapter 3. Now, the word of the Lord came to 3. Now, the word of the Lord came to 3. Now, the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time saying, "Arise, go Jonah the second time saying, "Arise, go Jonah the second time saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to it the proclamation which I am going to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you." to tell you." to tell you." Now, if you turn one page, usually it's Now, if you turn one page, usually it's Now, if you turn one page, usually it's just one page back in your copy of the just one page back in your copy of the just one page back in your copy of the scriptures or scroll back a little bit scriptures or scroll back a little bit scriptures or scroll back a little bit to chapter 1, you will see that this is to chapter 1, you will see that this is to chapter 1, you will see that this is pretty much a replica of what God said pretty much a replica of what God said pretty much a replica of what God said to Jonah at the very start of this to Jonah at the very start of this to Jonah at the very start of this story.

story. story. We're back where we started. We're back where we started. We're back where we started. All the same stuff is repeated. It's All the same stuff is repeated. It's All the same stuff is repeated. It's It's It's another clear call of God. It's It's another clear call of God. It's It's another clear call of God. God spoke directly again. God spoke directly again. God spoke directly again. There's no mincing of words again. There's no mincing of words again. There's no mincing of words again. There's no text messages with weird There's no text messages with weird There's no text messages with weird abbreviations and vague emoji icons and abbreviations and vague emoji icons and abbreviations and vague emoji icons and bad spelling to try and decipher like bad spelling to try and decipher like bad spelling to try and decipher like FYI and and LOL, which creates FYI and and LOL, which creates FYI and and LOL, which creates ambiguity, none of that. The word of the ambiguity, none of that. The word of the ambiguity, none of that. The word of the Lord came to Jonah. Jonah heard God. God spoke God spoke directly to him. God spoke clearly to directly to him. God spoke clearly to directly to him. God spoke clearly to him. Once again, we see in chapter 3, him. Once again, we see in chapter 3, him. Once again, we see in chapter 3, verses 1 and 2, what we saw in chapter verses 1 and 2, what we saw in chapter verses 1 and 2, what we saw in chapter 1. 1. 1. We have a what, we have a where, and we We have a what, we have a where, and we We have a what, we have a where, and we have a why. God was clear on the what, have a why. God was clear on the what, have a why. God was clear on the what, what Jonah must do. Jonah must go. what Jonah must do. Jonah must go. what Jonah must do. Jonah must go. Arise and go. That That phrase is Arise and go. That That phrase is Arise and go. That That phrase is exactly the phrase from from chapter 1.

exactly the phrase from from chapter 1. exactly the phrase from from chapter 1. It's not functioning as as two commands, It's not functioning as as two commands, It's not functioning as as two commands, even though there there are two verbs even though there there are two verbs even though there there are two verbs behind it. They're working together as behind it. They're working together as behind it. They're working together as one unit, one command, go. Go. The arise one unit, one command, go. Go. The arise one unit, one command, go. Go. The arise is kind of sort of piggybacking the the is kind of sort of piggybacking the the is kind of sort of piggybacking the the go. That's why many translations have go go. That's why many translations have go go. That's why many translations have go now. Go go with urgency. Go immediately. So, the what is very very clear. So, the what is very very clear. And and the where is once again very And and the where is once again very And and the where is once again very very clear. It's not back to Israel to very clear. It's not back to Israel to very clear. It's not back to Israel to sip on lattes. It's it's to the sip on lattes. It's it's to the sip on lattes. It's it's to the great city of Nineveh. great city of Nineveh. great city of Nineveh. God didn't change course God didn't change course God didn't change course despite Jonah's attempts. despite Jonah's attempts. despite Jonah's attempts. And Nineveh, remember, is one of the And Nineveh, remember, is one of the And Nineveh, remember, is one of the great cultures of the ancient Near East. great cultures of the ancient Near East. great cultures of the ancient Near East. Up there in in what you and I would call Up there in in what you and I would call Up there in in what you and I would call today the sort of border region between today the sort of border region between today the sort of border region between Iraq and Iran near the Tigris River. Iraq and Iran near the Tigris River. Iraq and Iran near the Tigris River. It's it's it's It's it's it's It's it's it's it's great in in size. It's it's great it's great in in size. It's it's great it's great in in size. It's it's great in population. It's great in in in population. It's great in in in population. It's great in in livestock and and industry. It's a livestock and and industry. It's a livestock and and industry. It's a metroplex. It's what you and I would metroplex. It's what you and I would metroplex. It's what you and I would call a metroplex today.

call a metroplex today. call a metroplex today. Like like our metroplex with restaurants Like like our metroplex with restaurants Like like our metroplex with restaurants and and sporting arenas and business and and sporting arenas and business and and sporting arenas and business districts and parks and schools and and districts and parks and schools and and districts and parks and schools and and Tigris River boat tours and and water Tigris River boat tours and and water Tigris River boat tours and and water systems and sewage systems and taxation systems and sewage systems and taxation systems and sewage systems and taxation systems and police forces. systems and police forces. systems and police forces. Lots of other stuff including lots of Lots of other stuff including lots of Lots of other stuff including lots of people. people. people. People. People. People. Lots of little boys. Lots of little boys. Lots of little boys. Lots of little girls. Lots of little girls. Lots of little girls. Lots of little mommies and daddies and Lots of little mommies and daddies and Lots of little mommies and daddies and grannies and grandpas and uncles and grannies and grandpas and uncles and grannies and grandpas and uncles and aunties and cousins. aunties and cousins. aunties and cousins. Full of people. Full of people. Full of people. People who don't know God. People who don't know God. People who don't know God. So, the where is clear. So, the where is clear. So, the where is clear. The where is clear. You're going back to The where is clear. You're going back to The where is clear. You're going back to Nineveh. That's where I wanted you all Nineveh. That's where I wanted you all Nineveh. That's where I wanted you all along. along. along. The why is clear as well in verse two, The why is clear as well in verse two, The why is clear as well in verse two, proclaim to it the proclamation which I proclaim to it the proclamation which I proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you. God has a message am going to tell you. God has a message am going to tell you. God has a message for this great wayward people. You see, for this great wayward people. You see, for this great wayward people. You see, they're great in everything, including they're great in everything, including they're great in everything, including sin. sin. sin. Including depravity, including lostness.

Including depravity, including lostness. Including depravity, including lostness. They're a violent nation. They're an They're a violent nation. They're an They're a violent nation. They're an arrogant people. They have been a thorn arrogant people. They have been a thorn arrogant people. They have been a thorn in Israel's side for decades. in Israel's side for decades. in Israel's side for decades. And that is not acceptable to God. And And that is not acceptable to God. And And that is not acceptable to God. And he must act given his holiness, given he must act given his holiness, given he must act given his holiness, given his integrity, given his justice. his integrity, given his justice. his integrity, given his justice. But the God who owns salvation has a But the God who owns salvation has a But the God who owns salvation has a message for them, too. For their little boys, for their little For their little boys, for their little girls, girls, girls, for their little mommies and daddies and for their little mommies and daddies and for their little mommies and daddies and grannies and grandpas and uncles and grannies and grandpas and uncles and grannies and grandpas and uncles and aunties and cousins. aunties and cousins. aunties and cousins. Because all cultures belong to God. All Because all cultures belong to God. All Because all cultures belong to God. All people belong to God. Even the depraved, people belong to God. Even the depraved, people belong to God. Even the depraved, dangerous ones. dangerous ones. dangerous ones. It's not just prodigal pastors who get It's not just prodigal pastors who get It's not just prodigal pastors who get opportunities to walk with God. opportunities to walk with God. opportunities to walk with God. So, the why is clear here, too. There's a truth to proclaim, and so God There's a truth to proclaim, and so God spoke directly to Jonah, and God spoke spoke directly to Jonah, and God spoke spoke directly to Jonah, and God spoke clearly to Jonah, and God spoke clearly to Jonah, and God spoke clearly to Jonah, and God spoke specifically to Jonah about what to do specifically to Jonah about what to do specifically to Jonah about what to do and where to go and why to go.

and where to go and why to go. and where to go and why to go. But don't miss those little words in But don't miss those little words in But don't miss those little words in there. The second time. there. The second time. there. The second time. The second time. The second time. The second time. This is not the first time you've heard This is not the first time you've heard This is not the first time you've heard that call, either. Second time. that call, either. Second time. that call, either. Second time. This is not a commissioning. This is a This is not a commissioning. This is a This is not a commissioning. This is a re-commissioning. This is a second re-commissioning. This is a second re-commissioning. This is a second chance opportunity chance opportunity chance opportunity to obey God. to obey God. to obey God. With a very traumatic, very fresh memory With a very traumatic, very fresh memory With a very traumatic, very fresh memory in Jonah's life to help move him along in Jonah's life to help move him along in Jonah's life to help move him along the path toward Nineveh, on through the path toward Nineveh, on through the path toward Nineveh, on through Israel, not stopping off for decades to Israel, not stopping off for decades to Israel, not stopping off for decades to sip on lattes. I presume Jonah receives this message, I presume Jonah receives this message, this recommissioning from God while he's this recommissioning from God while he's this recommissioning from God while he's still got seaweed in his hair. still got seaweed in his hair. still got seaweed in his hair. And and fish vomit all over his little And and fish vomit all over his little And and fish vomit all over his little Hawaiian shirt. Squishy wet flip-flops on his feet. Squishy wet flip-flops on his feet. At least in my recollection as a little At least in my recollection as a little At least in my recollection as a little boy, boy, boy, the character cutout that was put on the the character cutout that was put on the the character cutout that was put on the flannelgraph, flannelgraph, flannelgraph, he didn't have a Hawaiian shirt, but he he didn't have a Hawaiian shirt, but he he didn't have a Hawaiian shirt, but he had seaweed in his hair and he had had seaweed in his hair and he had had seaweed in his hair and he had squishy flip-flops.

But the point is Jonah gets another But the point is Jonah gets another opportunity after his very creative time opportunity after his very creative time opportunity after his very creative time out and and and Jonah realizes God out and and and Jonah realizes God out and and and Jonah realizes God hasn't changed his mind. hasn't changed his mind. hasn't changed his mind. Nor is God's grace and God's kindness Nor is God's grace and God's kindness Nor is God's grace and God's kindness some sort of type of pushover softness. Getting a second chance doesn't mean Getting a second chance doesn't mean God's a pushover. Doesn't mean that that God's a pushover. Doesn't mean that that God's a pushover. Doesn't mean that that we're now done with the whole Nineveh we're now done with the whole Nineveh we're now done with the whole Nineveh matter. I can I can go back to life with matter. I can I can go back to life with matter. I can I can go back to life with God my way. God my way. God my way. Being graced by God's kindness is not to Being graced by God's kindness is not to Being graced by God's kindness is not to be interpreted as an opportunity for be interpreted as an opportunity for be interpreted as an opportunity for further abuse of God's grace. further abuse of God's grace. further abuse of God's grace. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Yes, God was concerned about his worker >> Yes, God was concerned about his worker >> Yes, God was concerned about his worker Jonah and his disobedience and he Jonah and his disobedience and he Jonah and his disobedience and he rescues him, but God remains committed rescues him, but God remains committed rescues him, but God remains committed to his work. to his work. to his work. His mission in the world. His mission in the world. His mission in the world. So Jonah is restored, but Jonah is So Jonah is restored, but Jonah is So Jonah is restored, but Jonah is restored with this next opportunity in restored with this next opportunity in restored with this next opportunity in order that he obey order that he obey order that he obey the mission of God.

the mission of God. the mission of God. Second to note, Second to note, Second to note, restored prodigals restored prodigals restored prodigals take the second opportunity to obey. take the second opportunity to obey. take the second opportunity to obey. Those who get a second opportunity to Those who get a second opportunity to Those who get a second opportunity to obey, take obey, take obey, take the opportunity the opportunity the opportunity to obey. God's restored servant here, to obey. God's restored servant here, to obey. God's restored servant here, Jonah, gets and takes this opportunity. Jonah, gets and takes this opportunity. Jonah, gets and takes this opportunity. Jonah finally obeys. Jonah finally obeys. Jonah finally obeys. We're in chapter 3, verse 3. We're in chapter 3, verse 3. We're in chapter 3, verse 3. Jonah finally obeys. Look at it, verse Jonah finally obeys. Look at it, verse Jonah finally obeys. Look at it, verse 3. So, Jonah arose 3. So, Jonah arose 3. So, Jonah arose and he went to Nineveh according to the and he went to Nineveh according to the and he went to Nineveh according to the word of the Lord. word of the Lord. word of the Lord. The storm obeyed, the sailors obeyed, The storm obeyed, the sailors obeyed, The storm obeyed, the sailors obeyed, the stones for casting lots to interpret the stones for casting lots to interpret the stones for casting lots to interpret the will of the gods by immature sailors the will of the gods by immature sailors the will of the gods by immature sailors obeyed God, the fish obeyed once, the obeyed God, the fish obeyed once, the obeyed God, the fish obeyed once, the fish obeyed twice, and now finally, fish obeyed twice, and now finally, fish obeyed twice, and now finally, the main human character in this story, the main human character in this story, the main human character in this story, the restored believer pastor legacy the restored believer pastor legacy the restored believer pastor legacy preacher, obeys.

preacher, obeys. preacher, obeys. This is a praise-God moment. This is a praise-God moment. This is a praise-God moment. This is where this story could easily This is where this story could easily This is where this story could easily end, and we could all sing amazing end, and we could all sing amazing end, and we could all sing amazing grace, we could pass the offering plate grace, we could pass the offering plate grace, we could pass the offering plate around one more time, around one more time, around one more time, and we could say, and we could say, and we could say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> What a good ending. But, it doesn't. >> What a good ending. But, it doesn't. >> What a good ending. But, it doesn't. Continues. Continues. Continues. The urgency is evident in in how The urgency is evident in in how The urgency is evident in in how how quickly this verse just says he got how quickly this verse just says he got how quickly this verse just says he got up and he went. up and he went. up and he went. There's supposed to be an urgency there There's supposed to be an urgency there There's supposed to be an urgency there that's communicated, which I presume at that's communicated, which I presume at that's communicated, which I presume at least initially is an expression of his least initially is an expression of his least initially is an expression of his gratitude because of what we read at the gratitude because of what we read at the gratitude because of what we read at the end of chapter 2 and because of what we end of chapter 2 and because of what we end of chapter 2 and because of what we read all the way through chapter 2, read all the way through chapter 2, read all the way through chapter 2, which was, remember, his thank you card which was, remember, his thank you card which was, remember, his thank you card to God for his salvation. There's a movement from from There's a movement from from words to God on his lips or in his pen words to God on his lips or in his pen words to God on his lips or in his pen to to to obedience to God in the direction of his obedience to God in the direction of his obedience to God in the direction of his steps in his life.

This is where we should have been months This is where we should have been months ago. Right? Chapter 3 verse 3 is where we Right? Chapter 3 verse 3 is where we should have been months ago. This is maybe where you should have been This is maybe where you should have been years ago. Took us a while to get here. Took us a while to get here. Our journey certainly wasn't as Our journey certainly wasn't as Our journey certainly wasn't as uh uh uh dangerous as Jonah's, but chapter 3 dangerous as Jonah's, but chapter 3 dangerous as Jonah's, but chapter 3 verse 3 is where you want to be if you verse 3 is where you want to be if you verse 3 is where you want to be if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the obedience of God. In the obedience of God. In the obedience of God. Mightn't be a safe trip to get there if Mightn't be a safe trip to get there if Mightn't be a safe trip to get there if you're still you're still you're still in your waywardness. in your waywardness. in your waywardness. But sometimes God's paths back don't But sometimes God's paths back don't But sometimes God's paths back don't seem safe at all, but they're good seem safe at all, but they're good seem safe at all, but they're good because they're back. because they're back. because they're back. Jonah took the long route to obedience, Jonah took the long route to obedience, Jonah took the long route to obedience, many do. Remember [snorts] in chapter 1 many do. Remember [snorts] in chapter 1 many do. Remember [snorts] in chapter 1 he refused to obey, in chapter 1 he he refused to obey, in chapter 1 he he refused to obey, in chapter 1 he refused to pray, in chapter 1 he refused refused to pray, in chapter 1 he refused refused to pray, in chapter 1 he refused to to repent, he refused to honor the to to repent, he refused to honor the to to repent, he refused to honor the dignity of the sailors, but anyway, dignity of the sailors, but anyway, dignity of the sailors, but anyway, we're finally where the man needs to be, we're finally where the man needs to be, we're finally where the man needs to be, we're on path with God, the path of we're on path with God, the path of we're on path with God, the path of obedience. And obedience is the path God obedience. And obedience is the path God obedience. And obedience is the path God wants his people of faith on.

wants his people of faith on. wants his people of faith on. Always, always, no exceptions. Always, always, no exceptions. Always, always, no exceptions. Obedience no matter what. John Newton is Obedience no matter what. John Newton is Obedience no matter what. John Newton is credited with an analogy, and it's a credited with an analogy, and it's a credited with an analogy, and it's a beautiful analogy on obedience. He says beautiful analogy on obedience. He says beautiful analogy on obedience. He says this, "If if two angels were to receive this, "If if two angels were to receive this, "If if two angels were to receive this at the same moment a commission this at the same moment a commission this at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule from God, one to go down and rule from God, one to go down and rule Earth's grandest empire, the other to go Earth's grandest empire, the other to go Earth's grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest and sweep the streets of its meanest and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire village, it would be a matter of entire village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell indifference to each which service fell indifference to each which service fell to his lot. to his lot. to his lot. The post of ruler or the post of The post of ruler or the post of The post of ruler or the post of scavenger, for the joy of the angels scavenger, for the joy of the angels scavenger, for the joy of the angels lies only in the obedience to God's lies only in the obedience to God's lies only in the obedience to God's will. will. will. And with equal joy, they would lift the And with equal joy, they would lift the And with equal joy, they would lift the Lazarus in rags to Abraham's bosom or be Lazarus in rags to Abraham's bosom or be Lazarus in rags to Abraham's bosom or be a chariot of fire for Elijah. a chariot of fire for Elijah. a chariot of fire for Elijah. Obedience is what matters. Obedience is what matters. Obedience is what matters. Obedience is the path that God wants his Obedience is the path that God wants his Obedience is the path that God wants his people of faith to be on always. It people of faith to be on always. It people of faith to be on always. It doesn't matter what he asks us to do.

doesn't matter what he asks us to do. doesn't matter what he asks us to do. That's up to him. We just obey. That's up to him. We just obey. That's up to him. We just obey. And that's a privilege. And that's a privilege. And that's a privilege. Obedience from faith is not some sort of Obedience from faith is not some sort of Obedience from faith is not some sort of unrealistic, unfair unrealistic, unfair unrealistic, unfair expectation from almighty God on you. expectation from almighty God on you. expectation from almighty God on you. Think about that this week. Think about that this week. Think about that this week. Is what you ask me to do, God, unfair? Is what you ask me to do, God, unfair? Is what you ask me to do, God, unfair? No. So, this restored prophet gets another So, this restored prophet gets another opportunity to obey God, and he takes opportunity to obey God, and he takes opportunity to obey God, and he takes this opportunity to obey God, which is this opportunity to obey God, which is this opportunity to obey God, which is great. And thirdly, restored prodigals great. And thirdly, restored prodigals great. And thirdly, restored prodigals obey by sharing truth. That's key in the obey by sharing truth. That's key in the obey by sharing truth. That's key in the story. story. story. The obedience of Jonah is manifested in The obedience of Jonah is manifested in The obedience of Jonah is manifested in him proclaiming truth, God's truth, him proclaiming truth, God's truth, him proclaiming truth, God's truth, God's message in a particular location. God's message in a particular location. God's message in a particular location. He goes and he declares God's message to He goes and he declares God's message to He goes and he declares God's message to the Ninevites. Look Look at verses 3 and the Ninevites. Look Look at verses 3 and the Ninevites. Look Look at verses 3 and 4 again. So, Jonah arose and went to 4 again. So, Jonah arose and went to 4 again. So, Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the Nineveh according to the word of the Nineveh according to the word of the Lord. Now, Nineveh was an exceedingly Lord. Now, Nineveh was an exceedingly Lord. Now, Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a 3-days walk. Then Jonah great city, a 3-days walk. Then Jonah great city, a 3-days walk. Then Jonah began to go through the city 1-day's began to go through the city 1-day's began to go through the city 1-day's walk, and he cried out and said, "40 walk, and he cried out and said, "40 walk, and he cried out and said, "40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed."

40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed. 40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed. What a message from God to ancient USA What a message from God to ancient USA What a message from God to ancient USA of its day in terms of superpower of its day in terms of superpower of its day in terms of superpower status. status. status. Jonah, I don't know. I My imagination Jonah, I don't know. I My imagination Jonah, I don't know. I My imagination sort of sort of sort of sees him standing with lips quivering at sees him standing with lips quivering at sees him standing with lips quivering at that first street corner. that first street corner. that first street corner. I see him sort of as a little street I see him sort of as a little street I see him sort of as a little street preacher, a little bit of an ancient preacher, a little bit of an ancient preacher, a little bit of an ancient Billy Graham crusade that he's starting Billy Graham crusade that he's starting Billy Graham crusade that he's starting up here. And And that would have taken up here. And And that would have taken up here. And And that would have taken courage. courage. courage. That would have taken a lot of courage. That would have taken a lot of courage. That would have taken a lot of courage. And maybe his lips are quivering and and And maybe his lips are quivering and and And maybe his lips are quivering and and some Ninevite heckler says, "Speak up, some Ninevite heckler says, "Speak up, some Ninevite heckler says, "Speak up, weird guy with a Hawaiian shirt. weird guy with a Hawaiian shirt. weird guy with a Hawaiian shirt. What is it you're saying?" What is it you're saying?" What is it you're saying?" It certainly took guts to do what Jonah It certainly took guts to do what Jonah It certainly took guts to do what Jonah did here. did here. did here. If you sink your teeth into that ancient If you sink your teeth into that ancient If you sink your teeth into that ancient world, it took a lot of guts. world, it took a lot of guts. world, it took a lot of guts. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> This is an unfriendly culture. >> This is an unfriendly culture. >> This is an unfriendly culture. This is a culture that is going to want This is a culture that is going to want This is a culture that is going to want to cancel him. And that doesn't mean to cancel him. And that doesn't mean to cancel him. And that doesn't mean they're going to unfriend him on ancient they're going to unfriend him on ancient they're going to unfriend him on ancient social media platforms. What that means social media platforms. What that means social media platforms. What that means is they're going to skin him alive.

is they're going to skin him alive. is they're going to skin him alive. And to enter into that city, you would And to enter into that city, you would And to enter into that city, you would have had to walk past murals, propaganda have had to walk past murals, propaganda have had to walk past murals, propaganda depicting what the ancient Ninevites do depicting what the ancient Ninevites do depicting what the ancient Ninevites do to people they don't like. to people they don't like. to people they don't like. And we know that because you can go to And we know that because you can go to And we know that because you can go to the British Museum today and walk past the British Museum today and walk past the British Museum today and walk past those murals yourself. those murals yourself. those murals yourself. That's what they do to people that they That's what they do to people that they That's what they do to people that they don't like. They proclaim messages of don't like. They proclaim messages of don't like. They proclaim messages of don't mess with us or else. don't mess with us or else. don't mess with us or else. But Jonah goes, and he preaches a a very But Jonah goes, and he preaches a a very But Jonah goes, and he preaches a a very simple message. Just five words in Hebrew. Just five words in Hebrew. In Hebrew, it's just five words. In Hebrew, it's just five words. In Hebrew, it's just five words. It didn't take him long to prepare that. It didn't take him long to prepare that. It didn't take him long to prepare that. In fact, he didn't prepare it. God wrote In fact, he didn't prepare it. God wrote In fact, he didn't prepare it. God wrote this sermon. It took him a long time to this sermon. It took him a long time to this sermon. It took him a long time to get there to deliver it. But But he's get there to deliver it. But But he's get there to deliver it. But But he's handed a sermon. handed a sermon. handed a sermon. Just five words in the Hebrew. "40 days Just five words in the Hebrew. "40 days Just five words in the Hebrew. "40 days and Nineveh shall be destroyed." and Nineveh shall be destroyed." and Nineveh shall be destroyed." A straight-cut announcement from God A straight-cut announcement from God A straight-cut announcement from God that judgment is coming. This isn't a that judgment is coming. This isn't a that judgment is coming. This isn't a warm and fuzzy message. At least not at warm and fuzzy message. At least not at warm and fuzzy message. At least not at first glance.

first glance. first glance. And I hope that Jonah, at least at the And I hope that Jonah, at least at the And I hope that Jonah, at least at the start, I hope he preached it with a start, I hope he preached it with a start, I hope he preached it with a little bit of compassion, even though I little bit of compassion, even though I little bit of compassion, even though I doubt it given what happens in chapter doubt it given what happens in chapter doubt it given what happens in chapter 4, but at the start, I hope he preached 4, but at the start, I hope he preached 4, but at the start, I hope he preached it with some compassion because he's it with some compassion because he's it with some compassion because he's fresh off of the hard discipline of God. fresh off of the hard discipline of God. fresh off of the hard discipline of God. He's fresh off of the experience of life He's fresh off of the experience of life He's fresh off of the experience of life and hopelessness. I hope he had renewed zeal for God at I hope he had renewed zeal for God at least for a moment. The fact that it's 40 days, that's The fact that it's 40 days, that's important. 40 days important. 40 days important. 40 days "and Nineveh shall be destroyed" or "and Nineveh shall be destroyed" or "and Nineveh shall be destroyed" or "shall be overthrown overthrown." That's "shall be overthrown overthrown." That's "shall be overthrown overthrown." That's an important lead-in time. That 40-day an important lead-in time. That 40-day an important lead-in time. That 40-day lead-in lead-in lead-in is a clear indication that this message is a clear indication that this message is a clear indication that this message of judgment has actually inside of it a of judgment has actually inside of it a of judgment has actually inside of it a built-in condition. built-in condition. built-in condition. A built-in condition, an invitation to A built-in condition, an invitation to A built-in condition, an invitation to do something about the coming impending do something about the coming impending do something about the coming impending doom in order to potentially avert it.

doom in order to potentially avert it. doom in order to potentially avert it. They've got 40 days to respond. They've got 40 days to respond. They've got 40 days to respond. This is a 40-day test. Now, the number This is a 40-day test. Now, the number This is a 40-day test. Now, the number 40 is actually quite interesting in the 40 is actually quite interesting in the 40 is actually quite interesting in the ancient world of this era and ancient world of this era and ancient world of this era and interesting in biblical language. interesting in biblical language. interesting in biblical language. The word the the number 40 becomes key The word the the number 40 becomes key The word the the number 40 becomes key in in scenes that that speak of testing. in in scenes that that speak of testing. in in scenes that that speak of testing. Testing. God watching. Testing. God watching. Testing. God watching. God testing how a people are going to God testing how a people are going to God testing how a people are going to respond. respond. respond. That's why Israel, first generation, That's why Israel, first generation, That's why Israel, first generation, were 40 years in the desert once they were 40 years in the desert once they were 40 years in the desert once they disobeyed going into the promised land. disobeyed going into the promised land. disobeyed going into the promised land. It's a period of testing. It's a period of testing. It's a period of testing. God is watching his people. God is watching his people. God is watching his people. God is looking for faith obedience. God is looking for faith obedience. God is looking for faith obedience. Jesus goes into the wilderness led by Jesus goes into the wilderness led by Jesus goes into the wilderness led by the Holy Spirit for 40 days of testing. the Holy Spirit for 40 days of testing. the Holy Spirit for 40 days of testing. Will he in his humanity Will he in his humanity Will he in his humanity do what humanity did, which is not do what humanity did, which is not do what humanity did, which is not submit to the word and will of God?

submit to the word and will of God? submit to the word and will of God? Of course, Jesus in his humanity Of course, Jesus in his humanity Of course, Jesus in his humanity passes that test with flying colors and passes that test with flying colors and passes that test with flying colors and so is qualified to be your savior. That's why Goliath That's why Goliath taunts Israel taunts Israel taunts Israel for 40 days. for 40 days. for 40 days. Goliath doesn't know what he's doing, Goliath doesn't know what he's doing, Goliath doesn't know what he's doing, but God is allowing Saul but God is allowing Saul but God is allowing Saul to be tested for 40 days to be tested for 40 days to be tested for 40 days to see if he will man up and trust God to see if he will man up and trust God to see if he will man up and trust God as king over his people. as king over his people. as king over his people. 40 is very, very important in the 40 is very, very important in the 40 is very, very important in the scriptures. It's a standard Bible time scriptures. It's a standard Bible time scriptures. It's a standard Bible time period in which God watches. period in which God watches. period in which God watches. Now, we're going to get into that next Now, we're going to get into that next Now, we're going to get into that next time. Suffice to say at this point, all time. Suffice to say at this point, all time. Suffice to say at this point, all that I want you to understand at this that I want you to understand at this that I want you to understand at this point is that God's obedient servant point is that God's obedient servant point is that God's obedient servant proclaims truth to the Ninevites proclaims truth to the Ninevites proclaims truth to the Ninevites accurately, accurately, accurately, fulfilled his mission, proclaimed the truth that that that sin proclaimed the truth that that that sin will incur God's wrath. Sin will incur will incur God's wrath. Sin will incur will incur God's wrath. Sin will incur God's wrath.

Come back next time. We'll see what the Come back next time. We'll see what the Ninevites do. So, the restored prophet So, the restored prophet got a second opportunity and and got a second opportunity and and got a second opportunity and and secondly, he took that opportunity. And secondly, he took that opportunity. And secondly, he took that opportunity. And thirdly, that opportunity of obedience thirdly, that opportunity of obedience thirdly, that opportunity of obedience was to proclaim truth. That's what we was to proclaim truth. That's what we was to proclaim truth. That's what we see emerging in these first few verses. see emerging in these first few verses. see emerging in these first few verses. What I'm saying is this, character cut What I'm saying is this, character cut What I'm saying is this, character cut out number one, the restored prophet out number one, the restored prophet out number one, the restored prophet obeys God. obeys God. obeys God. Obeys God. Finally goes when God says Obeys God. Finally goes when God says Obeys God. Finally goes when God says go. Obedience. go. Obedience. go. Obedience. Obedience. Obedience. Obedience. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Obedience. That's it. For any man or >> Obedience. That's it. For any man or >> Obedience. That's it. For any man or woman of God, it comes down to woman of God, it comes down to woman of God, it comes down to obedience. He finally obeyed. He learned obedience. He finally obeyed. He learned obedience. He finally obeyed. He learned from the fish. Obedience is is what God wants from his Obedience is is what God wants from his fish. Obedience is what God wants from fish. Obedience is what God wants from fish. Obedience is what God wants from his children. That matters to almighty his children. That matters to almighty his children. That matters to almighty God. So, let me leave you with one practical So, let me leave you with one practical comment that I hope you will take home comment that I hope you will take home comment that I hope you will take home and chew on this week.

and chew on this week. and chew on this week. Write this down if you take notes. Write this down if you take notes. Write this down if you take notes. Walk the path of faith with God Walk the path of faith with God Walk the path of faith with God in obedience. in obedience. in obedience. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> In obedience. >> In obedience. >> In obedience. Live out Live out Live out what your lips sing about here. what your lips sing about here. what your lips sing about here. You see, you have the capacity as a You see, you have the capacity as a You see, you have the capacity as a child of God, you have the capacity to child of God, you have the capacity to child of God, you have the capacity to walk in disobedience. walk in disobedience. walk in disobedience. To walk in disobedience. To walk in disobedience. To walk in disobedience. It To do so doesn't mean you lose your It To do so doesn't mean you lose your It To do so doesn't mean you lose your salvation. It means that you're salvation. It means that you're salvation. It means that you're inconsistently walking inside of your inconsistently walking inside of your inconsistently walking inside of your relationship with God. You have the relationship with God. You have the relationship with God. You have the capacity to do that. Please don't. capacity to do that. Please don't. capacity to do that. Please don't. Learn from Jonah. Learn from Jonah. Learn from Jonah. Jonah chapter 3 verse 3, underline that. Jonah chapter 3 verse 3, underline that. Jonah chapter 3 verse 3, underline that. Circle that. Circle that. Circle that. The walk of path The walk of path The walk of path of faith with God is to be carried out of faith with God is to be carried out of faith with God is to be carried out inside of the lens of obedience. inside of the lens of obedience. inside of the lens of obedience. Obedience is the path God wants his Obedience is the path God wants his Obedience is the path God wants his people of faith on always. people of faith on always. people of faith on always. Always. No exceptions.

Always. No exceptions. Always. No exceptions. It's the path he wants you on. He It's the path he wants you on. He It's the path he wants you on. He doesn't want you running around on other doesn't want you running around on other doesn't want you running around on other trails and there's plenty of other trails and there's plenty of other trails and there's plenty of other trails and they all lead to all sorts of trails and they all lead to all sorts of trails and they all lead to all sorts of different Tarsuses. But they will incur God's discipline if But they will incur God's discipline if you're on them and he doesn't want you you're on them and he doesn't want you you're on them and he doesn't want you on them. And here's what's frightening. on them. And here's what's frightening. on them. And here's what's frightening. God's discipline on you never just God's discipline on you never just God's discipline on you never just affects you. affects you. affects you. It never just affects you. It never just affects you. It never just affects you. You're part of a web of relationships You're part of a web of relationships You're part of a web of relationships and you begin to drag everybody else and you begin to drag everybody else and you begin to drag everybody else down. That's not God being unfair. down. That's not God being unfair. down. That's not God being unfair. That's you not being fair That's you not being fair That's you not being fair with those around you. with those around you. with those around you. I love what the Apostle Paul says. I love what the Apostle Paul says. I love what the Apostle Paul says. He says it so well. Of course he does. He says it so well. Of course he does. He says it so well. Of course he does. He's inspired by the Holy Spirit. He's inspired by the Holy Spirit. He's inspired by the Holy Spirit. In his letter to the Romans in chapter 1 In his letter to the Romans in chapter 1 In his letter to the Romans in chapter 1 verse 5 he says that we who have been verse 5 he says that we who have been verse 5 he says that we who have been called in Christ called in Christ called in Christ have been called to the obedience have been called to the obedience have been called to the obedience that comes from faith that comes from faith that comes from faith for his name's sake.

for his name's sake. for his name's sake. Faith in God, Faith in God, Faith in God, genuine faith in God, if it's genuine faith in God, if it's genuine faith in God, if it's undisturbed undisturbed undisturbed by silly dabbling with sin, wants to by silly dabbling with sin, wants to by silly dabbling with sin, wants to obey God. obey God. obey God. Wants to obey God. Wants to do so for Wants to obey God. Wants to do so for Wants to obey God. Wants to do so for the glory of God. Belief, genuine belief the glory of God. Belief, genuine belief the glory of God. Belief, genuine belief undisturbed by wrong, wants to be loyal. undisturbed by wrong, wants to be loyal. undisturbed by wrong, wants to be loyal. Wants to be practical. Wants to be Wants to be practical. Wants to be Wants to be practical. Wants to be hands-on. Wants to sweat. Faith works. hands-on. Wants to sweat. Faith works. hands-on. Wants to sweat. Faith works. Ephesians 2:10, for we are God's Ephesians 2:10, for we are God's Ephesians 2:10, for we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus for handiwork created in Christ Jesus for handiwork created in Christ Jesus for good works. good works. good works. Jesus in in Matthew 5, speaking to his Jesus in in Matthew 5, speaking to his Jesus in in Matthew 5, speaking to his followers, says that they may see your followers, says that they may see your followers, says that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in good deeds and glorify your Father in good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. heaven. heaven. It is God's will that his people walk It is God's will that his people walk It is God's will that his people walk the walk of faith the walk of faith the walk of faith in obedience. in obedience. in obedience. That's that's consistent with the will That's that's consistent with the will That's that's consistent with the will of God. That's consistent with the of God. That's consistent with the of God. That's consistent with the desires of God. This isn't obedience to desires of God. This isn't obedience to desires of God. This isn't obedience to receive God's salvation. This isn't receive God's salvation. This isn't receive God's salvation. This isn't obedience alongside of faith in Jesus so obedience alongside of faith in Jesus so obedience alongside of faith in Jesus so that they can partner together and earn that they can partner together and earn that they can partner together and earn God's favor. That's all Salvation is all God's favor. That's all Salvation is all God's favor. That's all Salvation is all through faith alone in Christ alone. But through faith alone in Christ alone. But through faith alone in Christ alone. But those who believe to that extent and those who believe to that extent and those who believe to that extent and aren't dabbling with sin aren't dabbling with sin aren't dabbling with sin want to pursue a life of faith want to pursue a life of faith want to pursue a life of faith obedience. It's consistent. I love the obedience. It's consistent. I love the obedience. It's consistent. I love the story of the Queen of Belgium in the story of the Queen of Belgium in the story of the Queen of Belgium in the 1950s. She was visiting Poland which was 1950s. She was visiting Poland which was 1950s. She was visiting Poland which was communist at the time and she asked the communist at the time and she asked the communist at the time and she asked the government of officer who was assigned

government of officer who was assigned government of officer who was assigned to her to her to her >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> if he was a Christian. >> if he was a Christian. >> if he was a Christian. Are you a Christian? And he with Are you a Christian? And he with Are you a Christian? And he with embarrassment said, "Believing but not embarrassment said, "Believing but not embarrassment said, "Believing but not practicing." practicing." practicing." And she realized, "Oh okay, well I guess And she realized, "Oh okay, well I guess And she realized, "Oh okay, well I guess he's in a communist country. Oh you he's in a communist country. Oh you he's in a communist country. Oh you It's because you're a communist." And he It's because you're a communist." And he It's because you're a communist." And he said, "Practicing but not believing." Poor guy. Poor guy. His life is just inconsistent. He His life is just inconsistent. He His life is just inconsistent. He practices the the communism that he practices the the communism that he practices the the communism that he doesn't believe in and he doesn't doesn't believe in and he doesn't doesn't believe in and he doesn't practice the faith that he does believe practice the faith that he does believe practice the faith that he does believe in. in. in. Hence his embarrassment. Hence his embarrassment. Hence his embarrassment. There's a hypocrisy in that. There's a hypocrisy in that. There's a hypocrisy in that. Well, we've been called to practice what Well, we've been called to practice what Well, we've been called to practice what we believe, to live in the obedience we believe, to live in the obedience we believe, to live in the obedience that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for his name's sake. So learn from Jonah chapter 1 and 2 as So learn from Jonah chapter 1 and 2 as you arrive at Jonah 3:3.

you arrive at Jonah 3:3. you arrive at Jonah 3:3. Without having Without having Without having to walk to walk to walk in your own life in your own life in your own life Jonah chapter 1 and 2 experiences. Jonah chapter 1 and 2 experiences. Jonah chapter 1 and 2 experiences. Walk the path of faith with God in Walk the path of faith with God in Walk the path of faith with God in obedience. Listen, we all all of us have obedience. Listen, we all all of us have obedience. Listen, we all all of us have let God down. let God down. let God down. All of us. All of us. All of us. It's just a matter of extent. It's just a matter of extent. It's just a matter of extent. As believers I'm talking. As believers I'm talking. As believers I'm talking. As spouses, as parents, as friends, as As spouses, as parents, as friends, as As spouses, as parents, as friends, as employees, as just Christians in employees, as just Christians in employees, as just Christians in general, failure is on all of our general, failure is on all of our general, failure is on all of our resumes. resumes. resumes. Prodigalism and waywardness, running Prodigalism and waywardness, running Prodigalism and waywardness, running from doing what is right is a common experience. is a common experience. Abraham lied. Abraham lied. Abraham lied. Isaac lied. Jacob lied. Moses murdered. Isaac lied. Jacob lied. Moses murdered. Isaac lied. Jacob lied. Moses murdered. David adulterated and murdered. Solomon David adulterated and murdered. Solomon David adulterated and murdered. Solomon super adulterated. super adulterated. super adulterated. Hezekiah boasted and and Peter denied Hezekiah boasted and and Peter denied Hezekiah boasted and and Peter denied Jesus and the 11 ran. The story of God Jesus and the 11 ran. The story of God Jesus and the 11 ran. The story of God and us, the story of God and you is and us, the story of God and you is and us, the story of God and you is filled with failure.

But you've an opportunity. But you've an opportunity. A second opportunity. A second opportunity. A second opportunity. A third opportunity to obey. A third opportunity to obey. A third opportunity to obey. To not abuse the amazing grace of God. To not abuse the amazing grace of God. To not abuse the amazing grace of God. So, So, So, get back on track with God today. Take get back on track with God today. Take get back on track with God today. Take that opportunity. If you can hear me, that opportunity. If you can hear me, that opportunity. If you can hear me, Christian, I don't know how distant you Christian, I don't know how distant you Christian, I don't know how distant you are from God, but you must get back on are from God, but you must get back on are from God, but you must get back on track with God on the path of faith and track with God on the path of faith and track with God on the path of faith and obedience. Full obedience. obedience. Full obedience. obedience. Full obedience. God wants you spat out of whatever belly God wants you spat out of whatever belly God wants you spat out of whatever belly you find yourself in. you find yourself in. you find yourself in. To walk before him in faith obedience. To walk before him in faith obedience. To walk before him in faith obedience. To live in gratitude. To live in gratitude. To live in gratitude. To live with a spring in your step. To To live with a spring in your step. To To live with a spring in your step. To live inspired live inspired live inspired by the salvation of God in your life. I by the salvation of God in your life. I by the salvation of God in your life. I love the story that love the story that love the story that comes to us from from an experience of comes to us from from an experience of comes to us from from an experience of Leonardo da Vinci. He was working on a Leonardo da Vinci. He was working on a Leonardo da Vinci. He was working on a painting and he was working on it for painting and he was working on it for painting and he was working on it for weeks and he was nearly done and he's weeks and he was nearly done and he's weeks and he was nearly done and he's got all his little sort of apprentices got all his little sort of apprentices got all his little sort of apprentices learning from him and watching him do learning from him and watching him do learning from him and watching him do this and it looks amazing.

this and it looks amazing. this and it looks amazing. He suddenly stops and he calls one He suddenly stops and he calls one He suddenly stops and he calls one student over and he hands him a brush student over and he hands him a brush student over and he hands him a brush and he says, "Here, and he says, "Here, and he says, "Here, you finish it." you finish it." you finish it." And of course the student is And of course the student is And of course the student is understandably stunned and he protests understandably stunned and he protests understandably stunned and he protests as do everybody else as do everybody else as do everybody else and and and he gives all sorts of excuses but he he gives all sorts of excuses but he he gives all sorts of excuses but he climaxes by saying this, "How could I climaxes by saying this, "How could I climaxes by saying this, "How could I finish such beauty?" finish such beauty?" finish such beauty?" It's a great question. It's a great question. It's a great question. Da Vinci just walked away Da Vinci just walked away Da Vinci just walked away and he said, "Will not what I have done and he said, "Will not what I have done and he said, "Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best?" Will not what I have done Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best? Will not inspire you to do your best? Will not inspire you to do your best? Will not what God has done for you when you were what God has done for you when you were what God has done for you when you were hopeless hopeless hopeless inspire you every day Christian to do inspire you every day Christian to do inspire you every day Christian to do your best to walk in his ways your best to walk in his ways your best to walk in his ways obediently? Not abusing his grace. I hope so.

Not abusing his grace. I hope so. He deserves obedience. He deserves obedience. He deserves obedience. You can sing all day long about the You can sing all day long about the You can sing all day long about the worship worship worship of the God who is worthy. of the God who is worthy. of the God who is worthy. He's watching obedience. Including a very very basic one. Including a very very basic one. A very very basic one. A very very basic one. A very very basic one. What's that pastor? That's what you What's that pastor? That's what you What's that pastor? That's what you should be asking. What is that one should be asking. What is that one should be asking. What is that one pastor? pastor? pastor? Go urgently urgently immediately immediately immediately go make disciples go make disciples go make disciples >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> of the nations. >> of the nations. >> of the nations. That's that's a that's a that's a Jonah That's that's a that's a that's a Jonah That's that's a that's a that's a Jonah 1 and a Jonah 3 1 and a Jonah 3 1 and a Jonah 3 filtered knife through to us on the lips filtered knife through to us on the lips filtered knife through to us on the lips of Jesus. Go. of Jesus. Go. of Jesus. Go. Where, pastor? That should be your next Where, pastor? That should be your next Where, pastor? That should be your next question. question. question. To the ends of the earth beginning here. Where you live. Where you live. In your neighborhoods. In your neighborhoods. In your neighborhoods. Why, pastor? Why, pastor?

Why, pastor? Why, pastor? Why, pastor? Why, pastor? To make disciples. To make disciples of To make disciples. To make disciples of To make disciples. To make disciples of little boys little boys little boys and little girls that live around you. and little girls that live around you. and little girls that live around you. And moms and dads who are lost. And moms and dads who are lost. And moms and dads who are lost. And grannies and grandpas who are And grannies and grandpas who are And grannies and grandpas who are getting close to eternity and don't know getting close to eternity and don't know getting close to eternity and don't know Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And aunties and uncles and cousins. To make disciples of all Americanites. To make disciples of all Americanites. Every single one. Every single one. Every single one. To make disciples of of modern-day To make disciples of of modern-day To make disciples of of modern-day Ninevites, of Scotch-Irishites, Ninevites, of Scotch-Irishites, Ninevites, of Scotch-Irishites, of your neighbor-ites and all of your neighbor-ites and all of your neighbor-ites and all whoever-ites who do life anywhere near whoever-ites who do life anywhere near whoever-ites who do life anywhere near you. Obedience means Obedience means that you're salt. Obedience means that that you're salt. Obedience means that that you're salt. Obedience means that you're light. Obedience means that you're light. Obedience means that you're light. Obedience means that you're a pillar of truth in this you're a pillar of truth in this you're a pillar of truth in this metroplex that God has put you in. And metroplex that God has put you in. And metroplex that God has put you in. And as scary as that sounds to you, you're as scary as that sounds to you, you're as scary as that sounds to you, you're quivering like Jonah was quivering on quivering like Jonah was quivering on quivering like Jonah was quivering on the first street of Nineveh. the first street of Nineveh. the first street of Nineveh. Jesus says, "I'm with you always to the Jesus says, "I'm with you always to the Jesus says, "I'm with you always to the very end of the age." You don't go very end of the age." You don't go very end of the age." You don't go alone. We go together.

Warren Wiersbe says it beautifully, "The Warren Wiersbe says it beautifully, "The will of God will never lead you where will of God will never lead you where will of God will never lead you where the grace of God can't keep you and the the grace of God can't keep you and the the grace of God can't keep you and the power of God can't use you." power of God can't use you." power of God can't use you." So, please, friends, chew on that this So, please, friends, chew on that this So, please, friends, chew on that this week. week. week. Walk the path of faith with God inside Walk the path of faith with God inside Walk the path of faith with God inside of the lanes of obedience. There's no of the lanes of obedience. There's no of the lanes of obedience. There's no better way to live life. better way to live life. better way to live life. John Newton never got over the grace of John Newton never got over the grace of John Newton never got over the grace of God. He never got over it. God. He never got over it. God. He never got over it. In another writing he says this, I am In another writing he says this, I am In another writing he says this, I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I not what I ought to be. I am not what I not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be, but still I am not who I want to be, but still I am not who I want to be, but still I am not who I once used to be. once used to be. once used to be. He never got over the grace of God that He never got over the grace of God that He never got over the grace of God that saved a wretch like him. And he saved a wretch like him. And he saved a wretch like him. And he fulfilled his vows in gratitude through fulfilled his vows in gratitude through fulfilled his vows in gratitude through a life of obedience to God as God a life of obedience to God as God a life of obedience to God as God expects and so can you. So can you. And expects and so can you. So can you. And expects and so can you. So can you. And so can I. And so must we. Let me pray for us. And then we're going Let me pray for us. And then we're going to rise and sing our way out of here to rise and sing our way out of here to rise and sing our way out of here celebrating the worthiness of our God.

celebrating the worthiness of our God. celebrating the worthiness of our God. Heavenly Father, we thank you once again Heavenly Father, we thank you once again Heavenly Father, we thank you once again for the opportunity to be able to gather for the opportunity to be able to gather for the opportunity to be able to gather here freely to worship the name of the here freely to worship the name of the here freely to worship the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and to give to you out Lord Jesus Christ and to give to you out Lord Jesus Christ and to give to you out of out of what you've entrusted into our of out of what you've entrusted into our of out of what you've entrusted into our care and to receive from you care and to receive from you care and to receive from you your word. your word. your word. We pray that that word, which to use We pray that that word, which to use We pray that that word, which to use your own Spurgeon's analogy, your own Spurgeon's analogy, your own Spurgeon's analogy, goes out into the right soils. goes out into the right soils. goes out into the right soils. It produces It produces It produces fruit. fruit. fruit. Fruit to the glory of God in this Fruit to the glory of God in this Fruit to the glory of God in this community and beyond. community and beyond. community and beyond. Help us walk in the power of the Spirit Help us walk in the power of the Spirit Help us walk in the power of the Spirit in submission and obedience to the Lord in submission and obedience to the Lord in submission and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ in whose name we've Jesus Christ in whose name we've Jesus Christ in whose name we've gathered. Amen.