The Good Who Is Engaged: How He Disciplines, Listens, and Saves

When God doesn't obey a man that's not When God doesn't obey a man that's not news. Why should he obey us? But when a news. Why should he obey us? But when a news. Why should he obey us? But when a man or a woman of God doesn't obey God, man or a woman of God doesn't obey God, man or a woman of God doesn't obey God, that's big news. Anybody who walks away that's big news. Anybody who walks away that's big news. Anybody who walks away from God is always going down. God from God is always going down. God from God is always going down. God disciplines his children. God puts us on disciplines his children. God puts us on disciplines his children. God puts us on time outs. No one messes with God. Not time outs. No one messes with God. Not time outs. No one messes with God. Not little you, not little me, not not not little you, not little me, not not not little you, not little me, not not not Moses, not mighty Moses, not anyone, Moses, not mighty Moses, not anyone, Moses, not mighty Moses, not anyone, whoever they may be who sits at the top whoever they may be who sits at the top whoever they may be who sits at the top of Christian leadership perhaps in the of Christian leadership perhaps in the of Christian leadership perhaps in the 21st century. He'll do whatever it takes 21st century. He'll do whatever it takes 21st century. He'll do whatever it takes to put his children back on the right to put his children back on the right to put his children back on the right path with him. >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. It is good to see everybody. Thank you It is good to see everybody. Thank you It is good to see everybody. Thank you for being here to worship the Lord Jesus for being here to worship the Lord Jesus for being here to worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us here. And if you're Christ with us here. And if you're Christ with us here. And if you're watching online, of course, as well, watching online, of course, as well, watching online, of course, as well, we're delighted for you to be able to do we're delighted for you to be able to do we're delighted for you to be able to do that. So, let's go to the word of the that. So, let's go to the word of the that. So, let's go to the word of the Lord. You know, turning to Jesus Lord. You know, turning to Jesus Lord. You know, turning to Jesus includes sitting under his word, sitting includes sitting under his word, sitting includes sitting under his word, sitting at his feet, studying what he has for us at his feet, studying what he has for us at his feet, studying what he has for us in his wonderful book, the scriptures.

in his wonderful book, the scriptures. in his wonderful book, the scriptures. So, go ahead and turn to Jonah chapter So, go ahead and turn to Jonah chapter So, go ahead and turn to Jonah chapter 2, the book of Jonah chapter 2. 2, the book of Jonah chapter 2. 2, the book of Jonah chapter 2. Now, if you recall, we're studying this Now, if you recall, we're studying this Now, if you recall, we're studying this wonderful little book and yes, it's wonderful little book and yes, it's wonderful little book and yes, it's tucked away in some of the dark corners tucked away in some of the dark corners tucked away in some of the dark corners of the scriptures and as it relates to of the scriptures and as it relates to of the scriptures and as it relates to where we rarely go, but it sure packs a where we rarely go, but it sure packs a where we rarely go, but it sure packs a big punch. It's a great story of God's big punch. It's a great story of God's big punch. It's a great story of God's activities in the world and and and how activities in the world and and and how activities in the world and and and how he fulfilled his purposes in the 8th he fulfilled his purposes in the 8th he fulfilled his purposes in the 8th century BC for the cultures of the century BC for the cultures of the century BC for the cultures of the world. world. world. And he wants to do that back then as he And he wants to do that back then as he And he wants to do that back then as he wants to do today, which is through his wants to do today, which is through his wants to do today, which is through his people, through those of us who know people, through those of us who know people, through those of us who know him. That's how he operates and yet some him. That's how he operates and yet some him. That's how he operates and yet some don't cooperate. Some aren't don't cooperate. Some aren't don't cooperate. Some aren't cooperating. Some don't participate. And cooperating. Some don't participate. And cooperating. Some don't participate. And in this story, it's a pastor, a in this story, it's a pastor, a in this story, it's a pastor, a celebrity pastor as it were, who's the celebrity pastor as it were, who's the celebrity pastor as it were, who's the godly rascal who doesn't want to get on godly rascal who doesn't want to get on godly rascal who doesn't want to get on board with what his God's calling him to board with what his God's calling him to board with what his God's calling him to do. do. do. And that's a problem. And that's a problem. And that's a problem. I read a a comment recently that caught I read a a comment recently that caught I read a a comment recently that caught my attention. It's an adaptation to to my attention. It's an adaptation to to my attention. It's an adaptation to to our story, to the story of Jonah, of a our story, to the story of Jonah, of a our story, to the story of Jonah, of a principle that's used and has been used principle that's used and has been used principle that's used and has been used for a long, long time in newspaper for a long, long time in newspaper for a long, long time in newspaper journalism.

journalism. journalism. Uh and the principle is this: When a dog Uh and the principle is this: When a dog Uh and the principle is this: When a dog bites a man, that's not news. bites a man, that's not news. bites a man, that's not news. But when a man bites a dog, that's news. But when a man bites a dog, that's news. But when a man bites a dog, that's news. That's That's journalism worthy. That's That's That's journalism worthy. That's That's That's journalism worthy. That's That's worth reporting. Well, adapted to That's worth reporting. Well, adapted to That's worth reporting. Well, adapted to to Jonah, it goes like this: When a man to Jonah, it goes like this: When a man to Jonah, it goes like this: When a man catches a fish, that's not news. catches a fish, that's not news. catches a fish, that's not news. But when a fish catches a man, that's But when a fish catches a man, that's But when a fish catches a man, that's news. news. news. Well, it's true. That's why why God Well, it's true. That's why why God Well, it's true. That's why why God records this for us. It's not so much records this for us. It's not so much records this for us. It's not so much just that a fish swallowed a man and he just that a fish swallowed a man and he just that a fish swallowed a man and he lived inside the belly of a fish for 3 lived inside the belly of a fish for 3 lived inside the belly of a fish for 3 days and 3 nights. That's That is a days and 3 nights. That's That is a days and 3 nights. That's That is a miracle. That's remarkable. God did miracle. That's remarkable. God did miracle. That's remarkable. God did that. That's news. But the point that. That's news. But the point that. That's news. But the point is important. It's that when God doesn't is important. It's that when God doesn't is important. It's that when God doesn't obey a man, that's not news. Why should obey a man, that's not news. Why should obey a man, that's not news. Why should he obey us? he obey us? he obey us? But when a man or a woman of God doesn't But when a man or a woman of God doesn't But when a man or a woman of God doesn't obey God, obey God, obey God, that's big news.

that's big news. that's big news. That's spiritual news. That's spiritual news. That's spiritual news. That's a big problem that that God will That's a big problem that that God will That's a big problem that that God will deal with and God deals with as we're deal with and God deals with as we're deal with and God deals with as we're studying here in this remarkable book. studying here in this remarkable book. studying here in this remarkable book. Now, some don't believe that this Now, some don't believe that this Now, some don't believe that this historically happened, and I understand historically happened, and I understand historically happened, and I understand that they can't get their head round that they can't get their head round that they can't get their head round life inside of a fish for that long. I I life inside of a fish for that long. I I life inside of a fish for that long. I I get it. It's rare. get it. It's rare. get it. It's rare. I love the story of Dr. Lee Scarborough. I love the story of Dr. Lee Scarborough. I love the story of Dr. Lee Scarborough. He was a seminary president He was a seminary president He was a seminary president of a seminary years ago, and he had of a seminary years ago, and he had of a seminary years ago, and he had preached on this preached on this preached on this one evening, and his son was in the one evening, and his son was in the one evening, and his son was in the congregation with him. And when they congregation with him. And when they congregation with him. And when they were heading home, his son said, "Dad, were heading home, his son said, "Dad, were heading home, his son said, "Dad, do you really believe that? do you really believe that? do you really believe that? Do you really believe the story of Jonah Do you really believe the story of Jonah Do you really believe the story of Jonah and the fish? It seems very hard to and the fish? It seems very hard to and the fish? It seems very hard to believe." believe." believe." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And Dr. Scarborough looked at his son >> And Dr. Scarborough looked at his son >> And Dr. Scarborough looked at his son and said, "Son, let me ask you this. If and said, "Son, let me ask you this. If and said, "Son, let me ask you this. If God could make a man out of nothing to God could make a man out of nothing to God could make a man out of nothing to begin with, and if God could make a fish begin with, and if God could make a fish begin with, and if God could make a fish out of nothing to begin with, don't you out of nothing to begin with, don't you out of nothing to begin with, don't you believe God can prepare a great fish to believe God can prepare a great fish to believe God can prepare a great fish to swallow up a man and keep him alive for swallow up a man and keep him alive for swallow up a man and keep him alive for 3 days and 3 nights and then spit him 3 days and 3 nights and then spit him 3 days and 3 nights and then spit him out onto the shore?"

out onto the shore?" out onto the shore?" The son looked at him and said, "Well, The son looked at him and said, "Well, The son looked at him and said, "Well, if you're going to bring God into this, if you're going to bring God into this, if you're going to bring God into this, of course." And I love that response And I love that response because it sounds and it reads because it sounds and it reads because it sounds and it reads unbelievable, but not if God's in this. unbelievable, but not if God's in this. unbelievable, but not if God's in this. Not if you bring God into this, and Not if you bring God into this, and Not if you bring God into this, and only he could pull this off, and he did. only he could pull this off, and he did. only he could pull this off, and he did. So, what do we learn about God in So, what do we learn about God in So, what do we learn about God in chapter 2 of Jonah? What does he want us to understand about What does he want us to understand about him? him? him? Remember, we're using the analogy in Remember, we're using the analogy in Remember, we're using the analogy in this series of of of felt character this series of of of felt character this series of of of felt character cutouts that you put onto a flannelgraph cutouts that you put onto a flannelgraph cutouts that you put onto a flannelgraph board. That's the way many of us learned board. That's the way many of us learned board. That's the way many of us learned the story of Jonah as little kids, and the story of Jonah as little kids, and the story of Jonah as little kids, and so I thought I'd resurrect that as an so I thought I'd resurrect that as an so I thought I'd resurrect that as an analogy to help us sort of track scene analogy to help us sort of track scene analogy to help us sort of track scene by scene with with what key characters by scene with with what key characters by scene with with what key characters come onto the onto the front of the come onto the onto the front of the come onto the onto the front of the scene that that teaches about life. And scene that that teaches about life. And scene that that teaches about life. And And so, we've been doing that. We did And so, we've been doing that. We did And so, we've been doing that. We did that in chapter 1. We're doing that now.

that in chapter 1. We're doing that now. that in chapter 1. We're doing that now. And in this scene, we've already looked And in this scene, we've already looked And in this scene, we've already looked at character cutout number one, the the at character cutout number one, the the at character cutout number one, the the great fish. great fish. great fish. Right? The great fish. It's a fish that Right? The great fish. It's a fish that Right? The great fish. It's a fish that obeys God. Here's a fish that obeys God. obeys God. Here's a fish that obeys God. obeys God. Here's a fish that obeys God. That's remarkable. It goes where God That's remarkable. It goes where God That's remarkable. It goes where God says for it to go. It It goes when God says for it to go. It It goes when God says for it to go. It It goes when God says for it to go. It obeys. It's an says for it to go. It obeys. It's an says for it to go. It obeys. It's an obedient fish. obedient fish. obedient fish. That fish is a lesson to us That fish is a lesson to us That fish is a lesson to us on how to respond to God. It's a lesson on how to respond to God. It's a lesson on how to respond to God. It's a lesson for for Jonah. In fact, it's a foil for for for Jonah. In fact, it's a foil for for for Jonah. In fact, it's a foil for Jonah, a contrast to Jonah, cuz we also Jonah, a contrast to Jonah, cuz we also Jonah, a contrast to Jonah, cuz we also looked at character cutout number two, looked at character cutout number two, looked at character cutout number two, which was Jonah, the prodigal servant. which was Jonah, the prodigal servant. which was Jonah, the prodigal servant. The prodigal servant, the wayward The prodigal servant, the wayward The prodigal servant, the wayward pastor, who gets swallowed up inside of pastor, who gets swallowed up inside of pastor, who gets swallowed up inside of a fish and and in there we learn about a a fish and and in there we learn about a a fish and and in there we learn about a path back to God, a hard path I called path back to God, a hard path I called path back to God, a hard path I called it. it. it. This this prodigal servant returns to This this prodigal servant returns to This this prodigal servant returns to God, and he commits to to to walk the God, and he commits to to to walk the God, and he commits to to to walk the godly talk, to not just talk a good godly talk, to not just talk a good godly talk, to not just talk a good Christian faith, but to actually live Christian faith, but to actually live Christian faith, but to actually live it.

it. it. That's what Jonah represents there in That's what Jonah represents there in That's what Jonah represents there in chapter two. Now, what does this chapter two. Now, what does this chapter two. Now, what does this beautiful chapter teach us about God? beautiful chapter teach us about God? beautiful chapter teach us about God? Character cutout number three. Character cutout number three. Character cutout number three. On the flannelgraph board of your hearts On the flannelgraph board of your hearts On the flannelgraph board of your hearts deals with the sovereign God. What does deals with the sovereign God. What does deals with the sovereign God. What does he say? What does he reveal about he say? What does he reveal about he say? What does he reveal about himself in this scene? Let me read it to himself in this scene? Let me read it to himself in this scene? Let me read it to you again. It actually starts at the end you again. It actually starts at the end you again. It actually starts at the end of chapter 1, verse 17. The last verse of chapter 1, verse 17. The last verse of chapter 1, verse 17. The last verse there in chapter 1 is kind of a there in chapter 1 is kind of a there in chapter 1 is kind of a transition verse, a hinge verse that transition verse, a hinge verse that transition verse, a hinge verse that launches us into chapter 2. Let me read launches us into chapter 2. Let me read launches us into chapter 2. Let me read it to you. it to you. it to you. Verse 17, chapter 1. Verse 17, chapter 1. Verse 17, chapter 1. The Lord sent a huge fish to swallow The Lord sent a huge fish to swallow The Lord sent a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. the fish three days and three nights. the fish three days and three nights. Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I called out to the Lord from my distress, called out to the Lord from my distress, called out to the Lord from my distress, and he answered me. and he answered me. and he answered me. From the belly of Sheol I cried out for From the belly of Sheol I cried out for From the belly of Sheol I cried out for help, and you heard my prayer. help, and you heard my prayer. help, and you heard my prayer. You threw me into the deep waters, into You threw me into the deep waters, into You threw me into the deep waters, into the middle of the sea.

the middle of the sea. the middle of the sea. The ocean current engulfed me. All the The ocean current engulfed me. All the The ocean current engulfed me. All the mighty waves you sent swept over me. mighty waves you sent swept over me. mighty waves you sent swept over me. I thought I had been banished from your I thought I had been banished from your I thought I had been banished from your sight, that I would never again see your sight, that I would never again see your sight, that I would never again see your holy temple. holy temple. holy temple. Water engulfed me up to my neck. The Water engulfed me up to my neck. The Water engulfed me up to my neck. The deep ocean surrounded me. Seaweed was deep ocean surrounded me. Seaweed was deep ocean surrounded me. Seaweed was wrapped around my head. wrapped around my head. wrapped around my head. I went down to the very bottoms of the I went down to the very bottoms of the I went down to the very bottoms of the mountains. The gates of the netherworld mountains. The gates of the netherworld mountains. The gates of the netherworld barred me in forever. barred me in forever. barred me in forever. But you, oh Lord my God, brought me up But you, oh Lord my God, brought me up But you, oh Lord my God, brought me up from the pit. from the pit. from the pit. When my life was ebbing away, I called When my life was ebbing away, I called When my life was ebbing away, I called out to the Lord, and my prayer came to out to the Lord, and my prayer came to out to the Lord, and my prayer came to you, to your holy temple. you, to your holy temple. you, to your holy temple. Those who worship worthless idols Those who worship worthless idols Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs. forfeit the mercy that could be theirs. forfeit the mercy that could be theirs. But as for me, I promise to offer a But as for me, I promise to offer a But as for me, I promise to offer a sacrifice to you with a public sacrifice to you with a public sacrifice to you with a public declaration of praise.

declaration of praise. declaration of praise. I will surely do what I have promised. I will surely do what I have promised. I will surely do what I have promised. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah out onto dry land. vomited Jonah out onto dry land. vomited Jonah out onto dry land. So, character cutout number three, the So, character cutout number three, the So, character cutout number three, the sovereign Lord on the flannel graph sovereign Lord on the flannel graph sovereign Lord on the flannel graph board of your heart, reveals, I believe, board of your heart, reveals, I believe, board of your heart, reveals, I believe, three important truths for us this three important truths for us this three important truths for us this morning. Three truths from from God morning. Three truths from from God morning. Three truths from from God about God, aside from the one that we've about God, aside from the one that we've about God, aside from the one that we've already learned about his sovereignty, already learned about his sovereignty, already learned about his sovereignty, right? That that he rules with complete right? That that he rules with complete right? That that he rules with complete power and authority over all, absolute power and authority over all, absolute power and authority over all, absolute rule. rule. rule. Yes, we're we're we're in Jonah 2, and Yes, we're we're we're in Jonah 2, and Yes, we're we're we're in Jonah 2, and and we're inside of a fish at the bottom and we're inside of a fish at the bottom and we're inside of a fish at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in the 8th of the Mediterranean Sea in the 8th of the Mediterranean Sea in the 8th century. It seems so distant, so removed century. It seems so distant, so removed century. It seems so distant, so removed from from the 21st century. from from the 21st century. from from the 21st century. But God has given us a front row seat But God has given us a front row seat But God has given us a front row seat so that we can learn about how he is and so that we can learn about how he is and so that we can learn about how he is and and how he operates in the world because and how he operates in the world because and how he operates in the world because how he is and how he operated back then how he is and how he operated back then how he is and how he operated back then is still the same way as he operates and is still the same way as he operates and is still the same way as he operates and how he is today.

So, what we learn here spills out from So, what we learn here spills out from the 8th century bottom of the sea in the the 8th century bottom of the sea in the the 8th century bottom of the sea in the Mediterranean to 21st century life today Mediterranean to 21st century life today Mediterranean to 21st century life today here here here in the US. So, three truths I want you in the US. So, three truths I want you in the US. So, three truths I want you not to miss this morning. Truth number not to miss this morning. Truth number not to miss this morning. Truth number one, very very simple, very very one, very very simple, very very one, very very simple, very very important, God disciplines. important, God disciplines. important, God disciplines. God disciplines. God disciplines. God disciplines. God disciplines his children. God puts God disciplines his children. God puts God disciplines his children. God puts us on time outs. us on time outs. us on time outs. We the 21st century Christian need to We the 21st century Christian need to We the 21st century Christian need to remember this because we're often remember this because we're often remember this because we're often extremely selective in what we want to extremely selective in what we want to extremely selective in what we want to believe about our God and pick and believe about our God and pick and believe about our God and pick and choose what we want to camp out on as it choose what we want to camp out on as it choose what we want to camp out on as it relates to what he has said about relates to what he has said about relates to what he has said about himself in his word. himself in his word. himself in his word. Very selective. Very selective. Very selective. But God disciplines, that's clear across But God disciplines, that's clear across But God disciplines, that's clear across the scriptures. God disciplined back the scriptures. God disciplined back the scriptures. God disciplined back then, God disciplines today. If you're a then, God disciplines today. If you're a then, God disciplines today. If you're a child of God, don't forget that. He will child of God, don't forget that. He will child of God, don't forget that. He will bring discipline into your life and bring discipline into your life and bring discipline into your life and redirect your stray steps and correct redirect your stray steps and correct redirect your stray steps and correct your stray heart if he needs to do so. your stray heart if he needs to do so. your stray heart if he needs to do so. And it's an act of grace.

And it's an act of grace. And it's an act of grace. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He did so for Jonah here. Jonah is >> He did so for Jonah here. Jonah is >> He did so for Jonah here. Jonah is undergoing the discipline of God inside undergoing the discipline of God inside undergoing the discipline of God inside of that fish at the bottom of the sea. of that fish at the bottom of the sea. of that fish at the bottom of the sea. And Jonah hasn't stolen anybody's money And Jonah hasn't stolen anybody's money And Jonah hasn't stolen anybody's money that I know of. He hasn't stolen that I know of. He hasn't stolen that I know of. He hasn't stolen anybody's wife, but he is a rebel. anybody's wife, but he is a rebel. anybody's wife, but he is a rebel. He's robbing God of obedience to God. He's robbing God of obedience to God. He's robbing God of obedience to God. He's robbing God of the loyalty that God He's robbing God of the loyalty that God He's robbing God of the loyalty that God deserves. deserves. deserves. And God won't have that. Look at verse 17 of chapter one. Don't Look at verse 17 of chapter one. Don't Don't miss this. I mean, it's so easy to Don't miss this. I mean, it's so easy to Don't miss this. I mean, it's so easy to get caught up in all the remarkable get caught up in all the remarkable get caught up in all the remarkable stuff that's there that we miss this. It stuff that's there that we miss this. It stuff that's there that we miss this. It says, "The Lord sent a huge fish to says, "The Lord sent a huge fish to says, "The Lord sent a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish 3 days and 3 stomach of the fish 3 days and 3 stomach of the fish 3 days and 3 nights." The Lord sent it. nights." The Lord sent it. nights." The Lord sent it. The Lord did that. The Lord put him on The Lord did that. The Lord put him on The Lord did that. The Lord put him on that creative time out. that creative time out. that creative time out. Look at verses 3 and 4 of chapter 2 Look at verses 3 and 4 of chapter 2 Look at verses 3 and 4 of chapter 2 where Jonah says, "You threw me into the where Jonah says, "You threw me into the where Jonah says, "You threw me into the deep waters."

deep waters." deep waters." It wasn't the sailors that threw Jonah It wasn't the sailors that threw Jonah It wasn't the sailors that threw Jonah into the deep waters even though they into the deep waters even though they into the deep waters even though they did cast him into the deep waters. It did cast him into the deep waters. It did cast him into the deep waters. It was God who threw him in through the was God who threw him in through the was God who threw him in through the sailors into the water and Jonah knows sailors into the water and Jonah knows sailors into the water and Jonah knows that. You threw me into this. that. You threw me into this. that. You threw me into this. He goes on to talk about how the mighty He goes on to talk about how the mighty He goes on to talk about how the mighty waves swept over him but but he says all waves swept over him but but he says all waves swept over him but but he says all the mighty waves that you sent the mighty waves that you sent the mighty waves that you sent swept over me. swept over me. swept over me. The mighty wave didn't come my way The mighty wave didn't come my way The mighty wave didn't come my way because of the positioning of the moon because of the positioning of the moon because of the positioning of the moon and the magnetic pull that that has on and the magnetic pull that that has on and the magnetic pull that that has on the earth that creates waves and tides. the earth that creates waves and tides. the earth that creates waves and tides. It they came over me because you sent It they came over me because you sent It they came over me because you sent those waves to engulf me. those waves to engulf me. those waves to engulf me. I thought I had been banished from your I thought I had been banished from your I thought I had been banished from your sight. sight. sight. Jonah understands that the position he Jonah understands that the position he Jonah understands that the position he finds himself in is God's direct doing finds himself in is God's direct doing finds himself in is God's direct doing as an act of discipline upon his unruly as an act of discipline upon his unruly as an act of discipline upon his unruly heart. Verse 10, the other little verse that Verse 10, the other little verse that features the the fish. Then the Lord features the the fish. Then the Lord features the the fish. Then the Lord commanded the fish and it spat Jonah out commanded the fish and it spat Jonah out commanded the fish and it spat Jonah out onto dry land.

onto dry land. onto dry land. This isn't just indigestion. This isn't just indigestion. This isn't just indigestion. God sent that fish and God then sent God sent that fish and God then sent God sent that fish and God then sent that fish with another message but spit that fish with another message but spit that fish with another message but spit him back out. The Lord did this. This is him back out. The Lord did this. This is him back out. The Lord did this. This is This is all God's doing because God This is all God's doing because God This is all God's doing because God disciplines his own. Now we've we're seeing in the experience Now we've we're seeing in the experience of Jonah here of Jonah here of Jonah here how it manifested itself in his life how it manifested itself in his life how it manifested itself in his life but but that spills out from this book but but that spills out from this book but but that spills out from this book all across the scriptures. It's clear in the Bible that God It's clear in the Bible that God disciplines nations. disciplines nations. disciplines nations. There's some of the major prophets there There's some of the major prophets there There's some of the major prophets there have massive sections where God is have massive sections where God is have massive sections where God is delivering a message to the nations of delivering a message to the nations of delivering a message to the nations of the world. the world. the world. God disciplines nations to correct them, God disciplines nations to correct them, God disciplines nations to correct them, to give them an opportunity to stop to give them an opportunity to stop to give them an opportunity to stop walking that path and to return to the walking that path and to return to the walking that path and to return to the real God. And if a nation would refuse real God. And if a nation would refuse real God. And if a nation would refuse to be corrected and to be disciplined, to be corrected and to be disciplined, to be corrected and to be disciplined, eventually God's wrath would be poured eventually God's wrath would be poured eventually God's wrath would be poured out upon that nation in judgment. And out upon that nation in judgment. And out upon that nation in judgment. And rightly so.

Sodom, Sodom, Gomorrah, Gomorrah, Gomorrah, the Canaanites. the Canaanites. the Canaanites. They all got opportunities to turn to They all got opportunities to turn to They all got opportunities to turn to God long before God's wrath was poured God long before God's wrath was poured God long before God's wrath was poured out upon them. out upon them. out upon them. But it's clear in the scriptures that But it's clear in the scriptures that But it's clear in the scriptures that God disciplines not just the nations of God disciplines not just the nations of God disciplines not just the nations of the world, but his own people. the world, but his own people. the world, but his own people. Israel in the Old Testament, the church Israel in the Old Testament, the church Israel in the Old Testament, the church today, today, today, individuals inside of of those entities. individuals inside of of those entities. individuals inside of of those entities. Israel was constantly under the Israel was constantly under the Israel was constantly under the discipline of God. discipline of God. discipline of God. I mean you can't read far into into the I mean you can't read far into into the I mean you can't read far into into the Old Testament without beginning to see Old Testament without beginning to see Old Testament without beginning to see the the cycle of correction that God has the the cycle of correction that God has the the cycle of correction that God has to bring in the lives of his people back to bring in the lives of his people back to bring in the lives of his people back then. then. then. And it's incremental, right? It it it And it's incremental, right? It it it And it's incremental, right? It it it moves from from things like like famine moves from from things like like famine moves from from things like like famine and a drought ultimately to exile. and a drought ultimately to exile. and a drought ultimately to exile. But all of it is to bring them back to But all of it is to bring them back to But all of it is to bring them back to God. God. God. Individuals weren't immune from it Individuals weren't immune from it Individuals weren't immune from it either. God disciplined individuals either. God disciplined individuals either. God disciplined individuals despite their legacy status. Take Moses.

despite their legacy status. Take Moses. despite their legacy status. Take Moses. Moses, one sin, Moses, one sin, Moses, one sin, one sin, one mistake, one error, one act one sin, one mistake, one error, one act one sin, one mistake, one error, one act of disobedience in the life of Moses of disobedience in the life of Moses of disobedience in the life of Moses resulted in his exclusion from entering resulted in his exclusion from entering resulted in his exclusion from entering the promised land that he led millions the promised land that he led millions the promised land that he led millions of grumpy people toward for 40 years. of grumpy people toward for 40 years. of grumpy people toward for 40 years. Harsh? Harsh? Harsh? No. No. No. Holy, holy, holy? Yes. Holy, holy, holy? Yes. Holy, holy, holy? Yes. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> No one messes with God. >> No one messes with God. >> No one messes with God. Not little you, not little me, not not Not little you, not little me, not not Not little you, not little me, not not not Moses, not mighty Moses, not anyone, not Moses, not mighty Moses, not anyone, not Moses, not mighty Moses, not anyone, whoever they may be who sits at the top whoever they may be who sits at the top whoever they may be who sits at the top of Christian leadership perhaps in the of Christian leadership perhaps in the of Christian leadership perhaps in the 21st century. 21st century. 21st century. God will not be messed with. So, Jonah's God will not be messed with. So, Jonah's God will not be messed with. So, Jonah's time out is granted a very unusual spot time out is granted a very unusual spot time out is granted a very unusual spot to have a time out, to have a time out, to have a time out, but it's it's just, it's holy, it's but it's it's just, it's holy, it's but it's it's just, it's holy, it's righteous, and it's purposeful. righteous, and it's purposeful. righteous, and it's purposeful. Remember Jonah, Remember Jonah, Remember Jonah, by his own choice, has put his life on a by his own choice, has put his life on a by his own choice, has put his life on a downward trajectory. And And chapter 1 downward trajectory. And And chapter 1 downward trajectory. And And chapter 1 tries to communicate that to you tries to communicate that to you tries to communicate that to you literally, but the point is is a literally, but the point is is a literally, but the point is is a spiritual downward trajectory, right?

spiritual downward trajectory, right? spiritual downward trajectory, right? Anybody who walks away from God is Anybody who walks away from God is Anybody who walks away from God is always going down. always going down. always going down. So, he went down to Joppa, we read in So, he went down to Joppa, we read in So, he went down to Joppa, we read in chapter 1. And then he goes down into chapter 1. And then he goes down into chapter 1. And then he goes down into this ship, and then he goes down into this ship, and then he goes down into this ship, and then he goes down into the below deck or the belly of the ship. the below deck or the belly of the ship. the below deck or the belly of the ship. So, God in chapter 2 essentially takes So, God in chapter 2 essentially takes So, God in chapter 2 essentially takes him down as far as one can possibly get him down as far as one can possibly get him down as far as one can possibly get on this planet, to the very bottom of on this planet, to the very bottom of on this planet, to the very bottom of the seabed of the Mediterranean Sea. But But this is time for reflection. But But this is time for reflection. This is This is a purposeful time out. This is This is a purposeful time out. This is This is a purposeful time out. Yes, it may feel like a bit of a Yes, it may feel like a bit of a Yes, it may feel like a bit of a coffin-like chamber, coffin-like chamber, coffin-like chamber, but but God is helping him come to his but but God is helping him come to his but but God is helping him come to his spiritual senses. Remember the 3 days and 3 nights inside Remember the 3 days and 3 nights inside of the belly of the fish when we looked of the belly of the fish when we looked of the belly of the fish when we looked at that a few weeks ago, spoke of at that a few weeks ago, spoke of at that a few weeks ago, spoke of justice tempered with compassion. justice tempered with compassion. justice tempered with compassion. It is an act of of just discipline upon It is an act of of just discipline upon It is an act of of just discipline upon his life, his life, his life, because God disciplines his children because God disciplines his children because God disciplines his children in order to grow us, in order to in order to grow us, in order to in order to grow us, in order to [snorts] prune us, in order to purify [snorts] prune us, in order to purify [snorts] prune us, in order to purify us, in order to direct us, in order to us, in order to direct us, in order to us, in order to direct us, in order to redirect us, in order to align us to redirect us, in order to align us to redirect us, in order to align us to him.

him. him. And his discipline might at times feel And his discipline might at times feel And his discipline might at times feel nasty, and at times it might feel very nasty, and at times it might feel very nasty, and at times it might feel very confusing, and it might feel very, very confusing, and it might feel very, very confusing, and it might feel very, very uncomfortable. It might feel harsh, but uncomfortable. It might feel harsh, but uncomfortable. It might feel harsh, but it's always motivated by love if you're it's always motivated by love if you're it's always motivated by love if you're a child of God. a child of God. a child of God. And those of us who are parents And those of us who are parents And those of us who are parents understand that. understand that. understand that. Right? If you're a parent, you Right? If you're a parent, you Right? If you're a parent, you understand the importance of of loving understand the importance of of loving understand the importance of of loving discipline to help your kids discipline to help your kids discipline to help your kids to put them in appropriate time outs. to put them in appropriate time outs. to put them in appropriate time outs. All sorts of ways of doing that, right? All sorts of ways of doing that, right? All sorts of ways of doing that, right? One of the ways that it's done One of the ways that it's done One of the ways that it's done where I come from in the UK is is we where I come from in the UK is is we where I come from in the UK is is we have the bottom step of the staircase in have the bottom step of the staircase in have the bottom step of the staircase in the house, and that's where the kid has the house, and that's where the kid has the house, and that's where the kid has to sit on a time out. to sit on a time out. to sit on a time out. We call it the naughty step. We call it the naughty step. We call it the naughty step. That's where their wicked little hearts That's where their wicked little hearts That's where their wicked little hearts have to reflect a little bit about on have to reflect a little bit about on have to reflect a little bit about on their activities their activities their activities and their mischief. and their mischief. and their mischief. Everything from you don't throw tantrums Everything from you don't throw tantrums Everything from you don't throw tantrums across the floor at church or across the across the floor at church or across the across the floor at church or across the mall, and you don't throw meatballs mall, and you don't throw meatballs mall, and you don't throw meatballs across the table. across the table. across the table. All of that's important instruction, All of that's important instruction, All of that's important instruction, correction, because you love this child correction, because you love this child correction, because you love this child and you want them to to grow up to be and you want them to to grow up to be and you want them to to grow up to be become a wonderful member of this family become a wonderful member of this family become a wonderful member of this family and a wonderful member of society and and a wonderful member of society and and a wonderful member of society and ultimately to become all that God has ultimately to become all that God has ultimately to become all that God has designed them to be.

designed them to be. designed them to be. Discipline is good if it's motivated by Discipline is good if it's motivated by Discipline is good if it's motivated by love, and God's discipline here on love, and God's discipline here on love, and God's discipline here on Jonah's life is not him cruelly trying Jonah's life is not him cruelly trying Jonah's life is not him cruelly trying to slowly digest Jonah inside of a fish. to slowly digest Jonah inside of a fish. to slowly digest Jonah inside of a fish. It's motivated by burning off all the It's motivated by burning off all the It's motivated by burning off all the spiritual nonsense that sticks to us spiritual nonsense that sticks to us spiritual nonsense that sticks to us even as followers of God. even as followers of God. even as followers of God. Because he loves Jonah. Because he loves Jonah. Because he loves Jonah. God does that. God does that. God does that. Let me read you a few passages from the Let me read you a few passages from the Let me read you a few passages from the scriptures so that you understand this scriptures so that you understand this scriptures so that you understand this theme that stretches from beginning to theme that stretches from beginning to theme that stretches from beginning to end. At some point you can go home and end. At some point you can go home and end. At some point you can go home and study these yourself. Deuteronomy 8 study these yourself. Deuteronomy 8 study these yourself. Deuteronomy 8 verse 5. Moses speaking to the second verse 5. Moses speaking to the second verse 5. Moses speaking to the second generation of Israelites who are fresh generation of Israelites who are fresh generation of Israelites who are fresh off a 40-year journey through the desert off a 40-year journey through the desert off a 40-year journey through the desert where they have watched their parents where they have watched their parents where they have watched their parents die because they wouldn't obey God. And die because they wouldn't obey God. And die because they wouldn't obey God. And Moses tells them this, "Know then in Moses tells them this, "Know then in Moses tells them this, "Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his your heart that as a man disciplines his your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines son, so the Lord your God disciplines son, so the Lord your God disciplines you."

you." you." It's motivated by by love. It's motivated by by love. It's motivated by by love. Proverbs 3 verses 11 and 12, Wisdom for Proverbs 3 verses 11 and 12, Wisdom for Proverbs 3 verses 11 and 12, Wisdom for the Ages says this, "My son, do not the Ages says this, "My son, do not the Ages says this, "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke because the Lord resent his rebuke because the Lord resent his rebuke because the Lord disciplines those he loves as a father disciplines those he loves as a father disciplines those he loves as a father the son he delights in." Hebrews 12 written to Christians, Hebrews 12 written to Christians, written to the church in the New written to the church in the New written to the church in the New Testament, grabs that proverb from Testament, grabs that proverb from Testament, grabs that proverb from Proverbs 3 and then pushes it into us as Proverbs 3 and then pushes it into us as Proverbs 3 and then pushes it into us as a fellowship of believers. "Endure a fellowship of believers. "Endure a fellowship of believers. "Endure hardship as discipline. God is treating hardship as discipline. God is treating hardship as discipline. God is treating you as his children, for what children you as his children, for what children you as his children, for what children are not disciplined by their father?" are not disciplined by their father?" are not disciplined by their father?" God disciplines us for our good that we God disciplines us for our good that we God disciplines us for our good that we may share in his holiness. may share in his holiness. may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the No discipline seems pleasant at the No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it time, but painful. Later, however, it time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and produces a harvest of righteousness and produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by peace for those who have been trained by peace for those who have been trained by it.

it. it. It's for those who actually take the It's for those who actually take the It's for those who actually take the discipline properly. discipline properly. discipline properly. That can produce a harvest in their That can produce a harvest in their That can produce a harvest in their lives, a harvest that speaks of living lives, a harvest that speaks of living lives, a harvest that speaks of living in the holiness of God. in the holiness of God. in the holiness of God. Revelation 3 Revelation 3 Revelation 3 verse 19. Jesus, the resurrected Lord, verse 19. Jesus, the resurrected Lord, verse 19. Jesus, the resurrected Lord, speaking to the church of Laodicea. He speaking to the church of Laodicea. He speaking to the church of Laodicea. He says this, "Those whom I love, I rebuke says this, "Those whom I love, I rebuke says this, "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline, so be earnest and and discipline, so be earnest and and discipline, so be earnest and repent." repent." repent." So, truth number one is very, very So, truth number one is very, very So, truth number one is very, very basic. It's very, very clear. It's very, basic. It's very, very clear. It's very, basic. It's very, very clear. It's very, very important. God disciplines. very important. God disciplines. very important. God disciplines. God does discipline. So, here's a God does discipline. So, here's a God does discipline. So, here's a practical lesson for you to take home practical lesson for you to take home practical lesson for you to take home with you today. with you today. with you today. Take his correction. Take his correction. Take his correction. Take his correction daily. Embrace his Take his correction daily. Embrace his Take his correction daily. Embrace his correction. Embrace his time outs in correction. Embrace his time outs in correction. Embrace his time outs in your life. While you're sitting there in your life. While you're sitting there in your life. While you're sitting there in the I don't know the the celestial the I don't know the the celestial the I don't know the the celestial naughty step, listen to what God has naughty step, listen to what God has naughty step, listen to what God has said to you. said to you. said to you. Reflect upon your life. Repent of known Reflect upon your life. Repent of known Reflect upon your life. Repent of known sin. Remember to follow Jonah's heart sin. Remember to follow Jonah's heart sin. Remember to follow Jonah's heart path back to God.

path back to God. path back to God. Don't waste the opportunity to return Don't waste the opportunity to return Don't waste the opportunity to return from your waywardness every single day. from your waywardness every single day. from your waywardness every single day. Don't be a fool. Don't be a fool. Don't be a fool. I'm sure you've heard of the man who was I'm sure you've heard of the man who was I'm sure you've heard of the man who was driving down the road and he saw a sign driving down the road and he saw a sign driving down the road and he saw a sign that said, "Road closed. Do not enter." that said, "Road closed. Do not enter." that said, "Road closed. Do not enter." And he thought, "Well, I don't know And he thought, "Well, I don't know And he thought, "Well, I don't know about that. Seems pretty clear to me. I about that. Seems pretty clear to me. I about that. Seems pretty clear to me. I think I'll just drive past it and keep think I'll just drive past it and keep think I'll just drive past it and keep going." And he did. going." And he did. going." And he did. Then he came across a second sign Then he came across a second sign Then he came across a second sign warning, "Turn back." warning, "Turn back." warning, "Turn back." I don't know about that. I think it's I don't know about that. I think it's I don't know about that. I think it's fine. The birds are chirping, you know, fine. The birds are chirping, you know, fine. The birds are chirping, you know, the sun is shining. And he kept going. the sun is shining. And he kept going. the sun is shining. And he kept going. Then there was a sharp turn and he just Then there was a sharp turn and he just Then there was a sharp turn and he just in time was able to put the brakes on in time was able to put the brakes on in time was able to put the brakes on before he fell over a cliff before he fell over a cliff before he fell over a cliff >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> because the bridge was down. >> because the bridge was down. >> because the bridge was down. So, he thanked the Lord and he composed So, he thanked the Lord and he composed So, he thanked the Lord and he composed himself and he turned and he headed on himself and he turned and he headed on himself and he turned and he headed on back up the road that he had come down. back up the road that he had come down. back up the road that he had come down. And on the way back up, he saw the back And on the way back up, he saw the back And on the way back up, he saw the back of the sign that he'd ignored at the of the sign that he'd ignored at the of the sign that he'd ignored at the start. On the back of the sign had this, start. On the back of the sign had this, start. On the back of the sign had this, "Welcome back, stupid."

>> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You Proverbs 12:1 says, "Whoever hates >> You Proverbs 12:1 says, "Whoever hates >> You Proverbs 12:1 says, "Whoever hates discipline discipline discipline is stupid." Uses that word. is stupid." Uses that word. is stupid." Uses that word. It's not being rude. It's a word that It's not being rude. It's a word that It's not being rude. It's a word that speaks of acting irrationally. speaks of acting irrationally. speaks of acting irrationally. Acting like a wild beast, like a beast Acting like a wild beast, like a beast Acting like a wild beast, like a beast that cannot that cannot be controlled, that cannot that cannot be controlled, that cannot that cannot be controlled, cannot be helped. cannot be helped. cannot be helped. I've had my share of welcome back stupid I've had my share of welcome back stupid I've had my share of welcome back stupid signs in life. I'm sure you have too. Proverbs 6 tells us rebukes of Proverbs 6 tells us rebukes of discipline are like the path leading to discipline are like the path leading to discipline are like the path leading to life. life. life. Path leading to life. Path leading to life. Path leading to life. God disciplines his own out of love. God disciplines his own out of love. God disciplines his own out of love. So you take his correction, you take his So you take his correction, you take his So you take his correction, you take his rebuke. You don't take a huff, you take rebuke. You don't take a huff, you take rebuke. You don't take a huff, you take his rebuke. his rebuke. his rebuke. You swallow your pride, you humble You swallow your pride, you humble You swallow your pride, you humble yourself, and you get on the path of yourself, and you get on the path of yourself, and you get on the path of life. That's where God wants you walking. That's where God wants you walking. So truth number one, God disciplines.

So truth number one, God disciplines. So truth number one, God disciplines. God makes it very very clear in chapter God makes it very very clear in chapter God makes it very very clear in chapter two that he's behind this discipline. two that he's behind this discipline. two that he's behind this discipline. God disciplines. God disciplines. God disciplines. God puts us on time out. Truth number God puts us on time out. Truth number God puts us on time out. Truth number two, God listens. two, God listens. two, God listens. Basic. Basic. Basic. So important that you do not forget that So important that you do not forget that So important that you do not forget that every day. God listens. You can talk to every day. God listens. You can talk to every day. God listens. You can talk to God knowing that he actually listens to God knowing that he actually listens to God knowing that he actually listens to you with all that's going on in the you with all that's going on in the you with all that's going on in the world, with all the stuff that's world, with all the stuff that's world, with all the stuff that's potentially busying him. potentially busying him. potentially busying him. With all the stuff that he has to do, With all the stuff that he has to do, With all the stuff that he has to do, with all the people on the globe, you with all the people on the globe, you with all the people on the globe, you can know this is a fact, God listens to can know this is a fact, God listens to can know this is a fact, God listens to you. you. you. God hears you. God hears you. God hears you. Prayer isn't self-help, prayer isn't Prayer isn't self-help, prayer isn't Prayer isn't self-help, prayer isn't some sort sort of therapy. God God Last time we talked about how I Jonah Last time we talked about how I Jonah Last time we talked about how I Jonah prayed right on his heart path back to prayed right on his heart path back to prayed right on his heart path back to God. One of the steps was he prayed, and God. One of the steps was he prayed, and God. One of the steps was he prayed, and that's looking at it from from Jonah's that's looking at it from from Jonah's that's looking at it from from Jonah's perspective that we should talk to God perspective that we should talk to God perspective that we should talk to God cuz Jonah talked to God. But But what I cuz Jonah talked to God. But But what I cuz Jonah talked to God. But But what I don't want you to miss is that Jonah don't want you to miss is that Jonah don't want you to miss is that Jonah does that because he understands a basic does that because he understands a basic does that because he understands a basic theological truth about his God, which theological truth about his God, which theological truth about his God, which is the God listens. From God's is the God listens. From God's is the God listens. From God's perspective, he's hearing Jonah's prayer perspective, he's hearing Jonah's prayer perspective, he's hearing Jonah's prayer inside of the belly of the fish. He inside of the belly of the fish. He inside of the belly of the fish. He listens. Your God has ears listens. Your God has ears listens. Your God has ears to hear your cry. Look at verse 1, to hear your cry. Look at verse 1, to hear your cry. Look at verse 1, chapter 2 verse 1. Jonah prayed to the chapter 2 verse 1. Jonah prayed to the chapter 2 verse 1. Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. That's who he directed his Lord his God. That's who he directed his Lord his God. That's who he directed his prayer to because he knows that that's prayer to because he knows that that's prayer to because he knows that that's the real God. That's the one who the real God. That's the one who the real God. That's the one who listens.

listens. listens. He prayed to the Lord from the stomach He prayed to the Lord from the stomach He prayed to the Lord from the stomach of the fish. Verse 2, I prayed I called of the fish. Verse 2, I prayed I called of the fish. Verse 2, I prayed I called out to the Lord from my distress and he out to the Lord from my distress and he out to the Lord from my distress and he answered me. God heard me and God answered me. God heard me and God answered me. God heard me and God answered me. From the belly of Sheol I answered me. From the belly of Sheol I answered me. From the belly of Sheol I cried out and you heard my prayer. cried out and you heard my prayer. cried out and you heard my prayer. You listened, God. You listened, God. You listened, God. Verse 7, when my life was ebbing away, I Verse 7, when my life was ebbing away, I Verse 7, when my life was ebbing away, I called out to the Lord and my prayer called out to the Lord and my prayer called out to the Lord and my prayer came to you, to your holy temple. came to you, to your holy temple. came to you, to your holy temple. Jonah knew that when he talked to God, Jonah knew that when he talked to God, Jonah knew that when he talked to God, that that something remarkable was that that something remarkable was that that something remarkable was happening because God listens. happening because God listens. happening because God listens. God listens. God is open to listening to God listens. God is open to listening to God listens. God is open to listening to you and Jonah knew that. you and Jonah knew that. you and Jonah knew that. It's why I told you last time through It's why I told you last time through It's why I told you last time through the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus tells us to ask, Jesus tells us to ask, Jesus tells us to ask, to seek, to seek, to seek, to knock. Jesus tells us which of you, if your son Jesus tells us which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

asks for bread, will give him a stone? asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if your son asks for a fish, will Or if your son asks for a fish, will Or if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake? How much more will give him a snake? How much more will give him a snake? How much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to your father in heaven give good gifts to your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him? Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father who Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name." art in heaven, hallowed be your name." art in heaven, hallowed be your name." Why? So that we would do it. We're commanded throughout the New We're commanded throughout the New Testament to pray. Testament to pray. Testament to pray. Pray without ceasing. In every Pray without ceasing. In every Pray without ceasing. In every situation, by prayer and petition with situation, by prayer and petition with situation, by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to Thanksgiving, present your requests to Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. We're told that we can approach God. We're told that we can approach God. We're told that we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence in God's throne of grace with confidence in God's throne of grace with confidence in Christ. Christ. Christ. We're told that the prayer of the We're told that the prayer of the We're told that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful righteous person is powerful righteous person is powerful and effective. and effective. and effective. So, pray confidently, pray with So, pray confidently, pray with So, pray confidently, pray with integrity, pray persistently, pray integrity, pray persistently, pray integrity, pray persistently, pray believing, pray about anything, pray in believing, pray about anything, pray in believing, pray about anything, pray in everything, pray with Thanksgiving. Why? everything, pray with Thanksgiving. Why? everything, pray with Thanksgiving. Why? Because God actually listens. Because God actually listens. Because God actually listens. This isn't wishful thinking.

This isn't wishful thinking. This isn't wishful thinking. He has revealed himself to us as a God He has revealed himself to us as a God He has revealed himself to us as a God who's attentive to the prayers of his who's attentive to the prayers of his who's attentive to the prayers of his people. people. people. And Jonah knew that. And Jonah knew that. And Jonah knew that. And Jonah knew that the bottom of the And Jonah knew that the bottom of the And Jonah knew that the bottom of the sea sea sea inside of the belly of a fish was not inside of the belly of a fish was not inside of the belly of a fish was not outside of God's hearing range. Friends, truth number two is God Friends, truth number two is God listens. Don't ever forget that. By way of application, I invite you to By way of application, I invite you to talk to him daily. talk to him daily. talk to him daily. Talk to him every day cuz he listens. Talk to him every day cuz he listens. Talk to him every day cuz he listens. God wants to hear what's on your heart. God wants to hear what's on your heart. God wants to hear what's on your heart. He knows what's on your heart. So, this He knows what's on your heart. So, this He knows what's on your heart. So, this isn't like he's lacking omniscience as isn't like he's lacking omniscience as isn't like he's lacking omniscience as it relates to what's on your heart, but it relates to what's on your heart, but it relates to what's on your heart, but he wants you to bring it to him, to he wants you to bring it to him, to he wants you to bring it to him, to articulate what's on your heart, articulate what's on your heart, articulate what's on your heart, confident that he listens. I don't I don't know. I I join Martin I don't I don't know. I I join Martin Luther in not knowing how the believer Luther in not knowing how the believer Luther in not knowing how the believer thinks they can live the Christian life thinks they can live the Christian life thinks they can live the Christian life victoriously without talking to God.

victoriously without talking to God. victoriously without talking to God. Martin Luther said this, "I have so much Martin Luther said this, "I have so much Martin Luther said this, "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first 3 to do that I shall spend the first 3 to do that I shall spend the first 3 hours in prayer." Billy Graham, you know Billy Graham, the Billy Graham, you know Billy Graham, the evangelist of yesteryear, he talks about evangelist of yesteryear, he talks about evangelist of yesteryear, he talks about his evangelism crusades, and I I and I his evangelism crusades, and I I and I his evangelism crusades, and I I and I believe that what is true to that is believe that what is true to that is believe that what is true to that is true to victorious Christian living. He true to victorious Christian living. He true to victorious Christian living. He said that there are three things said that there are three things said that there are three things necessary for a successful evangelistic necessary for a successful evangelistic necessary for a successful evangelistic crusade. Number one, it's prayer. crusade. Number one, it's prayer. crusade. Number one, it's prayer. Number two, it's prayer. Number two, it's prayer. Number two, it's prayer. And number three, it's prayer. And number three, it's prayer. And number three, it's prayer. Prayer, prayer, prayer. Talking to God Prayer, prayer, prayer. Talking to God Prayer, prayer, prayer. Talking to God confident that he listens. confident that he listens. confident that he listens. I mentioned Thomas Brooke, a Puritan I mentioned Thomas Brooke, a Puritan I mentioned Thomas Brooke, a Puritan preacher to you preacher to you preacher to you last time, he's 17th century. Whatever last time, he's 17th century. Whatever last time, he's 17th century. Whatever he's written, I read. he's written, I read. he's written, I read. He says this about prayer. Prayer is a He says this about prayer. Prayer is a He says this about prayer. Prayer is a golden bridge. golden bridge. golden bridge. Prayer is a ferry boat. Prayer is a Prayer is a ferry boat. Prayer is a Prayer is a ferry boat. Prayer is a chariot to convey your soul over to God chariot to convey your soul over to God chariot to convey your soul over to God to bring you into more intimate to bring you into more intimate to bring you into more intimate communion with God.

George Müller George Müller uh many of you have read his story, a a uh many of you have read his story, a a uh many of you have read his story, a a servant of the Lord from yesteryear as servant of the Lord from yesteryear as servant of the Lord from yesteryear as well, known as an evangelist, known well, known as an evangelist, known well, known as an evangelist, known actually also as one who loved God so actually also as one who loved God so actually also as one who loved God so much that he practically cared for much that he practically cared for much that he practically cared for orphans in England for decades. orphans in England for decades. orphans in England for decades. 10,000 orphans went through his uh 10,000 orphans went through his uh 10,000 orphans went through his uh ministry. ministry. ministry. The story goes that one morning in one The story goes that one morning in one The story goes that one morning in one of the orphanages where he was, there of the orphanages where he was, there of the orphanages where he was, there were 300 kids that were woken up by the were 300 kids that were woken up by the were 300 kids that were woken up by the the the people who helped them get ready the the people who helped them get ready the the people who helped them get ready there and there was nothing for them to there and there was nothing for them to there and there was nothing for them to eat. eat. eat. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Can you imagine the pressure of having Can you imagine the pressure of having Can you imagine the pressure of having 300 little orphan lives looking at you 300 little orphan lives looking at you 300 little orphan lives looking at you going, "I'm hungry." going, "I'm hungry." going, "I'm hungry." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> "I'm looking to you cuz I'm hungry. I >> "I'm looking to you cuz I'm hungry. I >> "I'm looking to you cuz I'm hungry. I don't know what to do." don't know what to do." don't know what to do." So, he had them all get dressed, ready So, he had them all get dressed, ready So, he had them all get dressed, ready for school, and he had them all go to for school, and he had them all go to for school, and he had them all go to the dining room and sit in front of the dining room and sit in front of the dining room and sit in front of empty plates. And he rose to his feet empty plates. And he rose to his feet empty plates. And he rose to his feet and he prayed. He took it to God. and he prayed. He took it to God. and he prayed. He took it to God. And then he sat down and he waited.

And then he sat down and he waited. And then he sat down and he waited. And he waited and he waited, and then And he waited and he waited, and then And he waited and he waited, and then there was a knock on the door. there was a knock on the door. there was a knock on the door. It was the baker. It was the baker. It was the baker. The local baker says, "Mr. Müller, last The local baker says, "Mr. Müller, last The local baker says, "Mr. Müller, last night I could not sleep. night I could not sleep. night I could not sleep. Somehow I knew that you would need bread Somehow I knew that you would need bread Somehow I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three this morning. I got up and baked three this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I'll go and get bring batches for you. I'll go and get bring batches for you. I'll go and get bring them in." And And just as he was doing what he was doing, just as he was doing what he was doing, just as he was doing what he was doing, there was another knock at the door. there was another knock at the door. there was another knock at the door. It was a milkman. It was a milkman. It was a milkman. The milkman says, "Hey, Mr. Mueller, my The milkman says, "Hey, Mr. Mueller, my The milkman says, "Hey, Mr. Mueller, my milk cart broke down outside your milk cart broke down outside your milk cart broke down outside your orphanage. It's going to take a while to orphanage. It's going to take a while to orphanage. It's going to take a while to fix that wheel. The milk will spoil. fix that wheel. The milk will spoil. fix that wheel. The milk will spoil. Could you do some milk?" God listens to our prayers. God listens God listens to our prayers. God listens to the prayers of the righteous person. to the prayers of the righteous person. to the prayers of the righteous person. The person who truly turns to him. The person who truly turns to him. The person who truly turns to him. God has all ears for those prayers and God has all ears for those prayers and God has all ears for those prayers and and he will wake local village bakers and he will wake local village bakers and he will wake local village bakers and he will break milkman's milk carts and he will break milkman's milk carts and he will break milkman's milk carts to answer prayers if need be.

to answer prayers if need be. to answer prayers if need be. Cuz God has ears for his children. So, Cuz God has ears for his children. So, Cuz God has ears for his children. So, talk to him. talk to him. talk to him. Commune with him through the avenue that Commune with him through the avenue that Commune with him through the avenue that he's invited us to walk with him he's invited us to walk with him he's invited us to walk with him knowing that he listens. knowing that he listens. knowing that he listens. So, Jonah chapter 2 teaches us, yes, So, Jonah chapter 2 teaches us, yes, So, Jonah chapter 2 teaches us, yes, that God is sovereign, but that the that God is sovereign, but that the that God is sovereign, but that the sovereign God will discipline his sovereign God will discipline his sovereign God will discipline his children if they're unruly, and that the children if they're unruly, and that the children if they're unruly, and that the sovereign God will listen sovereign God will listen sovereign God will listen to their prayers. to their prayers. to their prayers. Truth number three, Truth number three, Truth number three, we learn that God saves. we learn that God saves. we learn that God saves. That comes out loud and clear. God That comes out loud and clear. God That comes out loud and clear. God saves. God wants to rescue. saves. God wants to rescue. saves. God wants to rescue. God is for you. God is not against you. God is for you. God is not against you. God is for you. God is not against you. God is for humanity. God is not against God is for humanity. God is not against God is for humanity. God is not against humanity. God is for culture. God is not humanity. God is for culture. God is not humanity. God is for culture. God is not against the culture. against the culture. against the culture. But God is not for sin. But God is not for sin. But God is not for sin. And God is not for rebellion. And God is not for rebellion. And God is not for rebellion. And God will do what he needs to do in And God will do what he needs to do in And God will do what he needs to do in order to to discipline, even discipline order to to discipline, even discipline order to to discipline, even discipline hard, to get you, to get us to get hard, to get you, to get us to get hard, to get you, to get us to get society back to God.

society back to God. society back to God. God saves. God saves. God saves. This entire scene in chapter two This entire scene in chapter two This entire scene in chapter two climaxes with a declaration by Jonah climaxes with a declaration by Jonah climaxes with a declaration by Jonah that salvation belongs to the Lord. that salvation belongs to the Lord. that salvation belongs to the Lord. And the last verse there in the scene And the last verse there in the scene And the last verse there in the scene climaxes with a demonstration by God climaxes with a demonstration by God climaxes with a demonstration by God that that is in fact a true statement that that is in fact a true statement that that is in fact a true statement that God will save. that God will save. that God will save. You know, there are there are many what You know, there are there are many what You know, there are there are many what we call famous buts in the Bible. we call famous buts in the Bible. we call famous buts in the Bible. Conjunctions. Don't get all offended. There's many of them. There's many of them. Uh Uh Uh Joseph's story is a wonderful example. Joseph's story is a wonderful example. Joseph's story is a wonderful example. Jonah Joseph in in Genesis chapter 50, Jonah Joseph in in Genesis chapter 50, Jonah Joseph in in Genesis chapter 50, if you don't know his story, he's the if you don't know his story, he's the if you don't know his story, he's the one that's sold into slavery for many one that's sold into slavery for many one that's sold into slavery for many years by his brothers and then he rises years by his brothers and then he rises years by his brothers and then he rises to become the ruler of the land and his to become the ruler of the land and his to become the ruler of the land and his brothers who don't recognize him come brothers who don't recognize him come brothers who don't recognize him come before him and bow before him and and before him and bow before him and and before him and bow before him and and and Joseph says to them, and Joseph says to them, and Joseph says to them, "You intended it for evil, "You intended it for evil, "You intended it for evil, but God but God but God intended it for good." That's one of intended it for good." That's one of intended it for good." That's one of those beautiful but God moments in the those beautiful but God moments in the those beautiful but God moments in the in the Bible.

in the Bible. in the Bible. Ephesians is another beautiful one. We Ephesians is another beautiful one. We Ephesians is another beautiful one. We were by nature deserving of wrath, but were by nature deserving of wrath, but were by nature deserving of wrath, but God, because of his great love, because God, because of his great love, because God, because of his great love, because he's rich in mercy, made us alive in he's rich in mercy, made us alive in he's rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ. But God. Christ. But God. Christ. But God. Jonah has a a but God moment here. Jonah has a a but God moment here. Jonah has a a but God moment here. Look at verse six. Look at verse six. Look at verse six. Halfway through it, but you, oh Lord my Halfway through it, but you, oh Lord my Halfway through it, but you, oh Lord my God, brought me up from the pit. You brought me up from the pit. You brought me up from the pit. And then it climaxes in verse nine with And then it climaxes in verse nine with And then it climaxes in verse nine with with his beautiful declaration, his with his beautiful declaration, his with his beautiful declaration, his profession there that salvation belongs profession there that salvation belongs profession there that salvation belongs to the Lord. A declaration of salvation. to the Lord. A declaration of salvation. to the Lord. A declaration of salvation. Who owns salvation? God owns salvation. Who owns salvation? God owns salvation. Who owns salvation? God owns salvation. And then verse 10 as I told you, there's And then verse 10 as I told you, there's And then verse 10 as I told you, there's that beautiful demonstration of that beautiful demonstration of that beautiful demonstration of salvation. Then the Lord commanded the salvation. Then the Lord commanded the salvation. Then the Lord commanded the fish and it spat Jonah out on the dry fish and it spat Jonah out on the dry fish and it spat Jonah out on the dry land. land. land. Who can do it? Only God. Who can do it? Only God. Who can do it? Only God. God owns salvation. God's the only one God owns salvation. God's the only one God owns salvation. God's the only one capable of actually manifesting his capable of actually manifesting his capable of actually manifesting his salvation in whatever form he wants to salvation in whatever form he wants to salvation in whatever form he wants to manifest itself, in this case spitting a manifest itself, in this case spitting a manifest itself, in this case spitting a guy out of a fish.

guy out of a fish. guy out of a fish. It's so easy to not live daily in in in It's so easy to not live daily in in in It's so easy to not live daily in in in the greatness of this truth. the greatness of this truth. the greatness of this truth. And God has to take his his legacy And God has to take his his legacy And God has to take his his legacy preacher inside of a fish to the bottom preacher inside of a fish to the bottom preacher inside of a fish to the bottom of the sea for for him to have this of the sea for for him to have this of the sea for for him to have this eureka moment on a truth that he's eureka moment on a truth that he's eureka moment on a truth that he's preached for decades because he forgot preached for decades because he forgot preached for decades because he forgot its relevance in his life. its relevance in his life. its relevance in his life. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> That God owns salvation. That salvation >> That God owns salvation. That salvation >> That God owns salvation. That salvation is his and and that means that God owns is his and and that means that God owns is his and and that means that God owns the salvation of the Israelites and the the salvation of the Israelites and the the salvation of the Israelites and the salvation of the Ninevites and the salvation of the Ninevites and the salvation of the Ninevites and the salvation of the Americanites and the salvation of the Americanites and the salvation of the Americanites and the salvation of the Scots-Irishites salvation of the Scots-Irishites salvation of the Scots-Irishites and the salvation of the Iranianites. and the salvation of the Iranianites. and the salvation of the Iranianites. God owns salvation, it's his. So truth number three, don't ever forget So truth number three, don't ever forget it, God saves. it, God saves. it, God saves. This is all over the scriptures. This is This is all over the scriptures. This is This is all over the scriptures. This is one of the major ways in which God has one of the major ways in which God has one of the major ways in which God has revealed himself to us. Given we messed revealed himself to us. Given we messed revealed himself to us. Given we messed up from the very start, God wants to up from the very start, God wants to up from the very start, God wants to save. save. save. So by way of application, I implore you So by way of application, I implore you So by way of application, I implore you to live this week in gratitude. Thank to live this week in gratitude. Thank to live this week in gratitude. Thank him daily.

him daily. him daily. Thank him daily for his salvation. Thank him daily for his salvation. Thank him daily for his salvation. Jonah is essentially writing here a Jonah is essentially writing here a Jonah is essentially writing here a psalm, a poem, psalm, a poem, psalm, a poem, a thank you card to God a thank you card to God a thank you card to God for what God has done in his life. And I for what God has done in his life. And I for what God has done in his life. And I submit to you that we should learn from submit to you that we should learn from submit to you that we should learn from that. that. that. That we daily should be thanking God. That we daily should be thanking God. That we daily should be thanking God. God's rescued us from eternal separation God's rescued us from eternal separation God's rescued us from eternal separation from him and he wants to rescue us from from him and he wants to rescue us from from him and he wants to rescue us from walking in in the wrong path, in the walking in in the wrong path, in the walking in in the wrong path, in the wrong trails of disobedience, no matter wrong trails of disobedience, no matter wrong trails of disobedience, no matter how attractive they may look for a how attractive they may look for a how attractive they may look for a season. We Christians should be the most We Christians should be the most grateful people on the planet. grateful people on the planet. grateful people on the planet. Echoing Jonah's Echoing Jonah's Echoing Jonah's thank you card here in chapter 2. No thank you card here in chapter 2. No thank you card here in chapter 2. No matter what belly of whatever you find matter what belly of whatever you find matter what belly of whatever you find yourself in, you could be grateful yourself in, you could be grateful yourself in, you could be grateful there. Salvation is God's. I don't have to Salvation is God's. I don't have to memorize verses for salvation. memorize verses for salvation. memorize verses for salvation. I don't have to give more money for I don't have to give more money for I don't have to give more money for salvation. salvation. salvation. I don't have to join a fellowship group I don't have to join a fellowship group I don't have to join a fellowship group for salvation. I don't have to go to for salvation. I don't have to go to for salvation. I don't have to go to church every Sunday for salvation. I church every Sunday for salvation. I church every Sunday for salvation. I don't have to serve more, wear a jacket don't have to serve more, wear a jacket don't have to serve more, wear a jacket and a tie, or skinny jeans and tattoos, and a tie, or skinny jeans and tattoos, and a tie, or skinny jeans and tattoos, or a cross, or listen to more sermons or a cross, or listen to more sermons or a cross, or listen to more sermons for salvation.

for salvation. for salvation. I don't even have to be nice to the I don't even have to be nice to the I don't even have to be nice to the pastor for salvation, although that pastor for salvation, although that pastor for salvation, although that should be a given that you're nice to should be a given that you're nice to should be a given that you're nice to your pastor. your pastor. your pastor. All of those are beautiful expressions All of those are beautiful expressions All of those are beautiful expressions of gratitude and worship to God in light of gratitude and worship to God in light of gratitude and worship to God in light of his salvation. of his salvation. of his salvation. But none of them grant salvation. Only But none of them grant salvation. Only But none of them grant salvation. Only God grants salvation, and he's declared God grants salvation, and he's declared God grants salvation, and he's declared to us in the rest of scriptures that to us in the rest of scriptures that to us in the rest of scriptures that salvation is found alone through faith salvation is found alone through faith salvation is found alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone. And to cling to in Jesus Christ alone. And to cling to in Jesus Christ alone. And to cling to anything else other than him is to cling anything else other than him is to cling anything else other than him is to cling to verse eight worthless idols, to verse eight worthless idols, to verse eight worthless idols, forfeiting forfeiting forfeiting the mercy that could be yours. I fear a lot of Christians in churches I fear a lot of Christians in churches spend a lot of their time clinging to spend a lot of their time clinging to spend a lot of their time clinging to worthless idols. worthless idols. worthless idols. But don't let it be you. It doesn't have But don't let it be you. It doesn't have But don't let it be you. It doesn't have to be you. Don't be one. to be you. Don't be one. to be you. Don't be one. Jonah remembered that inside the belly Jonah remembered that inside the belly Jonah remembered that inside the belly of a fish, and he was thankful. of a fish, and he was thankful. of a fish, and he was thankful. He was thankful. And so God had that He was thankful. And so God had that He was thankful. And so God had that fish spit him out onto a beach, which of fish spit him out onto a beach, which of fish spit him out onto a beach, which of course was better than the other way course was better than the other way course was better than the other way out.

I'm sure he whistled that all the way to I'm sure he whistled that all the way to Nineveh. So, character cutout number three, for So, character cutout number three, for those of you who are taking notes, those of you who are taking notes, those of you who are taking notes, here's the complete point that I'm here's the complete point that I'm here's the complete point that I'm trying to make. The sovereign God grants trying to make. The sovereign God grants trying to make. The sovereign God grants opportunities to return to him. opportunities to return to him. opportunities to return to him. God grants you opportunities to return God grants you opportunities to return God grants you opportunities to return to him all the time as a believer, as a to him all the time as a believer, as a to him all the time as a believer, as a wayward believer. wayward believer. wayward believer. Take them Take them Take them before his discipline gets amped up a before his discipline gets amped up a before his discipline gets amped up a little bit. little bit. little bit. God is a god of second chances. We see God is a god of second chances. We see God is a god of second chances. We see that coming out of Jonah chapter two that coming out of Jonah chapter two that coming out of Jonah chapter two into the 21st century. into the 21st century. into the 21st century. So, take the opportunity So, take the opportunity So, take the opportunity to come back to him. Friends, to come back to him. Friends, to come back to him. Friends, God used a fish to catch a lost God used a fish to catch a lost God used a fish to catch a lost Israelite who had been called to fish Israelite who had been called to fish Israelite who had been called to fish lost Ninevites, but wouldn't. lost Ninevites, but wouldn't. lost Ninevites, but wouldn't. That's news. That's news. That's news. That's big news. That's That's That's big news. That's That's That's big news. That's That's journalism worthy of being included in journalism worthy of being included in journalism worthy of being included in God's book for our benefit.

When God doesn't obey a man or a woman, When God doesn't obey a man or a woman, that's not news. Why would he? that's not news. Why would he? that's not news. Why would he? But when a man or a woman of God doesn't But when a man or a woman of God doesn't But when a man or a woman of God doesn't obey God, that's big-time spiritual obey God, that's big-time spiritual obey God, that's big-time spiritual and God deals with it because that's a and God deals with it because that's a and God deals with it because that's a spiritual problem. spiritual problem. spiritual problem. And in Jonah's life and in our lives, And in Jonah's life and in our lives, And in Jonah's life and in our lives, that's the truth. That's how he is. that's the truth. That's how he is. that's the truth. That's how he is. That's how he operates, not just back That's how he operates, not just back That's how he operates, not just back then, but today, too. He'll do whatever then, but today, too. He'll do whatever then, but today, too. He'll do whatever it takes to put his children back on the it takes to put his children back on the it takes to put his children back on the right path with him. Praise God. right path with him. Praise God. right path with him. Praise God. Praise God. Let me pray for us, and then Praise God. Let me pray for us, and then Praise God. Let me pray for us, and then we're going to stand together and leave we're going to stand together and leave we're going to stand together and leave here singing praises to our Lord. here singing praises to our Lord. here singing praises to our Lord. Heavenly Father, we thank you once again Heavenly Father, we thank you once again Heavenly Father, we thank you once again for a Sunday where we can come and for a Sunday where we can come and for a Sunday where we can come and celebrate Jesus, celebrate his celebrate Jesus, celebrate his celebrate Jesus, celebrate his resurrection, resurrection, resurrection, celebrate the implications that spill celebrate the implications that spill celebrate the implications that spill over from that into the lives of those over from that into the lives of those over from that into the lives of those of us who have believed. Of course, of us who have believed. Of course, of us who have believed. Of course, Lord, I pray that if there's somebody Lord, I pray that if there's somebody Lord, I pray that if there's somebody who's listening who has never brought who's listening who has never brought who's listening who has never brought their their sin to the feet of the cross their their sin to the feet of the cross their their sin to the feet of the cross that they would, that they would start that they would, that they would start that they would, that they would start the path with you through faith in the the path with you through faith in the the path with you through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ. But likewise, Lord, I pray for those of But likewise, Lord, I pray for those of But likewise, Lord, I pray for those of us who have been walking with you for a us who have been walking with you for a us who have been walking with you for a while while while that we would never forget, that we that we would never forget, that we that we would never forget, that we would never get over how amazing your would never get over how amazing your would never get over how amazing your salvation is. salvation is. salvation is. And that we would leave into our weeks And that we would leave into our weeks And that we would leave into our weeks keen not to grump and moan and complain, keen not to grump and moan and complain, keen not to grump and moan and complain, but to to to live for Jesus and to point but to to to live for Jesus and to point but to to to live for Jesus and to point others to him. others to him. others to him. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name we We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name we We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. And in the spirit of God we leave. pray. And in the spirit of God we leave. pray. And in the spirit of God we leave. Amen.