Jonah | Culture. Commission. Compassion. Christ.

The problem is ignoring the point of The problem is ignoring the point of Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. That is a problem for God. That is a problem for God. That is a problem for God. Times of blessing can come to God's Times of blessing can come to God's Times of blessing can come to God's people even when God's people are people even when God's people are people even when God's people are spiritually rotten, but it's only spiritually rotten, but it's only spiritually rotten, but it's only because God is kind. The best remedy because God is kind. The best remedy because God is kind. The best remedy [music] [music] [music] for a sick church is to be put on a for a sick church is to be put on a for a sick church is to be put on a missionary diet. You've got a Nineveh to missionary diet. You've got a Nineveh to missionary diet. You've got a Nineveh to go to, so go to your Nineveh. go to, so go to your Nineveh. go to, so go to your Nineveh. It's going to be hard, yes, It's going to be hard, yes, It's going to be hard, yes, but it's God's will for anyone who calls but it's God's will for anyone who calls but it's God's will for anyone who calls Christ Lord. >> It's good to be here to start a new >> It's good to be here to start a new series, to get into the the book of series, to get into the the book of series, to get into the the book of Jonah, a wonderful book in the Old Jonah, a wonderful book in the Old Jonah, a wonderful book in the Old Testament, and see what God has for us. Testament, and see what God has for us. Testament, and see what God has for us. So, So, So, you know, we all love stories. Uh you know, we all love stories. Uh you know, we all love stories. Uh stories have this ability to grab us, to stories have this ability to grab us, to stories have this ability to grab us, to to show us truth rather than just tell to show us truth rather than just tell to show us truth rather than just tell us truth. Stories have the ability to us truth. Stories have the ability to us truth. Stories have the ability to get into your head and and take you into get into your head and and take you into get into your head and and take you into another world in which you see another world in which you see another world in which you see activities unfold usually in the lives activities unfold usually in the lives activities unfold usually in the lives of characters and people that are like of characters and people that are like of characters and people that are like us. And so, that's why they're so us. And so, that's why they're so us. And so, that's why they're so engaging.

engaging. engaging. For example, once upon a time For example, once upon a time For example, once upon a time there was a shepherd boy who was there was a shepherd boy who was there was a shepherd boy who was watching his sheep up in the hills. watching his sheep up in the hills. watching his sheep up in the hills. And he was bored, and so for a little And he was bored, and so for a little And he was bored, and so for a little bit of fun, the boy cried wolf when bit of fun, the boy cried wolf when bit of fun, the boy cried wolf when there was no wolf. there was no wolf. there was no wolf. And so, the village men all ran up to And so, the village men all ran up to And so, the village men all ran up to help the boy and save the sheep. And And help the boy and save the sheep. And And help the boy and save the sheep. And And when they arrived where he was, they when they arrived where he was, they when they arrived where he was, they they find him just rolling around in the they find him just rolling around in the they find him just rolling around in the grass laughing his head off. grass laughing his head off. grass laughing his head off. So, they were a little put out and So, they were a little put out and So, they were a little put out and disgruntled. They headed back home. disgruntled. They headed back home. disgruntled. They headed back home. A few hours later, a little bo- little A few hours later, a little bo- little A few hours later, a little bo- little bored again, the boy decided to cry wolf bored again, the boy decided to cry wolf bored again, the boy decided to cry wolf again just to watch the repeat show of again just to watch the repeat show of again just to watch the repeat show of middle-aged man frantically running up middle-aged man frantically running up middle-aged man frantically running up the hill to help. the hill to help. the hill to help. Which is what happened. Which is what happened. Which is what happened. And so when they arrived where the boy And so when they arrived where the boy And so when they arrived where the boy was, they just find him grinning and was, they just find him grinning and was, they just find him grinning and smirking and saying, "Gotcha." smirking and saying, "Gotcha." smirking and saying, "Gotcha." Which didn't make them very happy, so Which didn't make them very happy, so Which didn't make them very happy, so they all headed back home. Now, just they all headed back home. Now, just they all headed back home. Now, just when they were out of sight, when they were out of sight, when they were out of sight, wouldn't you know it, a pack of hungry wouldn't you know it, a pack of hungry wouldn't you know it, a pack of hungry wolves visited the hills.

wolves visited the hills. wolves visited the hills. The boy cried wolf again, The boy cried wolf again, The boy cried wolf again, but nobody came. but nobody came. but nobody came. And he cried wolf again, and nobody And he cried wolf again, and nobody And he cried wolf again, and nobody came. came. came. Suffice to say that the shepherd boy and Suffice to say that the shepherd boy and Suffice to say that the shepherd boy and the sheep were never seen again. the sheep were never seen again. the sheep were never seen again. You see, nobody believes a known liar You see, nobody believes a known liar You see, nobody believes a known liar even when he starts telling the truth. even when he starts telling the truth. even when he starts telling the truth. Stories, even Stories, even Stories, even fictional 3,000-year-old fictional 3,000-year-old fictional 3,000-year-old stories like that one, stories like that one, stories like that one, of the boy who cried wolf, of the boy who cried wolf, of the boy who cried wolf, have an incredible ability to to show us have an incredible ability to to show us have an incredible ability to to show us truth being played out in our truth being played out in our truth being played out in our imaginations imaginations imaginations as we hear the story being told. Stories as we hear the story being told. Stories as we hear the story being told. Stories have an ability to grab us a little have an ability to grab us a little have an ability to grab us a little quicker and to hold us a little tighter quicker and to hold us a little tighter quicker and to hold us a little tighter and even to to to be able to stick with and even to to to be able to stick with and even to to to be able to stick with us a little longer. Stories are sticky. us a little longer. Stories are sticky. us a little longer. Stories are sticky. Which is why God repeatedly uses stories Which is why God repeatedly uses stories Which is why God repeatedly uses stories to communicate truth to his people in to communicate truth to his people in to communicate truth to his people in the scriptures.

the scriptures. the scriptures. Most of the scriptures come to us via Most of the scriptures come to us via Most of the scriptures come to us via the genre of story. the genre of story. the genre of story. Now, Now, Now, they're real stories. They're not they're real stories. They're not they're real stories. They're not fictional stories, they're historical fictional stories, they're historical fictional stories, they're historical stories. They're real accounts of real stories. They're real accounts of real stories. They're real accounts of real people doing real life with God or people doing real life with God or people doing real life with God or against God in a real world, the world against God in a real world, the world against God in a real world, the world we still walk. we still walk. we still walk. So, today we start a series on one of So, today we start a series on one of So, today we start a series on one of the most well-known stories, not just in the most well-known stories, not just in the most well-known stories, not just in the Bible, one of the most well-known the Bible, one of the most well-known the Bible, one of the most well-known stories of history. stories of history. stories of history. The story of Jonah. The story of Jonah. The story of Jonah. He's only one of the minor prophets in He's only one of the minor prophets in He's only one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. There are 12 minor the Old Testament. There are 12 minor the Old Testament. There are 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament. He's just prophets in the Old Testament. He's just prophets in the Old Testament. He's just one of the 12, and but his story is one of the 12, and but his story is one of the 12, and but his story is amazing. In fact, amazing. In fact, amazing. In fact, while all the others pass on their while all the others pass on their while all the others pass on their sermons, Jonah actually passes on his sermons, Jonah actually passes on his sermons, Jonah actually passes on his story with God. story with God. story with God. Not as sermons. We actually learn from Not as sermons. We actually learn from Not as sermons. We actually learn from watching him walk with God rather than watching him walk with God rather than watching him walk with God rather than hearing his words for God.

hearing his words for God. hearing his words for God. And what a story. And what a story. And what a story. Absolutely gripping, action-packed, Absolutely gripping, action-packed, Absolutely gripping, action-packed, even though it's very, very short. I even though it's very, very short. I even though it's very, very short. I mean, it starts with a runaway pastor mean, it starts with a runaway pastor mean, it starts with a runaway pastor heading to retire in sunny Spain. heading to retire in sunny Spain. heading to retire in sunny Spain. You have to love about that. It is followed by a sea storm, and these It is followed by a sea storm, and these pagan sailors who have no concern or no pagan sailors who have no concern or no pagan sailors who have no concern or no knowledge of God being converted to God. knowledge of God being converted to God. knowledge of God being converted to God. Followed up by a celebrity-gobbling Followed up by a celebrity-gobbling Followed up by a celebrity-gobbling fish who emerges in the sea, and and he fish who emerges in the sea, and and he fish who emerges in the sea, and and he swallows up Jonah, and we have a swallows up Jonah, and we have a swallows up Jonah, and we have a come-to-Jesus moment inside the belly of come-to-Jesus moment inside the belly of come-to-Jesus moment inside the belly of the celebrity fish. Come on. the celebrity fish. Come on. the celebrity fish. Come on. That's some stuff. That's some stuff. That's some stuff. Then there's a short, very short Then there's a short, very short Then there's a short, very short turn-or-burn message that he preaches to turn-or-burn message that he preaches to turn-or-burn message that he preaches to this city, and there's a city revival. this city, and there's a city revival. this city, and there's a city revival. But that's not the end. But that's not the end. But that's not the end. We're then confronted with this We're then confronted with this We're then confronted with this conversation that this man has with God, conversation that this man has with God, conversation that this man has with God, a heart-to-heart between a moody a heart-to-heart between a moody a heart-to-heart between a moody missionary and God. It's brilliant.

missionary and God. It's brilliant. missionary and God. It's brilliant. It's an absolutely brilliant story. It's It's an absolutely brilliant story. It's It's an absolutely brilliant story. It's a pity the story is reduced only to a pity the story is reduced only to a pity the story is reduced only to controversy over whether Jonah really controversy over whether Jonah really controversy over whether Jonah really was swallowed by this now famous fish. was swallowed by this now famous fish. was swallowed by this now famous fish. For many, that's it, right? That that For many, that's it, right? That that For many, that's it, right? That that that says it all. Now, control your that says it all. Now, control your that says it all. Now, control your laughters, please. For many, that just laughters, please. For many, that just laughters, please. For many, that just smells a little fishy. smells a little fishy. smells a little fishy. >> [sighs] >> They all find the gobbling fish hard to >> They all find the gobbling fish hard to swallow. I have to stop. I have to stop. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> My kids and my wife are here and they're >> My kids and my wife are here and they're >> My kids and my wife are here and they're shrinking into their chairs, I'm sure. shrinking into their chairs, I'm sure. shrinking into their chairs, I'm sure. But friends, if as Genesis 1:1 says, if But friends, if as Genesis 1:1 says, if But friends, if as Genesis 1:1 says, if in the beginning God created the heavens in the beginning God created the heavens in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth, and the earth, then Jonah 1:17, then Jonah 1:17, then Jonah 1:17, "Now the Lord provided a huge fish to "Now the Lord provided a huge fish to "Now the Lord provided 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 belly of the belly of the fish for 3 belly of the belly of the fish for 3 belly of the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights." That's not a days and 3 nights." That's not a days and 3 nights." That's not a problem. problem. problem. Not for God.

Not for God. Not for God. The problem is ignoring the point of The problem is ignoring the point of The problem is ignoring the point of Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. That is a problem for God. That is a problem for God. That is a problem for God. Now, the story of Jonah is in the Bible Now, the story of Jonah is in the Bible Now, the story of Jonah is in the Bible by God's choosing to speak to you by God's choosing to speak to you by God's choosing to speak to you personally. personally. personally. It's a personal story of a man and his It's a personal story of a man and his It's a personal story of a man and his God. And it's there recorded for us to God. And it's there recorded for us to God. And it's there recorded for us to watch on and learn about our life with watch on and learn about our life with watch on and learn about our life with God, to apply it to ourselves. Yes, God, to apply it to ourselves. Yes, God, to apply it to ourselves. Yes, you're going to hear me talk about weird you're going to hear me talk about weird you're going to hear me talk about weird things like Ninevites and and Phoenician things like Ninevites and and Phoenician things like Ninevites and and Phoenician sailors and Assyrians and Tarshish and sailors and Assyrians and Tarshish and sailors and Assyrians and Tarshish and Joppa and Jeroboam the second, and Joppa and Jeroboam the second, and Joppa and Jeroboam the second, and you're going to ask what on earth is you're going to ask what on earth is you're going to ask what on earth is Murphy talking about. Murphy talking about. Murphy talking about. And when you ask that, And when you ask that, And when you ask that, just think this, I'm talking about God just think this, I'm talking about God just think this, I'm talking about God and I'm talking about you. and I'm talking about you. and I'm talking about you. That's it. That's what this story is about. This That's what this story is about. This story is about God. This story is about story is about God. This story is about story is about God. This story is about God and you. You're being exposed to God and you. You're being exposed to God and you. You're being exposed to God's heart for the cultures of the God's heart for the cultures of the God's heart for the cultures of the world.

world. world. And you're being pushed to see how your And you're being pushed to see how your And you're being pushed to see how your heart aligns to his, if your heart heart aligns to his, if your heart heart aligns to his, if your heart aligns to his. aligns to his. aligns to his. And in this beautiful story, God reveals And in this beautiful story, God reveals And in this beautiful story, God reveals his heart for the world. his heart for the world. his heart for the world. He reveals his heart for the culture. He reveals his his desire to commission He reveals his his desire to commission his people to reach the culture today. To reach it in a way that that displays To reach it in a way that that displays and that manifests his compassion for and that manifests his compassion for and that manifests his compassion for the culture. the culture. the culture. That his commissioned people display his That his commissioned people display his That his commissioned people display his compassion to the culture by proclaiming compassion to the culture by proclaiming compassion to the culture by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's what the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's what the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's what Jonah is about applicationally for us Jonah is about applicationally for us Jonah is about applicationally for us today. It's as simple as that. today. It's as simple as that. today. It's as simple as that. Culture. Culture. Culture. Commissioning. Calling. Commissioning. Calling. Commissioning. Calling. Compassion. Compassion. Compassion. Christ. Christ. Christ. It's a wonderful story. It's full of It's a wonderful story. It's full of It's a wonderful story. It's full of lessons on God for you through our lessons on God for you through our lessons on God for you through our interactions watching this this moody interactions watching this this moody interactions watching this this moody man run from God.

man run from God. man run from God. So that we develop a a compassionate So that we develop a a compassionate So that we develop a a compassionate heart, not a cranky heart heart, not a cranky heart heart, not a cranky heart like Jonah did. like Jonah did. like Jonah did. Today, my goal is simply to get you Today, my goal is simply to get you Today, my goal is simply to get you ready for the series. I don't know how ready for the series. I don't know how ready for the series. I don't know how long we're going to be in it, but but we long we're going to be in it, but but we long we're going to be in it, but but we need to get ready to get into to get in need to get ready to get into to get in need to get ready to get into to get in get you into the same frame of mind as get you into the same frame of mind as get you into the same frame of mind as it were that that Jonah had, at least in it were that that Jonah had, at least in it were that that Jonah had, at least in theory. theory. theory. To get you to the same head space, To get you to the same head space, To get you to the same head space, the same the same the same world view that that Jonah had before world view that that Jonah had before world view that that Jonah had before Jonah 1 verse 1. Jonah 1 verse 1. Jonah 1 verse 1. I believe that there are there are three I believe that there are there are three I believe that there are there are three important views of the world. I'm important views of the world. I'm important views of the world. I'm calling them worldviews, Christian calling them worldviews, Christian calling them worldviews, Christian worldviews, that that Jonah in his Old worldviews, that that Jonah in his Old worldviews, that that Jonah in his Old Testament sense would have had as he Testament sense would have had as he Testament sense would have had as he entered into this commissioning. entered into this commissioning. entered into this commissioning. Bible believers, God followers who read Bible believers, God followers who read Bible believers, God followers who read the scriptures, will not be surprised by the scriptures, will not be surprised by the scriptures, will not be surprised by this, at least in theory. Now, if you're an 8th century BC Now, if you're an 8th century BC Israelite God follower like Jonah, Israelite God follower like Jonah, Israelite God follower like Jonah, you've my permission to nap through this you've my permission to nap through this you've my permission to nap through this sermon today.

sermon today. sermon today. But, if you're not, you've got to listen But, if you're not, you've got to listen But, if you're not, you've got to listen up up up cuz we're talking about you cuz we're talking about you cuz we're talking about you before we enter into observing Jonah and before we enter into observing Jonah and before we enter into observing Jonah and his relationship with God. So, worldview his relationship with God. So, worldview his relationship with God. So, worldview number one of three as a God-following number one of three as a God-following number one of three as a God-following Bible believer, brother Jonah knew that Bible believer, brother Jonah knew that Bible believer, brother Jonah knew that God's people don't deserve God's God's people don't deserve God's God's people don't deserve God's compassion. compassion. compassion. God's people don't deserve God's God's people don't deserve God's God's people don't deserve God's compassion. compassion. compassion. God's people don't merit God's kindness. God's people don't merit God's kindness. God's people don't merit God's kindness. We must start this story remembering We must start this story remembering We must start this story remembering that and not forgetting that as we read that and not forgetting that as we read that and not forgetting that as we read through the rest of the incidents that through the rest of the incidents that through the rest of the incidents that occur there. Jonah knew that no one occur there. Jonah knew that no one occur there. Jonah knew that no one deserves God by by right, deserves God by by right, deserves God by by right, that experiencing the kindness of God is that experiencing the kindness of God is that experiencing the kindness of God is never out of personal merit, something never out of personal merit, something never out of personal merit, something that you can earn because of how amazing that you can earn because of how amazing that you can earn because of how amazing you are. you are. you are. God's not running a points-based reward God's not running a points-based reward God's not running a points-based reward system like American Airlines when it system like American Airlines when it system like American Airlines when it comes to eternal life with him. comes to eternal life with him. comes to eternal life with him. You know, where you get gold status if You know, where you get gold status if You know, where you get gold status if if you've got gold status, you get a if you've got gold status, you get a if you've got gold status, you get a smile from God. If you've got platinum smile from God. If you've got platinum smile from God. If you've got platinum status, you get a little bit of his status, you get a little bit of his status, you get a little bit of his protection. But, if you've got executive protection. But, if you've got executive protection. But, if you've got executive platinum status, you get his kindness in platinum status, you get his kindness in platinum status, you get his kindness in the VIP [clears throat] lounge.

the VIP [clears throat] lounge. the VIP [clears throat] lounge. That's not what God's running here. No That's not what God's running here. No That's not what God's running here. No one gets God's favor by personal merit one gets God's favor by personal merit one gets God's favor by personal merit divorced from faith in God. No one does. divorced from faith in God. No one does. divorced from faith in God. No one does. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew that. Now, let me explain. Go to Jonah chapter Now, let me explain. Go to Jonah chapter Now, let me explain. Go to Jonah chapter 1 verse 1. Jonah chapter 1 verse 1. Here's what it Jonah chapter 1 verse 1. Here's what it says, "The word of the Lord came to says, "The word of the Lord came to says, "The word of the Lord came to Jonah Jonah Jonah son of Amittai." son of Amittai." son of Amittai." And I know you're looking at that going, And I know you're looking at that going, And I know you're looking at that going, "I don't see it." "I don't see it." "I don't see it." So, let me explain. There's much more So, let me explain. There's much more So, let me explain. There's much more going on just in that little going on just in that little going on just in that little introduction than than you'd think. This introduction than than you'd think. This introduction than than you'd think. This is a classic formula to introduce a is a classic formula to introduce a is a classic formula to introduce a professional prophet. professional prophet. professional prophet. A professional prophet. For our A professional prophet. For our A professional prophet. For our purposes, let's call it the classic purposes, let's call it the classic purposes, let's call it the classic introduction of a pastor. God's pastor. introduction of a pastor. God's pastor. introduction of a pastor. God's pastor. This man's name is given. His name is This man's name is given. His name is This man's name is given. His name is Jonah. It means dove. Jonah. It means dove. Jonah. It means dove. And then there's an identifying phrase And then there's an identifying phrase And then there's an identifying phrase that it's used to qualify this Jonah. In that it's used to qualify this Jonah. In that it's used to qualify this Jonah. In this case, it's the name of his dad to this case, it's the name of his dad to this case, it's the name of his dad to distinguish him from all the other distinguish him from all the other distinguish him from all the other little Jonahs that are running around little Jonahs that are running around little Jonahs that are running around Israel. His dad is Amittai.

Israel. His dad is Amittai. Israel. His dad is Amittai. And then we also have at the very And then we also have at the very And then we also have at the very beginning there a phrase that tells us beginning there a phrase that tells us beginning there a phrase that tells us that God spoke to him. that God spoke to him. that God spoke to him. God spoke to this Jonah son of Amittai. God spoke to this Jonah son of Amittai. God spoke to this Jonah son of Amittai. The word of the Lord came to him. That's The word of the Lord came to him. That's The word of the Lord came to him. That's a classic formula that introduces a a classic formula that introduces a a classic formula that introduces a professional pastor or clergyman or professional pastor or clergyman or professional pastor or clergyman or prophet. That's who he is. prophet. That's who he is. prophet. That's who he is. That's who this man is. Now, if you were That's who this man is. Now, if you were That's who this man is. Now, if you were to go to the book of Hosea chapter 1 to go to the book of Hosea chapter 1 to go to the book of Hosea chapter 1 verse 1, you'd read this. The word of verse 1, you'd read this. The word of verse 1, you'd read this. The word of the Lord came to Hosea the son of Beeri. the Lord came to Hosea the son of Beeri. the Lord came to Hosea the son of Beeri. Classic formula right there. Classic formula right there. Classic formula right there. If you were to go to the book of Joel, If you were to go to the book of Joel, If you were to go to the book of Joel, another minor prophet, it starts like another minor prophet, it starts like another minor prophet, it starts like this. The word of the Lord that came to this. The word of the Lord that came to this. The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel. Chapter 1 verse 1. Joel son of Pethuel. Chapter 1 verse 1. Joel son of Pethuel. Chapter 1 verse 1. So, so this begins indicating to readers So, so this begins indicating to readers So, so this begins indicating to readers like us that the Jonah is a professional like us that the Jonah is a professional like us that the Jonah is a professional prophet. prophet. prophet. He's a man that has a distinct role in He's a man that has a distinct role in He's a man that has a distinct role in the life of God's people by God's the life of God's people by God's the life of God's people by God's calling.

calling. calling. Which means that this man knows certain Which means that this man knows certain Which means that this man knows certain truths about God. truths about God. truths about God. This man knows what God is like. This This man knows what God is like. This This man knows what God is like. This man knows what God is doing in the man knows what God is doing in the man knows what God is doing in the world. This man knows all of God's world. This man knows all of God's world. This man knows all of God's activities with his people up until that activities with his people up until that activities with his people up until that point. This man knows God's law, God's point. This man knows God's law, God's point. This man knows God's law, God's word. word. word. And it's not just because he went to And it's not just because he went to And it's not just because he went to Sunday school like a good pre-Christian Sunday school like a good pre-Christian Sunday school like a good pre-Christian era godly Jewish kid, but because he's era godly Jewish kid, but because he's era godly Jewish kid, but because he's been formally trained, formally schooled been formally trained, formally schooled been formally trained, formally schooled in some sort of ancient Bible college in some sort of ancient Bible college in some sort of ancient Bible college because he's a professional prophet. because he's a professional prophet. because he's a professional prophet. Back then and for centuries before Jonah Back then and for centuries before Jonah Back then and for centuries before Jonah pops on the scenes, there there were pops on the scenes, there there were pops on the scenes, there there were schools of prophets. Let's call them schools of prophets. Let's call them schools of prophets. Let's call them Bible colleges. Bible colleges. Bible colleges. You can read about it in 1 Samuel 19 as You can read about it in 1 Samuel 19 as You can read about it in 1 Samuel 19 as as Samuel is interacting with Saul. Even as Samuel is interacting with Saul. Even as Samuel is interacting with Saul. Even then there was already a company or a then there was already a company or a then there was already a company or a group or a school of prophets. group or a school of prophets. group or a school of prophets. And certainly in the generation just And certainly in the generation just And certainly in the generation just before Jonah with Elijah and Elisha, before Jonah with Elijah and Elisha, before Jonah with Elijah and Elisha, those two prophets, they had sort of set those two prophets, they had sort of set those two prophets, they had sort of set up a resurgence up a resurgence up a resurgence of this school or company of prophets in of this school or company of prophets in of this school or company of prophets in in different locations. Bethel, Gilgal, in different locations. Bethel, Gilgal, in different locations. Bethel, Gilgal, Jericho.

Jericho. Jericho. So there's no doubt that that a So there's no doubt that that a So there's no doubt that that a professional prophet like Jonah has been professional prophet like Jonah has been professional prophet like Jonah has been schooled in the ways of God. He sat in schooled in the ways of God. He sat in schooled in the ways of God. He sat in in God 101 taking classes, taking notes. in God 101 taking classes, taking notes. in God 101 taking classes, taking notes. He took the elective, I don't know on He took the elective, I don't know on He took the elective, I don't know on big key Bible texts that every good big key Bible texts that every good big key Bible texts that every good Israelite needs to know 101 and maybe Israelite needs to know 101 and maybe Israelite needs to know 101 and maybe 201. 201. 201. So Jonah has studied the big key Bible So Jonah has studied the big key Bible So Jonah has studied the big key Bible text that is Genesis 12. text that is Genesis 12. text that is Genesis 12. Genesis 12 very clearly tells us that Genesis 12 very clearly tells us that Genesis 12 very clearly tells us that Abraham didn't deserve to be God's Abraham didn't deserve to be God's Abraham didn't deserve to be God's chosen human through which God was going chosen human through which God was going chosen human through which God was going to bless all of humanity. That was an to bless all of humanity. That was an to bless all of humanity. That was an act of God's kindness. act of God's kindness. act of God's kindness. That was an act of God's compassion That was an act of God's compassion That was an act of God's compassion on humanity. on humanity. on humanity. And Jonah sat through the lecture on on And Jonah sat through the lecture on on And Jonah sat through the lecture on on big key biblical texts like like Exodus big key biblical texts like like Exodus big key biblical texts like like Exodus 12 and and like Exodus 19. He would know 12 and and like Exodus 19. He would know 12 and and like Exodus 19. He would know that Israel didn't actually deserve to that Israel didn't actually deserve to that Israel didn't actually deserve to be redeemed by God and to partner with be redeemed by God and to partner with be redeemed by God and to partner with God in what God was going to do in the God in what God was going to do in the God in what God was going to do in the world. That was all because of God's world. That was all because of God's world. That was all because of God's kindness.

kindness. kindness. Because of God's compassion. Because of God's compassion. Because of God's compassion. He certainly would have known that in He certainly would have known that in He certainly would have known that in the days in which he lived, which is the the days in which he lived, which is the the days in which he lived, which is the 8th century. That's when Jonah lives, 8th century. That's when Jonah lives, 8th century. That's when Jonah lives, the 8th century BC. the 8th century BC. the 8th century BC. He would know that under the rule of He would know that under the rule of He would know that under the rule of Jeroboam the second, that's the king in Jeroboam the second, that's the king in Jeroboam the second, that's the king in the northern kingdom of Israel, that the northern kingdom of Israel, that the northern kingdom of Israel, that God's people did not deserve God's God's people did not deserve God's God's people did not deserve God's compassion. Those were wicked, wicked days amongst Those were wicked, wicked days amongst God's people. God's people. God's people. God's people are what you and I would God's people are what you and I would God's people are what you and I would call paganized people. call paganized people. call paganized people. They were supposed to reach the They were supposed to reach the They were supposed to reach the Canaanites and they've become Canaanized Canaanites and they've become Canaanized Canaanites and they've become Canaanized by the Canaanites. by the Canaanites. by the Canaanites. They're rotten spiritually speaking. They're rotten spiritually speaking. They're rotten spiritually speaking. They in fact deserve God's discipline. They in fact deserve God's discipline. They in fact deserve God's discipline. If if Jonah looked at his notes and went If if Jonah looked at his notes and went If if Jonah looked at his notes and went back to another big key biblical text in back to another big key biblical text in back to another big key biblical text in Israel's history, Deuteronomy 28. They don't deserve God's compassion. No They don't deserve God's compassion. No one does.

one does. one does. Keep your finger in Jonah chapter 1 cuz Keep your finger in Jonah chapter 1 cuz Keep your finger in Jonah chapter 1 cuz we're going to go back there, but we're we're going to go back there, but we're we're going to go back there, but we're going to move away for a little while. I going to move away for a little while. I going to move away for a little while. I want you to turn to 2 Kings chapter 14. want you to turn to 2 Kings chapter 14. want you to turn to 2 Kings chapter 14. 2 Kings 14. I'm going to read from verse 24. Here's I'm going to read from verse 24. Here's what it says. He, and that's referring what it says. He, and that's referring what it says. He, and that's referring to Jeroboam the second, the king that is to Jeroboam the second, the king that is to Jeroboam the second, the king that is ruling in the north under Jonah. ruling in the north under Jonah. ruling in the north under Jonah. Jonah's days. Jonah's days. Jonah's days. He, Jeroboam the second, He, Jeroboam the second, He, Jeroboam the second, did evil in the eyes of the Lord. did evil in the eyes of the Lord. did evil in the eyes of the Lord. And did not turn away from any of the And did not turn away from any of the And did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam sins of Jeroboam sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Now, that's Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Now, that's Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Now, that's Jeroboam the first who lived way before him, 100 the first who lived way before him, 100 the first who lived way before him, 100 plus years before Jeroboam the second. plus years before Jeroboam the second. plus years before Jeroboam the second. So, we know that this era it is is is is So, we know that this era it is is is is So, we know that this era it is is is is occurring under the rule of a king, occurring under the rule of a king, occurring under the rule of a king, Jeroboam the second, who is doing evil Jeroboam the second, who is doing evil Jeroboam the second, who is doing evil in the eyes of the Lord, and who is not in the eyes of the Lord, and who is not in the eyes of the Lord, and who is not turning God's people back to God.

turning God's people back to God. turning God's people back to God. They're spiritually rotten days. They're spiritually rotten days. They're spiritually rotten days. And [laughter] God sends them preachers, And [laughter] God sends them preachers, And [laughter] God sends them preachers, professional pastors. professional pastors. professional pastors. God sends them God sends them God sends them a man called Amos, Pastor Amos. a man called Amos, Pastor Amos. a man called Amos, Pastor Amos. He's ministering around the same time, He's ministering around the same time, He's ministering around the same time, and and so that we don't read all that and and so that we don't read all that and and so that we don't read all that book here this morning. Here's what book here this morning. Here's what book here this morning. Here's what Pastor Amos preaches. You're a bunch of rich hypocrites. You're a bunch of rich hypocrites. Using your wealth for yourself. Using your wealth for yourself. Using your wealth for yourself. Not to help others. You do some sort of Not to help others. You do some sort of Not to help others. You do some sort of churchy stuff, but you're mixing it in churchy stuff, but you're mixing it in churchy stuff, but you're mixing it in as if it's a cocktail of God and all the as if it's a cocktail of God and all the as if it's a cocktail of God and all the other false gods. You're distracted. other false gods. You're distracted. other false gods. You're distracted. You've drifted. You've drifted. You've drifted. Repent. Repent. Repent. That's Pastor Amos's That's Pastor Amos's That's Pastor Amos's >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> sermons, as it were, condensed through >> sermons, as it were, condensed through >> sermons, as it were, condensed through my paraphrase. That's what he's getting my paraphrase. That's what he's getting my paraphrase. That's what he's getting at. at. at. God also sent them a pastor called Hosea God also sent them a pastor called Hosea God also sent them a pastor called Hosea and and the executive summary I guess of and and the executive summary I guess of and and the executive summary I guess of his life and his his sort of message has his life and his his sort of message has his life and his his sort of message has been played out through his life and been played out through his life and been played out through his life and through his sermons through his sermons through his sermons is essentially voicing God's words to is essentially voicing God's words to is essentially voicing God's words to his people saying, "I love you. I love his people saying, "I love you. I love his people saying, "I love you. I love you, but you're cheating on me."

you, but you're cheating on me." you, but you're cheating on me." I love you, but you've got to stop the I love you, but you've got to stop the I love you, but you've got to stop the spiritual adultery. It's got to stop. spiritual adultery. It's got to stop. spiritual adultery. It's got to stop. That's all that's happening under the That's all that's happening under the That's all that's happening under the rule of Jeroboam the second, this evil rule of Jeroboam the second, this evil rule of Jeroboam the second, this evil king who's leading God's people to to to king who's leading God's people to to to king who's leading God's people to to to be an evil people. be an evil people. be an evil people. Jonah would have known from his days in Jonah would have known from his days in Jonah would have known from his days in Bible college studying, you know, big Bible college studying, you know, big Bible college studying, you know, big Bible texts that everybody needs to know Bible texts that everybody needs to know Bible texts that everybody needs to know that that God describes himself to to that that God describes himself to to that that God describes himself to to Moses centuries earlier as one who Moses centuries earlier as one who Moses centuries earlier as one who {quote} does not leave the guilty {quote} does not leave the guilty {quote} does not leave the guilty unpunished. unpunished. unpunished. That's right out of Exodus 34. That's right out of Exodus 34. That's right out of Exodus 34. A very key passage in in any study of A very key passage in in any study of A very key passage in in any study of the Old Testament. So, these are evil the Old Testament. So, these are evil the Old Testament. So, these are evil days among God's people. This isn't just days among God's people. This isn't just days among God's people. This isn't just evil days out there in the culture. This evil days out there in the culture. This evil days out there in the culture. This is evil days among within the family of is evil days among within the family of is evil days among within the family of God. God. God. And what we see is that no person And what we see is that no person And what we see is that no person deserves God's compassion by personal deserves God's compassion by personal deserves God's compassion by personal right. Punishment is deserved. Anybody right. Punishment is deserved. Anybody right. Punishment is deserved. Anybody who studied the scriptures would who studied the scriptures would who studied the scriptures would understand that that God shouldn't have understand that that God shouldn't have understand that that God shouldn't have compassion on those people in that compassion on those people in that compassion on those people in that generation.

generation. generation. Cuz no one deserves God's compassion by Cuz no one deserves God's compassion by Cuz no one deserves God's compassion by merit and yet that that truth remains merit and yet that that truth remains merit and yet that that truth remains today. That's a teaching of of the New today. That's a teaching of of the New today. That's a teaching of of the New Testament as well. If you're a Bible Testament as well. If you're a Bible Testament as well. If you're a Bible believing God following Christian today, believing God following Christian today, believing God following Christian today, don't ever forget that. You don't don't ever forget that. You don't don't ever forget that. You don't deserve God by some sort of inherent deserve God by some sort of inherent deserve God by some sort of inherent right. I came to faith as young boy. I came to faith as young boy. I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ long before I was setting off on a crazy long before I was setting off on a crazy long before I was setting off on a crazy sin-filled sin-filled life in third sin-filled sin-filled life in third sin-filled sin-filled life in third grade. grade. grade. And yet even even doing life in a And yet even even doing life in a And yet even even doing life in a Christian home in a in a Christian Christian home in a in a Christian Christian home in a in a Christian ministry home in a Christian church in a ministry home in a Christian church in a ministry home in a Christian church in a Christian kids ministry, I saw in me Christian kids ministry, I saw in me Christian kids ministry, I saw in me what nobody else needed to prove to me. what nobody else needed to prove to me. what nobody else needed to prove to me. I'm not inherently good. I'm not inherently good. I'm not inherently good. Nobody needed to prove that to me. I saw Nobody needed to prove that to me. I saw Nobody needed to prove that to me. I saw it in my own life as a kid.

it in my own life as a kid. it in my own life as a kid. I knew I was a wee rebel against God's I knew I was a wee rebel against God's I knew I was a wee rebel against God's desires from the start. desires from the start. desires from the start. I I saw that that my wee kitty based I I saw that that my wee kitty based I I saw that that my wee kitty based points based reward program where I had points based reward program where I had points based reward program where I had executive platinum status and everybody executive platinum status and everybody executive platinum status and everybody else didn't wasn't God endorsed. A core worldview that Jonah had because A core worldview that Jonah had because of who he is and how he has been trained of who he is and how he has been trained of who he is and how he has been trained and what he has read is still a core and what he has read is still a core and what he has read is still a core truth in the New Testament for us today. truth in the New Testament for us today. truth in the New Testament for us today. No one deserves God's compassion. We No one deserves God's compassion. We No one deserves God's compassion. We have all sinned and fallen short of the have all sinned and fallen short of the have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God is how Paul says it in glory of God is how Paul says it in glory of God is how Paul says it in Romans 3:23. No one merits God's favor. We all all of No one merits God's favor. We all all of us come to God as pagans. us come to God as pagans. us come to God as pagans. Don't forget that Don't forget that Don't forget that as we begin to navigate through the as we begin to navigate through the as we begin to navigate through the story of Jonah. story of Jonah. story of Jonah. When we get distracted by the storms and When we get distracted by the storms and When we get distracted by the storms and the big gobbling fish and these the big gobbling fish and these the big gobbling fish and these Ninevites, God's people don't deserve Ninevites, God's people don't deserve Ninevites, God's people don't deserve God's God's God's God's compassion.

God's compassion. God's compassion. No one does. No one does. No one does. Worldview number one. Worldview number Worldview number one. Worldview number Worldview number one. Worldview number two that Jonah had as a God-following two that Jonah had as a God-following two that Jonah had as a God-following Bible believer that we must not forget Bible believer that we must not forget Bible believer that we must not forget is that God's people received God's is that God's people received God's is that God's people received God's undeserved compassion. undeserved compassion. undeserved compassion. Isn't that great news? God's people Isn't that great news? God's people Isn't that great news? God's people received God's undeserved compassion. received God's undeserved compassion. received God's undeserved compassion. God's people who did not deserve God's God's people who did not deserve God's God's people who did not deserve God's compassion actually are the compassion actually are the compassion actually are the the recipients of God's compassion. the recipients of God's compassion. the recipients of God's compassion. Jonah knew this because his history was Jonah knew this because his history was Jonah knew this because his history was full of it. full of it. full of it. Not just because he'd taken classes at Not just because he'd taken classes at Not just because he'd taken classes at graduate school at at their sort of graduate school at at their sort of graduate school at at their sort of prophet school. prophet school. prophet school. He also knew it from personal He also knew it from personal He also knew it from personal experience. experience. experience. Because you see God has actually called Because you see God has actually called Because you see God has actually called Jonah to preach that very sermon for God Jonah to preach that very sermon for God Jonah to preach that very sermon for God long before Jonah chapter 1 verse 1 long before Jonah chapter 1 verse 1 long before Jonah chapter 1 verse 1 begins. begins. begins. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Jonah had a ministry before this book >> Jonah had a ministry before this book >> Jonah had a ministry before this book that we're going to read. He was called that we're going to read. He was called that we're going to read. He was called to preach at home to his own people, to to preach at home to his own people, to to preach at home to his own people, to his own culture that message before his own culture that message before his own culture that message before Jonah chapter 1 verse 1. Let me show Jonah chapter 1 verse 1. Let me show Jonah chapter 1 verse 1. Let me show you. Hopefully you're still at 2 Kings you. Hopefully you're still at 2 Kings you. Hopefully you're still at 2 Kings 14.

14. 14. If not, make your way back there, but If not, make your way back there, but If not, make your way back there, but remember to keep a finger in Jonah 1 cuz remember to keep a finger in Jonah 1 cuz remember to keep a finger in Jonah 1 cuz we're going back to Jonah as well. we're going back to Jonah as well. we're going back to Jonah as well. 2 Kings chapter 14 verse 24 again, he 2 Kings chapter 14 verse 24 again, he 2 Kings chapter 14 verse 24 again, he Jeroboam the second remember did evil in Jeroboam the second remember did evil in Jeroboam the second remember did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn the eyes of the Lord and did not turn the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam away from any of the sins of Jeroboam away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, that's Jeroboam the first, son of Nebat, that's Jeroboam the first, son of Nebat, that's Jeroboam the first, which he had caused Israel to commit. which he had caused Israel to commit. which he had caused Israel to commit. He was the one who restored the He was the one who restored the He was the one who restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo-Hamath to boundaries of Israel from Lebo-Hamath to boundaries of Israel from Lebo-Hamath to the Dead Sea. the Dead Sea. the Dead Sea. In accordance with the word of the Lord, In accordance with the word of the Lord, In accordance with the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, spoken through his the God of Israel, spoken through his the God of Israel, spoken through his servant Jonah servant Jonah servant Jonah son of Amittai son of Amittai son of Amittai the prophet from Gath Hepher. During those wicked days of God's During those wicked days of God's people, God sent them pastors, people, God sent them pastors, people, God sent them pastors, preachers, Pastor Amos, Pastor Hosea, preachers, Pastor Amos, Pastor Hosea, preachers, Pastor Amos, Pastor Hosea, and they preached the classic turn or and they preached the classic turn or and they preached the classic turn or burn sermons on Sundays, repent or burn sermons on Sundays, repent or burn sermons on Sundays, repent or you're going to incur God's wrath.

you're going to incur God's wrath. you're going to incur God's wrath. Making, presumably, those preachers Making, presumably, those preachers Making, presumably, those preachers extremely unpopular. extremely unpopular. extremely unpopular. But, he also sent them Pastor Jonah. But, he also sent them Pastor Jonah. But, he also sent them Pastor Jonah. Long before Jonah 1:1, Long before Jonah 1:1, Long before Jonah 1:1, he sent them Pastor Jonah with this he sent them Pastor Jonah with this he sent them Pastor Jonah with this message, "Go to your own culture message, "Go to your own culture message, "Go to your own culture and preach and preach and preach prosperity." prosperity." prosperity." Preach prosperity. [laughter] Preach prosperity. [laughter] Preach prosperity. [laughter] Now, God isn't sending mixed messages to Now, God isn't sending mixed messages to Now, God isn't sending mixed messages to his people. his people. his people. The timing The timing The timing of when of when of when God's word will be fulfilled is up to God's word will be fulfilled is up to God's word will be fulfilled is up to God, and Amos's messages and Hosea's God, and Amos's messages and Hosea's God, and Amos's messages and Hosea's messages of discipline will come on down messages of discipline will come on down messages of discipline will come on down Israel's history line, but the message Israel's history line, but the message Israel's history line, but the message that is fulfilled under the wicked King that is fulfilled under the wicked King that is fulfilled under the wicked King Jeroboam the second is Pastor Jonah's Jeroboam the second is Pastor Jonah's Jeroboam the second is Pastor Jonah's message, message, message, prosperity. prosperity. prosperity. God prospers his people. Jonah got to preach the sermon that Jonah got to preach the sermon that every pastor wants to preach and every every pastor wants to preach and every every pastor wants to preach and every congregant wants to hear.

congregant wants to hear. congregant wants to hear. He becomes He becomes, and I never He becomes He becomes, and I never He becomes He becomes, and I never thought I would ever say this, a thought I would ever say this, a thought I would ever say this, a God-sent prosperity preacher. God-sent prosperity preacher. God-sent prosperity preacher. That's what he is. That's what he is. That's what he is. God's going to bless you. God's going to bless you. God's going to bless you. God's going to bless you. God's going to God's going to bless you. God's going to God's going to bless you. God's going to expand our country. This is national expand our country. This is national expand our country. This is national blessing. God is going to expand our blessing. God is going to expand our blessing. God is going to expand our country and make us rich. country and make us rich. country and make us rich. That's exactly what happened That's exactly what happened That's exactly what happened inside of the northern kingdom of inside of the northern kingdom of inside of the northern kingdom of Israel. All those decades where that Israel. All those decades where that Israel. All those decades where that wicked King Jeroboam the second was wicked King Jeroboam the second was wicked King Jeroboam the second was leading those wicked people of God to to leading those wicked people of God to to leading those wicked people of God to to worship of false gods. God blessed them. worship of false gods. God blessed them. worship of false gods. God blessed them. God prospered them. God prospered them. God prospered them. Israel went on the rise again as it Israel went on the rise again as it Israel went on the rise again as it hadn't for centuries, probably since hadn't for centuries, probably since hadn't for centuries, probably since Solomon. Money flowed into the land and Solomon. Money flowed into the land and Solomon. Money flowed into the land and the borders expanded. This becomes a an the borders expanded. This becomes a an the borders expanded. This becomes a an extremely patriotic and prosperous era extremely patriotic and prosperous era extremely patriotic and prosperous era in Israel's history. Militarily in Israel's history. Militarily in Israel's history. Militarily speaking, geographically speaking, speaking, geographically speaking, speaking, geographically speaking, economically speaking, and any other economically speaking, and any other economically speaking, and any other which way you could speak of prosperity.

which way you could speak of prosperity. which way you could speak of prosperity. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Jonah becomes a celebrity pastor. >> Jonah becomes a celebrity pastor. >> Jonah becomes a celebrity pastor. The masses come to hear that message. The masses come to hear that message. The masses come to hear that message. They want to share that on ancient They want to share that on ancient They want to share that on ancient social media. Give this guy the keys to social media. Give this guy the keys to social media. Give this guy the keys to the city, Jeroboam. the city, Jeroboam. the city, Jeroboam. Pay for his lunch at the local Pay for his lunch at the local Pay for his lunch at the local restaurants, bump his salary, give him a restaurants, bump his salary, give him a restaurants, bump his salary, give him a free membership at the golf club, sign free membership at the golf club, sign free membership at the golf club, sign him up for a book deal. He certainly gets bragging rights and He certainly gets bragging rights and popularity amongst his fellow miserable popularity amongst his fellow miserable popularity amongst his fellow miserable preachers, pastors, Hosea and Amos. preachers, pastors, Hosea and Amos. preachers, pastors, Hosea and Amos. My guess is those poor My guess is those poor My guess is those poor guys don't get free lunch at the local guys don't get free lunch at the local guys don't get free lunch at the local diner. God's people didn't deserve God's God's people didn't deserve God's compassion back then. compassion back then. compassion back then. Certainly under Jeroboam the second. Certainly under Jeroboam the second. Certainly under Jeroboam the second. But they received God's undeserved But they received God's undeserved But they received God's undeserved kindness upon their generation. kindness upon their generation. kindness upon their generation. The question you should be asking is The question you should be asking is The question you should be asking is why.

why. why. Why would God prosper them? Why would God prosper them? Why would God prosper them? Well, let's keep going in 2 Kings 14. Well, let's keep going in 2 Kings 14. Well, let's keep going in 2 Kings 14. Pick up in verse 26. The Lord had seen Pick up in verse 26. The Lord had seen Pick up in verse 26. The Lord had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering. slave or free, was suffering. slave or free, was suffering. There was no one to help them. There was no one to help them. There was no one to help them. And since the Lord had not said he would And since the Lord had not said he would And since the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under blot out the name of Israel from under blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of heaven, he saved them by the hand of heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, Jeroboam II, Jeroboam son of Jehoash, Jeroboam II, Jeroboam son of Jehoash, Jeroboam II, just as Jonah preached. just as Jonah preached. just as Jonah preached. Why? Why? Why? The answer is simply God took pity on The answer is simply God took pity on The answer is simply God took pity on his people. his people. his people. God chose God chose God chose to be compassionate toward his people to be compassionate toward his people to be compassionate toward his people when they did not deserve his when they did not deserve his when they did not deserve his compassion. compassion. compassion. God chose kindness. God chose kindness. God chose kindness. And Jonah knew because of his training And Jonah knew because of his training And Jonah knew because of his training that God could potentially act this way.

that God could potentially act this way. that God could potentially act this way. Remember big key Bible texts like Exodus Remember big key Bible texts like Exodus Remember big key Bible texts like Exodus 34? 34? 34? Jonah knew Exodus 34. That's the passage Jonah knew Exodus 34. That's the passage Jonah knew Exodus 34. That's the passage in in in in the Exodus account where where God's in the Exodus account where where God's in the Exodus account where where God's people just fresh out of Egypt, redeemed people just fresh out of Egypt, redeemed people just fresh out of Egypt, redeemed by God, are dancing around a golden calf by God, are dancing around a golden calf by God, are dancing around a golden calf like spiritual clones. like spiritual clones. like spiritual clones. And God says to Moses And God says to Moses And God says to Moses a little bit of of who he is, reveals to a little bit of of who he is, reveals to a little bit of of who he is, reveals to Moses a little bit of his nature. Moses a little bit of his nature. Moses a little bit of his nature. Exodus 34:6, he says, "I am the Lord, Exodus 34:6, he says, "I am the Lord, Exodus 34:6, he says, "I am the Lord, the Lord, the compassionate the Lord, the compassionate the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, and gracious God, and gracious God, slow to anger, slow to anger, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, abounding in love and faithfulness, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, maintaining love to thousands, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin." sin." sin." I I told you the other part of that.

I I told you the other part of that. I I told you the other part of that. He does not leave the guilty unpunished. He does not leave the guilty unpunished. He does not leave the guilty unpunished. That's coming. That's coming. That's coming. But but in this era, God chooses to But but in this era, God chooses to But but in this era, God chooses to treat his rebellious people with treat his rebellious people with treat his rebellious people with compassion. Pastor Amos told them about the droughts Pastor Amos told them about the droughts and the and the famines and the military and the and the famines and the military and the and the famines and the military defeats and the disasters, all the nasty defeats and the disasters, all the nasty defeats and the disasters, all the nasty stuff that would one day come if they stuff that would one day come if they stuff that would one day come if they didn't seek God and turn. didn't seek God and turn. didn't seek God and turn. Which is why he's so unpopular. Which is why he's so unpopular. Which is why he's so unpopular. But Pastor Jonah gets to preach But Pastor Jonah gets to preach But Pastor Jonah gets to preach prosperity. prosperity. prosperity. Prosperity first, comfort, money, so Prosperity first, comfort, money, so Prosperity first, comfort, money, so that that would in turn draw them back that that would in turn draw them back that that would in turn draw them back through gratitude to God. And yet they didn't turn. And yet they didn't turn. They they didn't come back to God. They They they didn't come back to God. They They they didn't come back to God. They didn't get the point of God's undeserved didn't get the point of God's undeserved didn't get the point of God's undeserved compassion and kindness on their lives compassion and kindness on their lives compassion and kindness on their lives that they didn't deserve. They didn't that they didn't deserve. They didn't that they didn't deserve. They didn't get the point. get the point. get the point. Years ago I came across a helpful Years ago I came across a helpful Years ago I came across a helpful analogy that I think describes a little analogy that I think describes a little analogy that I think describes a little bit of what's going on in that bit of what's going on in that bit of what's going on in that generation of God's people.

generation of God's people. generation of God's people. It is called It is called It is called because it's an analogy because it's an analogy because it's an analogy cat and dog theology. cat and dog theology. cat and dog theology. And yes, in one sense it pits And yes, in one sense it pits And yes, in one sense it pits dog lovers and cat lovers against one dog lovers and cat lovers against one dog lovers and cat lovers against one another. So if that's you, please another. So if that's you, please another. So if that's you, please refrain from fighting in the lobby. But it is a wonderful analogy, I think, But it is a wonderful analogy, I think, of what's going on then. It could be by of what's going on then. It could be by of what's going on then. It could be by application a wonderful uh application a wonderful uh application a wonderful uh thought for you to think about whether thought for you to think about whether thought for you to think about whether you fall into one of these. Here's what you fall into one of these. Here's what you fall into one of these. Here's what cat and dog theology essentially says. A cat and dog theology essentially says. A cat and dog theology essentially says. A dog looks at life and lives life toward dog looks at life and lives life toward dog looks at life and lives life toward its owner with a mindset that says, "You its owner with a mindset that says, "You its owner with a mindset that says, "You feed me, feed me, feed me, and you pet me, and you care for me, and and you pet me, and you care for me, and and you pet me, and you care for me, and you let me live in your home in comfort, you let me live in your home in comfort, you let me live in your home in comfort, and you love me. You must be God." and you love me. You must be God." and you love me. You must be God." You must be God. You must be God. You must be God. A cat, on the other hand, has the A cat, on the other hand, has the A cat, on the other hand, has the mindset of you feed me.

mindset of you feed me. mindset of you feed me. You pet me. You care for me. You let me You pet me. You care for me. You let me You pet me. You care for me. You let me live in your home in comfort, and you live in your home in comfort, and you live in your home in comfort, and you love me. I must be God. You must be God. You must be God. Given my life, Given my life, Given my life, I must be God. I must be God. I must be God. Given my life, Given my life, Given my life, cats and dogs see kindness and cats and dogs see kindness and cats and dogs see kindness and compassion and grace compassion and grace compassion and grace differently. [snorts] Times of blessing can come to God's Times of blessing can come to God's people even when God's people are people even when God's people are people even when God's people are spiritually rotten, but it's only spiritually rotten, but it's only spiritually rotten, but it's only because God is kind. because God is kind. because God is kind. God is compassion and God is compassion and God is compassion and God is loving, God is forgiving, God is God is loving, God is forgiving, God is God is loving, God is forgiving, God is gracious. gracious. gracious. So, prosperity and money may not be a So, prosperity and money may not be a So, prosperity and money may not be a sign of God's commendation on your life. sign of God's commendation on your life. sign of God's commendation on your life. In fact, it may just be a sign of God's In fact, it may just be a sign of God's In fact, it may just be a sign of God's compassion and pity for you.

compassion and pity for you. compassion and pity for you. His pity, not his approval of your His pity, not his approval of your His pity, not his approval of your behavior. behavior. behavior. Wooing you with grace and love and Wooing you with grace and love and Wooing you with grace and love and compassion. So, you've got to be careful compassion. So, you've got to be careful compassion. So, you've got to be careful in seeing money as a metric of God's in seeing money as a metric of God's in seeing money as a metric of God's support because you can be a pagan, support because you can be a pagan, support because you can be a pagan, and he'll still prosper you. So, times were good in Israel So, times were good in Israel when Jonah the prophet lived in Israel when Jonah the prophet lived in Israel when Jonah the prophet lived in Israel under Jeroboam the second, and it's not under Jeroboam the second, and it's not under Jeroboam the second, and it's not because the Israelites were smarter or because the Israelites were smarter or because the Israelites were smarter or better looking or more godly. It's better looking or more godly. It's better looking or more godly. It's simply because God was compassionate and simply because God was compassionate and simply because God was compassionate and slow to anger and abounding in love slow to anger and abounding in love slow to anger and abounding in love toward them. But that kindness of God, that But that kindness of God, that prosperity that he poured onto their lap prosperity that he poured onto their lap prosperity that he poured onto their lap for for decades didn't draw them back to for for decades didn't draw them back to for for decades didn't draw them back to God. They were like spiritual cats God. They were like spiritual cats God. They were like spiritual cats thinking that they must be something thinking that they must be something thinking that they must be something special. special. special. And they bit the hand that prospered And they bit the hand that prospered And they bit the hand that prospered them.

them. them. So, no one deserves God's compassion. So, no one deserves God's compassion. So, no one deserves God's compassion. God's people don't deserve God's God's people don't deserve God's God's people don't deserve God's compassion. And yet God may choose to compassion. And yet God may choose to compassion. And yet God may choose to extend compassion like he did here. And extend compassion like he did here. And extend compassion like he did here. And that basic truth remains. Jonah knew that basic truth remains. Jonah knew that basic truth remains. Jonah knew that. that. that. You're going to see that Jonah knew that You're going to see that Jonah knew that You're going to see that Jonah knew that God may potentially act in that manner God may potentially act in that manner God may potentially act in that manner because that's a teaching of the because that's a teaching of the because that's a teaching of the scriptures. That's what God-following, scriptures. That's what God-following, scriptures. That's what God-following, Bible-believing people accept. Bible-believing people accept. Bible-believing people accept. You're on the receiving end of God's You're on the receiving end of God's You're on the receiving end of God's compassion because of his goodness. compassion because of his goodness. compassion because of his goodness. And God may bless you despite yourself, And God may bless you despite yourself, And God may bless you despite yourself, not to make you more comfortable, not to not to make you more comfortable, not to not to make you more comfortable, not to make you more distracted, not to make make you more distracted, not to make make you more distracted, not to make you more self-focused like that you more self-focused like that you more self-focused like that generation of Israelites, but but to generation of Israelites, but but to generation of Israelites, but but to lean you back to align your life with lean you back to align your life with lean you back to align your life with him. him. him. New Testament teaches what what Jonah New Testament teaches what what Jonah New Testament teaches what what Jonah learned, too. learned, too. learned, too. New Testament teaches, of course, we New Testament teaches, of course, we New Testament teaches, of course, we read it earlier that that all have read it earlier that that all have read it earlier that that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23. The New Testament also God, Romans 3:23. The New Testament also God, Romans 3:23. The New Testament also teaches that that that the wages of sin teaches that that that the wages of sin teaches that that that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of life comes is death, but the gift of life comes is death, but the gift of life comes through Christ Jesus, Romans 6:23.

But what the New Testament is teaching But what the New Testament is teaching there through Paul is that a pagan there through Paul is that a pagan there through Paul is that a pagan >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> can get gifted >> can get gifted >> can get gifted salvation. salvation. salvation. It's God's gift. It's God's gift. It's God's gift. It's not something you earn. It's It's It's not something you earn. It's It's It's not something you earn. It's It's just freely given. Uh Paul also in just freely given. Uh Paul also in just freely given. Uh Paul also in Ephesians chapter 2 says that that you, Ephesians chapter 2 says that that you, Ephesians chapter 2 says that that you, me, you, us, we were dead in our me, you, us, we were dead in our me, you, us, we were dead in our transgressions and sins in which we used transgressions and sins in which we used transgressions and sins in which we used to live, but because of his great love to live, but because of his great love to live, but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ. us alive in Christ. us alive in Christ. It was all his doing. It was all his doing. It was all his doing. It was all an extension of of his choice It was all an extension of of his choice It was all an extension of of his choice to be compassionate and gracious and to be compassionate and gracious and to be compassionate and gracious and kind to those who didn't deserve it and kind to those who didn't deserve it and kind to those who didn't deserve it and could never earn it. could never earn it. could never earn it. Paul in Romans chapter two tells us that Paul in Romans chapter two tells us that Paul in Romans chapter two tells us that God's kindness is to God's kindness is to God's kindness is to lead us to lead us to lead us to repentance. repentance. repentance. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> That God may actually prosper pagan >> That God may actually prosper pagan >> That God may actually prosper pagan people so that they turn back to God so people so that they turn back to God so people so that they turn back to God so that they would not be spiritual cats.

that they would not be spiritual cats. that they would not be spiritual cats. So remember that as we enter into this So remember that as we enter into this So remember that as we enter into this wonderful book of Jonah. Jonah knew wonderful book of Jonah. Jonah knew wonderful book of Jonah. Jonah knew that. that. that. Jonah knew he didn't deserve God's Jonah knew he didn't deserve God's Jonah knew he didn't deserve God's compassion. No one does. And Jonah knew compassion. No one does. And Jonah knew compassion. No one does. And Jonah knew that he had been the beneficiary. He had that he had been the beneficiary. He had that he had been the beneficiary. He had experienced in his own life God's experienced in his own life God's experienced in his own life God's compassion. The pagans get prospered by God but only The pagans get prospered by God but only because of God's compassion when that he because of God's compassion when that he because of God's compassion when that he is slow to anger with them and he's is slow to anger with them and he's is slow to anger with them and he's abounding in love toward them. Worldview abounding in love toward them. Worldview abounding in love toward them. Worldview number three number three number three that you cannot miss as we enter this that you cannot miss as we enter this that you cannot miss as we enter this wonderful study as a God-following Bible wonderful study as a God-following Bible wonderful study as a God-following Bible believer, brother Jonah knew that God's believer, brother Jonah knew that God's believer, brother Jonah knew that God's people are to proclaim people are to proclaim people are to proclaim God's compassion. God's compassion. God's compassion. Proclaim it to all. Proclaim it to all. Proclaim it to all. That that God's people, the northern That that God's people, the northern That that God's people, the northern kingdom of Israel, had a responsibility kingdom of Israel, had a responsibility kingdom of Israel, had a responsibility to testify to testify to testify that the Lord is good. that the Lord is good. that the Lord is good. To testify to all. That was the norm of To testify to all. That was the norm of To testify to all. That was the norm of those who had been the beneficiaries of those who had been the beneficiaries of those who had been the beneficiaries of God's grace. That they would become God's grace. That they would become God's grace. That they would become proclaimers of the goodness of God.

proclaimers of the goodness of God. proclaimers of the goodness of God. Back to that class he took in in prophet Back to that class he took in in prophet Back to that class he took in in prophet school, big Bible texts that everybody school, big Bible texts that everybody school, big Bible texts that everybody in Israel should know, Genesis 12. in Israel should know, Genesis 12. in Israel should know, Genesis 12. When God chose to express his compassion When God chose to express his compassion When God chose to express his compassion on all of us through Abraham and then on all of us through Abraham and then on all of us through Abraham and then those who would come from Abraham, the those who would come from Abraham, the those who would come from Abraham, the Israelites, ultimately funneling down to Israelites, ultimately funneling down to Israelites, ultimately funneling down to the one who would be able to produce uh the one who would be able to produce uh the one who would be able to produce uh compassion of God into salvation in compassion of God into salvation in compassion of God into salvation in humanity. In that little section, verse humanity. In that little section, verse humanity. In that little section, verse three, it says, "So that all the peoples three, it says, "So that all the peoples three, it says, "So that all the peoples of the earth will be blessed." of the earth will be blessed." of the earth will be blessed." All along God wanted all cultures All along God wanted all cultures All along God wanted all cultures inside Israel, outside Israel, to be inside Israel, outside Israel, to be inside Israel, outside Israel, to be blessed by God, blessed by God, blessed by God, to experience life with God, to be on to experience life with God, to be on to experience life with God, to be on the receiving end of the goodness of the receiving end of the goodness of the receiving end of the goodness of God. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew from God. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew from God. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew from his class and big Bible text that his class and big Bible text that his class and big Bible text that everybody should know, Exodus 19, that everybody should know, Exodus 19, that everybody should know, Exodus 19, that that Israel had had a particular that Israel had had a particular that Israel had had a particular calling, that God had invited them to be calling, that God had invited them to be calling, that God had invited them to be the nation through which he would the nation through which he would the nation through which he would mediate his blessings to the world. They mediate his blessings to the world. They mediate his blessings to the world. They were invited to be a kingdom of priests.

were invited to be a kingdom of priests. were invited to be a kingdom of priests. That's the language that's used. That's the language that's used. That's the language that's used. Without going down that rabbit hole too Without going down that rabbit hole too Without going down that rabbit hole too deeply, what that means is they were deeply, what that means is they were deeply, what that means is they were called to be the voice of truth to the called to be the voice of truth to the called to be the voice of truth to the nations and the cultures of the world. nations and the cultures of the world. nations and the cultures of the world. And not just to And not just to And not just to express it through through through express it through through through express it through through through teaching commandments, but to live it, teaching commandments, but to live it, teaching commandments, but to live it, to show it. to show it. to show it. As they aligned their lives to to to the As they aligned their lives to to to the As they aligned their lives to to to the to the commandments, they were putting to the commandments, they were putting to the commandments, they were putting God's character on display and inviting God's character on display and inviting God's character on display and inviting the nations of the world to say, "We the nations of the world to say, "We the nations of the world to say, "We want to live under that God, want to live under that God, want to live under that God, not the nonsense we've been told to live not the nonsense we've been told to live not the nonsense we've been told to live under thus far." under thus far." under thus far." Jonah knew that. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew that. Jonah knew that God's plan all along is Jonah knew that God's plan all along is Jonah knew that God's plan all along is to proclaim God's compassion to all. So, it's no surprise how the book So, it's no surprise how the book starts. Go back to the book of Jonah. starts. Go back to the book of Jonah. starts. Go back to the book of Jonah. Chapter 1, Chapter 1, Chapter 1, verse 1, verse 1, verse 1, and halfway through verse 2.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah, The word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amittai, son of Amittai, son of Amittai, "Go. Go the great city Go the great city of Nineveh. of Nineveh. of Nineveh. Go go to the great city of Nineveh. Go Go go to the great city of Nineveh. Go Go go to the great city of Nineveh. Go to another pagan culture, Jonah. to another pagan culture, Jonah. to another pagan culture, Jonah. A different culture to the one that I've A different culture to the one that I've A different culture to the one that I've sent you previously. sent you previously. sent you previously. You've a new ministry opportunity, You've a new ministry opportunity, You've a new ministry opportunity, Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. Go to a great pagan pagan city full full Go to a great pagan pagan city full full Go to a great pagan pagan city full full of lost people. of lost people. of lost people. People who do not know God. People who do not know God. People who do not know God. People who have no interest in knowing People who have no interest in knowing People who have no interest in knowing God. God. God. I'm sending you there. I'm sending you there. I'm sending you there. Go do with Ninevite pagans what God did Go do with Ninevite pagans what God did Go do with Ninevite pagans what God did through you with Israelite pagans, through you with Israelite pagans, through you with Israelite pagans, Jonah. That's not an unfair request of God. That's not an unfair request of God. That was certainly not an unexpected That was certainly not an unexpected That was certainly not an unexpected request that God made of Jonah as you request that God made of Jonah as you request that God made of Jonah as you will come to see.

will come to see. will come to see. Anyone who has come to know God Anyone who has come to know God Anyone who has come to know God personally and has received God's personally and has received God's personally and has received God's compassion and his in his or her life compassion and his in his or her life compassion and his in his or her life can testify that that is not an unfair can testify that that is not an unfair can testify that that is not an unfair request. request. request. At least not difficult in theory to At least not difficult in theory to At least not difficult in theory to believe and to accept. believe and to accept. believe and to accept. God's people then in Jonah's day, God's God's people then in Jonah's day, God's God's people then in Jonah's day, God's people before Jonah's day, God's people people before Jonah's day, God's people people before Jonah's day, God's people today long after Jonah's day are to today long after Jonah's day are to today long after Jonah's day are to proclaim God's compassion to all. proclaim God's compassion to all. proclaim God's compassion to all. That remains a basic truth for That remains a basic truth for That remains a basic truth for God-following Bible-believing God-following Bible-believing God-following Bible-believing Christians today. Don't forget that. Christians today. Don't forget that. Christians today. Don't forget that. As we listen to the the storm incident As we listen to the the storm incident As we listen to the the storm incident and the gobbling fish and and the city and the gobbling fish and and the city and the gobbling fish and and the city revival, don't forget that truth. revival, don't forget that truth. revival, don't forget that truth. The commission to go remains loud and The commission to go remains loud and The commission to go remains loud and clear. Jesus' final parting words in clear. Jesus' final parting words in clear. Jesus' final parting words in Matthew 28, we call it the Great Matthew 28, we call it the Great Matthew 28, we call it the Great Commission. It's a great commission to Commission. It's a great commission to Commission. It's a great commission to the cultures of the world to proclaim the cultures of the world to proclaim the cultures of the world to proclaim Christ a message of compassion.

Christ a message of compassion. Christ a message of compassion. Matthew 28, go. Matthew 28, go. Matthew 28, go. Go, make disciples of all nations. Go, make disciples of all nations. Go, make disciples of all nations. Make disciples of all cultures. Make disciples of all cultures. Make disciples of all cultures. That's That's That's Jesus version articulating what Jonah Jesus version articulating what Jonah Jesus version articulating what Jonah heard there at the beginning of verse heard there at the beginning of verse heard there at the beginning of verse two, go to the great city of Nineveh. two, go to the great city of Nineveh. two, go to the great city of Nineveh. God's people are going people. God's people are going people. God's people are going people. Always going people. Always going people. Always going people. A few weeks back, I told you about the A few weeks back, I told you about the A few weeks back, I told you about the famous explorer of Africa and medical famous explorer of Africa and medical famous explorer of Africa and medical doctor and missionary Dr. David doctor and missionary Dr. David doctor and missionary Dr. David Livingstone. Livingstone. Livingstone. A fascinating life lived for God, a a A fascinating life lived for God, a a A fascinating life lived for God, a a beautiful missionary story. beautiful missionary story. beautiful missionary story. I told you that his I told you that his I told you that his comforting sound as he headed out to comforting sound as he headed out to comforting sound as he headed out to Africa as a young man was Psalm 121. Africa as a young man was Psalm 121. Africa as a young man was Psalm 121. I lift up my eyes to the hills, where I lift up my eyes to the hills, where I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my comfort come from? does my comfort come from? does my comfort come from? My comfort comes from the Lord, the My comfort comes from the Lord, the My comfort comes from the Lord, the maker of the heavens and the earth. It maker of the heavens and the earth. It maker of the heavens and the earth. It comforted him as he headed out from from comforted him as he headed out from from comforted him as he headed out from from Scotland to Africa and it it comforted Scotland to Africa and it it comforted Scotland to Africa and it it comforted him the rest of his life.

him the rest of his life. him the rest of his life. But the other key text in Dr. David But the other key text in Dr. David But the other key text in Dr. David Livingstone's life was Matthew 28. Livingstone's life was Matthew 28. Livingstone's life was Matthew 28. Go, make disciples of all nations. Dr. Livingstone believed that that the Dr. Livingstone believed that that the church in his generation has was getting church in his generation has was getting church in his generation has was getting spiritually lazy. spiritually lazy. spiritually lazy. And as a medical doctor, he believed And as a medical doctor, he believed And as a medical doctor, he believed that that it was best to prescribe a that that it was best to prescribe a that that it was best to prescribe a certain type of medicine. And and here's certain type of medicine. And and here's certain type of medicine. And and here's the the the the the prescription he the the the the the prescription he the the the the the prescription he prescribed. He says this, the best prescribed. He says this, the best prescribed. He says this, the best remedy for a sick church is to be put on remedy for a sick church is to be put on remedy for a sick church is to be put on a missionary diet. To go. To go. It It's It's It's medicine we need. It It's It's It's medicine we need. It It's It's It's medicine we need. And by we, I mean the Western Church. And by we, I mean the Western Church. And by we, I mean the Western Church. Jonah, the story of Jonah, is Jonah, the story of Jonah, is Jonah, the story of Jonah, is essentially God's medicine for the essentially God's medicine for the essentially God's medicine for the Western Church in our generation. Western Church in our generation. Western Church in our generation. It's to be part of our missionary diet It's to be part of our missionary diet It's to be part of our missionary diet so that we not become spiritually lazy, so that we not become spiritually lazy, so that we not become spiritually lazy, so that we remember God's clear so that we remember God's clear so that we remember God's clear commission to go.

commission to go. commission to go. To go and make disciples of all nations. To go and make disciples of all nations. To go and make disciples of all nations. So, friends, you're commissioned. So, friends, you're commissioned. So, friends, you're commissioned. You were commissioned the moment you You were commissioned the moment you You were commissioned the moment you entrusted your life to Jesus Christ. entrusted your life to Jesus Christ. entrusted your life to Jesus Christ. You've got a Nineveh to go to. So, go to You've got a Nineveh to go to. So, go to You've got a Nineveh to go to. So, go to your Nineveh. your Nineveh. your Nineveh. It's going to be hard, yes. It's going to be hard, yes. It's going to be hard, yes. But it's God's will for anyone who calls But it's God's will for anyone who calls But it's God's will for anyone who calls Christ Lord. And remember, ultimately, we're just And remember, ultimately, we're just former pagans who were prospered by a former pagans who were prospered by a former pagans who were prospered by a kind God ourselves. kind God ourselves. kind God ourselves. Who've been called, commissioned to Who've been called, commissioned to Who've been called, commissioned to proclaim to current pagans that there is proclaim to current pagans that there is proclaim to current pagans that there is good news. good news. good news. That there is a God who loves them and That there is a God who loves them and That there is a God who loves them and who wants a relationship with them, not who wants a relationship with them, not who wants a relationship with them, not just today, but into eternity. You get just today, but into eternity. You get just today, but into eternity. You get to be a part of that. to be a part of that. to be a part of that. If you go to your Nineveh. If you go to your Nineveh. If you go to your Nineveh. So, that's you ready, I think, So, that's you ready, I think, So, that's you ready, I think, to get into the book of Jonah. to get into the book of Jonah. to get into the book of Jonah. I needed to lay out some some key issues I needed to lay out some some key issues I needed to lay out some some key issues that we all need to understand, at least that we all need to understand, at least that we all need to understand, at least in theory first, because God's going to in theory first, because God's going to in theory first, because God's going to push us on those areas as it relates to push us on those areas as it relates to push us on those areas as it relates to what we encounter, just like Jonah was what we encounter, just like Jonah was what we encounter, just like Jonah was pushed.

pushed. pushed. I'm excited to study this story with I'm excited to study this story with I'm excited to study this story with you, culture, commission, compassion, you, culture, commission, compassion, you, culture, commission, compassion, Christ, our missionary diet, Christ, our missionary diet, Christ, our missionary diet, hearing of God's heart for the people of hearing of God's heart for the people of hearing of God's heart for the people of the world around us, going to our the world around us, going to our the world around us, going to our Nineveh, Nineveh, Nineveh, given the fact that God came to us. I given the fact that God came to us. I given the fact that God came to us. I hope you're ready. hope you're ready. hope you're ready. Let me pray for us and then we're going Let me pray for us and then we're going Let me pray for us and then we're going to leave in song. Heavenly Father, we to leave in song. Heavenly Father, we to leave in song. Heavenly Father, we thank you for speaking to us this thank you for speaking to us this thank you for speaking to us this morning, for meeting with us this morning, for meeting with us this morning, for meeting with us this morning. Lord, we ask that you would morning. Lord, we ask that you would morning. Lord, we ask that you would help us get ready to feast on what help us get ready to feast on what help us get ready to feast on what you've said through this wonderful you've said through this wonderful you've said through this wonderful interaction with your servant so many interaction with your servant so many interaction with your servant so many years ago. years ago. years ago. Prepare our hearts this week. Prepare our hearts this week. Prepare our hearts this week. Help us to remember those three truths Help us to remember those three truths Help us to remember those three truths that Jonah knew in theory but struggled that Jonah knew in theory but struggled that Jonah knew in theory but struggled to put into practice. Help us see how we to put into practice. Help us see how we to put into practice. Help us see how we or if we align up to your heart as your or if we align up to your heart as your or if we align up to your heart as your followers. followers. followers. And Lord, as we go into our week, Lord, And Lord, as we go into our week, Lord, And Lord, as we go into our week, Lord, we as we said earlier know that we're we as we said earlier know that we're we as we said earlier know that we're going to face all sorts of problems, going to face all sorts of problems, going to face all sorts of problems, Lord. There is a conflict in the world Lord. There is a conflict in the world Lord. There is a conflict in the world and it scares us and it and it Lord and it scares us and it and it Lord and it scares us and it and it Lord needs to be put at your feet.

needs to be put at your feet. needs to be put at your feet. And so we do so. And so we do so. And so we do so. We ask that you would help us navigate We ask that you would help us navigate We ask that you would help us navigate the concerns that come the concerns that come the concerns that come in the name of Jesus until we meet back in the name of Jesus until we meet back in the name of Jesus until we meet back here again in the name of Jesus. Amen.