When God’s Servants Say No! (Part 1)

Especially if you're a child of God, you Especially if you're a child of God, you don't defy the will of God and get get don't defy the will of God and get get don't defy the will of God and get get away for it. You might get away for it away for it. You might get away for it away for it. You might get away for it for a while, but there is a verse four for a while, but there is a verse four for a while, but there is a verse four that comes. These pagan sailors become that comes. These pagan sailors become that comes. These pagan sailors become converted to the one true God through converted to the one true God through converted to the one true God through the reluctant preaching of a pastor the reluctant preaching of a pastor the reluctant preaching of a pastor who's running from God so that God who's running from God so that God who's running from God so that God doesn't save pagans. But your rowing doesn't save pagans. But your rowing doesn't save pagans. But your rowing [music] isn't going to you closer to [music] isn't going to you closer to [music] isn't going to you closer to eternal life. One day you will face eternal life. One day you will face eternal life. One day you will face death. You will eyeball death and you death. You will eyeball death and you death. You will eyeball death and you will be in a panic. We all will face will be in a panic. We all will face will be in a panic. We all will face death. And then what do you do? death. And then what do you do? death. And then what do you do? [music] [music] [music] Well, good morning. Well, good morning. Well, good morning. What a pleasure to worship with you this What a pleasure to worship with you this What a pleasure to worship with you this morning. Thank you for being here this morning. Thank you for being here this morning. Thank you for being here this Palm Sunday. And what a treat the Palm Sunday. And what a treat the Palm Sunday. And what a treat the children just laid out for us just to children just laid out for us just to children just laid out for us just to prepare you to go into Holy Week. You prepare you to go into Holy Week. You prepare you to go into Holy Week. You know, that sort of order doesn't just know, that sort of order doesn't just know, that sort of order doesn't just happen. Uh so, thank you to all the happen. Uh so, thank you to all the happen. Uh so, thank you to all the leaders who who prepared them as well leaders who who prepared them as well leaders who who prepared them as well this morning. What a blessing. Okay, this morning. What a blessing. Okay, this morning. What a blessing. Okay, turn to the Lord's word uh today. Turn turn to the Lord's word uh today. Turn turn to the Lord's word uh today. Turn uh in your copy of the scriptures to the uh in your copy of the scriptures to the uh in your copy of the scriptures to the book of Jonah, the story of Jonah, book of Jonah, the story of Jonah, book of Jonah, the story of Jonah, chapter 1. [snorts] chapter 1. [snorts] chapter 1. [snorts] What I love about a story, any story, What I love about a story, any story, What I love about a story, any story, Jonah's story, is that when you when you Jonah's story, is that when you when you Jonah's story, is that when you when you hear it, when you read it, when you hear it, when you read it, when you hear it, when you read it, when you listen to it, it plays out in your head listen to it, it plays out in your head listen to it, it plays out in your head like a built-in movie. You begin to see like a built-in movie. You begin to see like a built-in movie. You begin to see the characters, the setting, all sort of

the characters, the setting, all sort of the characters, the setting, all sort of playing their roles in the eye of your playing their roles in the eye of your playing their roles in the eye of your mind. [snorts] I've never seen Jonah's mind. [snorts] I've never seen Jonah's mind. [snorts] I've never seen Jonah's face. I don't have a photo of him in in face. I don't have a photo of him in in face. I don't have a photo of him in in my copy of the scriptures, but but when my copy of the scriptures, but but when my copy of the scriptures, but but when I read his story, he has a face. I read his story, he has a face. I read his story, he has a face. I I see him. I I I I see those around I I see him. I I I I see those around I I see him. I I I I see those around him. A story can draw you in like that him. A story can draw you in like that him. A story can draw you in like that even stir your emotions. It's it's a even stir your emotions. It's it's a even stir your emotions. It's it's a beautiful medium of communication. I beautiful medium of communication. I beautiful medium of communication. I told you recently that my family and I told you recently that my family and I told you recently that my family and I went to to San Antonio to visit the went to to San Antonio to visit the went to to San Antonio to visit the Alamo. Alamo. Alamo. And there's something special about And there's something special about And there's something special about walking the grounds, right? I've I've walking the grounds, right? I've I've walking the grounds, right? I've I've read the story. I've I've watched the read the story. I've I've watched the read the story. I've I've watched the movies. But but to actually be there and movies. But but to actually be there and movies. But but to actually be there and to listen to the little audio tour in in to listen to the little audio tour in in to listen to the little audio tour in in my ear telling me about what's going on my ear telling me about what's going on my ear telling me about what's going on in different spots took it to another in different spots took it to another in different spots took it to another level. level. level. They fought here. They stood here. Santa They fought here. They stood here. Santa They fought here. They stood here. Santa Anna's army was out there. They they Anna's army was out there. They they Anna's army was out there. They they they died uh together here as they as they died uh together here as they as they died uh together here as they as they birthed a a a state that they they birthed a a a state that they they birthed a a a state that they didn't know would be birthed as a result didn't know would be birthed as a result didn't know would be birthed as a result of their sacrifice. It's very very of their sacrifice. It's very very of their sacrifice. It's very very moving and stories do that. Now there moving and stories do that. Now there moving and stories do that. Now there was an unexpected treat that we had when was an unexpected treat that we had when was an unexpected treat that we had when we were there. We were just finishing up we were there. We were just finishing up we were there. We were just finishing up on our tour when we heard the noise o of on our tour when we heard the noise o of on our tour when we heard the noise o of these uh military drums. And so as you these uh military drums. And so as you these uh military drums. And so as you turned and you looked out into the into turned and you looked out into the into turned and you looked out into the into the plaza area, there was a mini army

the plaza area, there was a mini army the plaza area, there was a mini army marching toward us, [snorts] ready to go marching toward us, [snorts] ready to go marching toward us, [snorts] ready to go to battle, the battle of the Alamo was to battle, the battle of the Alamo was to battle, the battle of the Alamo was about to begin when we were there. about to begin when we were there. about to begin when we were there. Now settle yourselves. There were Now settle yourselves. There were Now settle yourselves. There were actors, but it was fun. They had flags. actors, but it was fun. They had flags. actors, but it was fun. They had flags. They had multiple people playing the They had multiple people playing the They had multiple people playing the drums. There was David Crockett there. drums. There was David Crockett there. drums. There was David Crockett there. There was Colonel Travis leading them. There was Colonel Travis leading them. There was Colonel Travis leading them. And they didn't reenact the actual And they didn't reenact the actual And they didn't reenact the actual fight. I mean, the Mexican army, they fight. I mean, the Mexican army, they fight. I mean, the Mexican army, they didn't have a Mexican army that attacked didn't have a Mexican army that attacked didn't have a Mexican army that attacked them, but they all stood there and they them, but they all stood there and they them, but they all stood there and they loaded their musketss and they fired loaded their musketss and they fired loaded their musketss and they fired them toward us and then they reloaded them toward us and then they reloaded them toward us and then they reloaded and fired them again and it was noisy and fired them again and it was noisy and fired them again and it was noisy and it [snorts] the air was filled with and it [snorts] the air was filled with and it [snorts] the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder. It was it was the smell of gunpowder. It was it was the smell of gunpowder. It was it was sort of reliving that wonderful portion sort of reliving that wonderful portion sort of reliving that wonderful portion in this state's history. It was in this state's history. It was in this state's history. It was fantastic. And stories can do that. They fantastic. And stories can do that. They fantastic. And stories can do that. They they can grab you in a way other forms they can grab you in a way other forms they can grab you in a way other forms of communication can't. Texts don't grab of communication can't. Texts don't grab of communication can't. Texts don't grab you like that. Emails don't grab you you like that. Emails don't grab you you like that. Emails don't grab you like that. Dances don't grab you like like that. Dances don't grab you like like that. Dances don't grab you like that. PowerPoints don't grab you like that. PowerPoints don't grab you like that. PowerPoints don't grab you like that. They're all mediums of that. They're all mediums of that. They're all mediums of communication. But a story will grab communication. But a story will grab communication. But a story will grab you. It's designed to go after your you. It's designed to go after your you. It's designed to go after your heart, to help you relive the situation, heart, to help you relive the situation, heart, to help you relive the situation, even stirring your affections and even stirring your affections and even stirring your affections and evoking emotions, evoking emotions, evoking emotions, make you laugh, make you cry.

make you laugh, make you cry. make you laugh, make you cry. And so God teaches us often in the And so God teaches us often in the And so God teaches us often in the scriptures through story, real scriptures through story, real scriptures through story, real historical stories. These things historical stories. These things historical stories. These things happened to real people in real places happened to real people in real places happened to real people in real places interacting. interacting. interacting. And God teaches us through the story of And God teaches us through the story of And God teaches us through the story of Jonah about himself. Jonah about himself. Jonah about himself. And through the story of Jonah, God And through the story of Jonah, God And through the story of Jonah, God wants to teach you about you. He wants wants to teach you about you. He wants wants to teach you about you. He wants to grab your heart to align your heart to grab your heart to align your heart to grab your heart to align your heart to his. And and it's wonderful. Now, up to his. And and it's wonderful. Now, up to his. And and it's wonderful. Now, up until this point, we've just looked at until this point, we've just looked at until this point, we've just looked at the first three verses. the first three verses. the first three verses. Jonah, if you recall, is a celebrity Jonah, if you recall, is a celebrity Jonah, if you recall, is a celebrity pastor. pastor. pastor. He's a celebrity pastor and preacher in He's a celebrity pastor and preacher in He's a celebrity pastor and preacher in Israel. He's been preaching by God's Israel. He's been preaching by God's Israel. He's been preaching by God's commissioning prosperity. commissioning prosperity. commissioning prosperity. Not because God is rewarding his wicked Not because God is rewarding his wicked Not because God is rewarding his wicked people because of their disobedience, people because of their disobedience, people because of their disobedience, but because God is trying another angle but because God is trying another angle but because God is trying another angle to woo them back to him. The angle of to woo them back to him. The angle of to woo them back to him. The angle of compassion. I'm going to bless you to compassion. I'm going to bless you to compassion. I'm going to bless you to the extent that you will see that your the extent that you will see that your the extent that you will see that your prosperity and your comfort and your prosperity and your comfort and your prosperity and your comfort and your blessing comes from me. Maybe that will blessing comes from me. Maybe that will blessing comes from me. Maybe that will turn you back to me.

turn you back to me. turn you back to me. And Jonah gets a new ministry at the And Jonah gets a new ministry at the And Jonah gets a new ministry at the start of this wonderful story. And it's start of this wonderful story. And it's start of this wonderful story. And it's an assignment that he doesn't want. It's an assignment that he doesn't want. It's an assignment that he doesn't want. It's an assignment. It's a calling, a an assignment. It's a calling, a an assignment. It's a calling, a commissioning that he doesn't approve commissioning that he doesn't approve commissioning that he doesn't approve of. He doesn't want the pagan Ninevites of. He doesn't want the pagan Ninevites of. He doesn't want the pagan Ninevites way over there to hear from God like the way over there to hear from God like the way over there to hear from God like the pagan Israelites did under his first pagan Israelites did under his first pagan Israelites did under his first ministry. He doesn't want that for them. ministry. He doesn't want that for them. ministry. He doesn't want that for them. You see, he knows what God is like. You see, he knows what God is like. You see, he knows what God is like. He knows that God may even use a message He knows that God may even use a message He knows that God may even use a message of doom to bring people to salvation and of doom to bring people to salvation and of doom to bring people to salvation and to bless them to invite pagans into life to bless them to invite pagans into life to bless them to invite pagans into life with God. So when God says to Jonah, with God. So when God says to Jonah, with God. So when God says to Jonah, "Go," Jonah says, "Absolutely no. I'm "Go," Jonah says, "Absolutely no. I'm "Go," Jonah says, "Absolutely no. I'm not going. I'm not having it." not going. I'm not having it." not going. I'm not having it." And we see that he boards a And we see that he boards a And we see that he boards a Mediterranean cruise ship to head off to Mediterranean cruise ship to head off to Mediterranean cruise ship to head off to sunny Spain to Tarsish. sunny Spain to Tarsish. sunny Spain to Tarsish. Now, the story could easily end right Now, the story could easily end right Now, the story could easily end right there in verse three with God just there in verse three with God just there in verse three with God just sending somebody else. [snorts] sending somebody else. [snorts] sending somebody else. [snorts] But you see, you can't defy God and get But you see, you can't defy God and get But you see, you can't defy God and get away with it.

away with it. away with it. Especially if you're a child of God, you Especially if you're a child of God, you Especially if you're a child of God, you don't defy the will of God and get get don't defy the will of God and get get don't defy the will of God and get get away for it. You might get away for a away for it. You might get away for a away for it. You might get away for a while, while, while, but there is a verse four that comes. but there is a verse four that comes. but there is a verse four that comes. Let me read you verses 4 all the way Let me read you verses 4 all the way Let me read you verses 4 all the way through to verse 17. Halfway through through to verse 17. Halfway through through to verse 17. Halfway through verse 17, I think the scene begins to verse 17, I think the scene begins to verse 17, I think the scene begins to shift to a new one. Halfway through shift to a new one. Halfway through shift to a new one. Halfway through verse 17. Now [snorts] remember Jonah's verse 17. Now [snorts] remember Jonah's verse 17. Now [snorts] remember Jonah's on the deck of this boat heading to on the deck of this boat heading to on the deck of this boat heading to Tarsish and he's in my head he's wearing Tarsish and he's in my head he's wearing Tarsish and he's in my head he's wearing an ancient Hawaiian t-shirt an ancient Hawaiian t-shirt an ancient Hawaiian t-shirt and he's puffing on a cigar and he's and he's puffing on a cigar and he's and he's puffing on a cigar and he's sipping a pina colada on a deck chair sipping a pina colada on a deck chair sipping a pina colada on a deck chair and maybe he's even sending an ancient and maybe he's even sending an ancient and maybe he's even sending an ancient text message to Pastor Amos saying heads text message to Pastor Amos saying heads text message to Pastor Amos saying heads up God's got a job for you. I don't up God's got a job for you. I don't up God's got a job for you. I don't know, maybe that's just my head, but but know, maybe that's just my head, but but know, maybe that's just my head, but but as I read it for you, I'm going to add as I read it for you, I'm going to add as I read it for you, I'm going to add my own little gasps at certain points so my own little gasps at certain points so my own little gasps at certain points so that you understand that those are that you understand that those are that you understand that those are shocking moments or ironic moments. shocking moments or ironic moments. shocking moments or ironic moments. [snorts] Now, they're not in the Bible, [snorts] Now, they're not in the Bible, [snorts] Now, they're not in the Bible, but that's how story works. It engages but that's how story works. It engages but that's how story works. It engages you emotionally. So, let me read this to you emotionally. So, let me read this to you emotionally. So, let me read this to you a little bit interpretively. Verse you a little bit interpretively. Verse you a little bit interpretively. Verse four, four, four, but the Lord hurled a great wind on the but the Lord hurled a great wind on the but the Lord hurled a great wind on the sea.

sea. sea. There was such a great storm in the sea There was such a great storm in the sea There was such a great storm in the sea that the ship threatened to break up. that the ship threatened to break up. that the ship threatened to break up. The sailors were in fear. The sailors were in fear. The sailors were in fear. So each cried out to his own god, and So each cried out to his own god, and So each cried out to his own god, and they hurled the ship's cargo into the they hurled the ship's cargo into the they hurled the ship's cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. sea to lighten the ship. sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone down below into the But Jonah had gone down below into the But Jonah had gone down below into the hold of the ship. He had laid down and hold of the ship. He had laid down and hold of the ship. He had laid down and he'd fallen sound asleep. he'd fallen sound asleep. he'd fallen sound asleep. What? So the captain approached him and he So the captain approached him and he said, "How is it that you're asleep? said, "How is it that you're asleep? said, "How is it that you're asleep? Get up. Get up. Get up. Cry out to your God. Perhaps your God Cry out to your God. Perhaps your God Cry out to your God. Perhaps your God will be concerned about us so that we will be concerned about us so that we will be concerned about us so that we will not perish. will not perish. will not perish. Interesting. The sailors said to one another, "Come, The sailors said to one another, "Come, let us cast lots so we may find out on let us cast lots so we may find out on let us cast lots so we may find out on whose account this calamity has come whose account this calamity has come whose account this calamity has come upon us." [snorts] upon us." [snorts] upon us." [snorts] So they cast lots and the lot fell on So they cast lots and the lot fell on So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.

Jonah. Jonah. Huh. Huh. Huh. They said to him, "Tell us now on whose They said to him, "Tell us now on whose They said to him, "Tell us now on whose account has this calamity come upon us. account has this calamity come upon us. account has this calamity come upon us. What is your occupation and where do you What is your occupation and where do you What is your occupation and where do you come from? What is your country? From come from? What is your country? From come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" what people are you?" what people are you?" He said to them, "I am a Hebrew He said to them, "I am a Hebrew He said to them, "I am a Hebrew and I fear the Lord God of heaven who and I fear the Lord God of heaven who and I fear the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land." made the sea and the dry land." made the sea and the dry land." Really? Then the men became extremely fearful. Then the men became extremely fearful. They said to him, "How could you do They said to him, "How could you do They said to him, "How could you do this?" [snorts] this?" [snorts] this?" [snorts] For the men knew that he was fleeing For the men knew that he was fleeing For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord because he from the presence of the Lord because he from the presence of the Lord because he had told them. So they said to him, had told them. So they said to him, had told them. So they said to him, "What should we do to you that the sea "What should we do to you that the sea "What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us? For the sea was may become calm for us? For the sea was may become calm for us? For the sea was becoming worse and worse." becoming worse and worse." becoming worse and worse." And he said, "Pick me up and throw me And he said, "Pick me up and throw me And he said, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea.

into the sea. into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, Then the sea will become calm for you, Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me, this for I know that on account of me, this for I know that on account of me, this great storm has come upon you." great storm has come upon you." great storm has come upon you." However, the men tried to row to return However, the men tried to row to return However, the men tried to row to return to dry land. to dry land. to dry land. Now, that's interesting. Now, that's interesting. Now, that's interesting. But they couldn't, for the sea kept But they couldn't, for the sea kept But they couldn't, for the sea kept getting worse and worse. So they cried getting worse and worse. So they cried getting worse and worse. So they cried out to the Lord and said, "Oh Lord, out to the Lord and said, "Oh Lord, out to the Lord and said, "Oh Lord, please do not do not let us perish on please do not do not let us perish on please do not do not let us perish on account of this man's life. Do not hold account of this man's life. Do not hold account of this man's life. Do not hold us guilty of shedding innocent blood. us guilty of shedding innocent blood. us guilty of shedding innocent blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as you have For you, oh Lord, have done as you have For you, oh Lord, have done as you have pleased." pleased." pleased." So they picked Jonah up. They hurled him So they picked Jonah up. They hurled him So they picked Jonah up. They hurled him into the sea, into the sea, into the sea, and the sea stopped raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly and Then the men feared the Lord greatly and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.

made vows. made vows. What? And the Lord appointed a great fish to And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah. [laughter] That's drama. That's drama. That's intense drama. That's a good That's intense drama. That's a good That's intense drama. That's a good story. So, here's how we're going to story. So, here's how we're going to story. So, here's how we're going to unpack this because there's a lot there. unpack this because there's a lot there. unpack this because there's a lot there. When I was a little boy in Sunday school When I was a little boy in Sunday school When I was a little boy in Sunday school and I first heard the story of Jonah, it and I first heard the story of Jonah, it and I first heard the story of Jonah, it was through the high techch was through the high techch was through the high techch highresolution media device called the highresolution media device called the highresolution media device called the flannel graph. flannel graph. flannel graph. Some of you obviously have heard of it. Some of you obviously have heard of it. Some of you obviously have heard of it. Us cool kids called it the sticky board Us cool kids called it the sticky board Us cool kids called it the sticky board cuz that's what happened, right? If you cuz that's what happened, right? If you cuz that's what happened, right? If you remember, a story is being told by remember, a story is being told by remember, a story is being told by putting character cutouts onto a felt putting character cutouts onto a felt putting character cutouts onto a felt board. They would stick on there and board. They would stick on there and board. They would stick on there and we'd go, "Whoa!" Very [snorts] high tech stuff at the Very [snorts] high tech stuff at the time. So high-tech that us kids, we were time. So high-tech that us kids, we were time. So high-tech that us kids, we were not allowed to touch the character not allowed to touch the character not allowed to touch the character cutouts. That was only for the highly cutouts. That was only for the highly cutouts. That was only for the highly trained teachers to touch.

trained teachers to touch. trained teachers to touch. In my head, the the the flannelraph In my head, the the the flannelraph In my head, the the the flannelraph really is the mother of Silicon Valley. really is the mother of Silicon Valley. really is the mother of Silicon Valley. It's the precursor that birthed the It's the precursor that birthed the It's the precursor that birthed the inspiration for flat screen TVs today inspiration for flat screen TVs today inspiration for flat screen TVs today and it replaced the the the previous and it replaced the the the previous and it replaced the the the previous king of high- techch puppets. Now, I was gripped. I mean, Jonah's Now, I was gripped. I mean, Jonah's story being presented to me as a little story being presented to me as a little story being presented to me as a little boy and in our Sunday school classes boy and in our Sunday school classes boy and in our Sunday school classes 60in high-res flat screen flannel graph 60in high-res flat screen flannel graph 60in high-res flat screen flannel graph grabbed me. It grabbed me. I I I I've grabbed me. It grabbed me. I I I I've grabbed me. It grabbed me. I I I I've never forgotten those character cutouts. never forgotten those character cutouts. never forgotten those character cutouts. In fact, Jonah's face in the eye of my In fact, Jonah's face in the eye of my In fact, Jonah's face in the eye of my mind is that character cut out from way mind is that character cut out from way mind is that character cut out from way back then. So, for my sake, here's how back then. So, for my sake, here's how back then. So, for my sake, here's how we're going to unpack this. You're going we're going to unpack this. You're going we're going to unpack this. You're going to be my sticky board to be my sticky board to be my sticky board and I'm going to put three character and I'm going to put three character and I'm going to put three character cutouts under your face to today and cutouts under your face to today and cutouts under your face to today and after Easter so that we can understand after Easter so that we can understand after Easter so that we can understand the three major characters that are in the three major characters that are in the three major characters that are in this scene. There are three major this scene. There are three major this scene. There are three major characters here that that that God is characters here that that that God is characters here that that that God is speaking through so that we understand speaking through so that we understand speaking through so that we understand how to align our heart to his will from how to align our heart to his will from how to align our heart to his will from the story of Jonah. Now, today we're the story of Jonah. Now, today we're the story of Jonah. Now, today we're only going to deal with one.

only going to deal with one. only going to deal with one. Character cutout number one. So, here it Character cutout number one. So, here it Character cutout number one. So, here it is. Today, you're going to meet is. Today, you're going to meet is. Today, you're going to meet character cutout number one, the secular character cutout number one, the secular character cutout number one, the secular sailors. sailors. sailors. The secular sailors. I'm going to hop The secular sailors. I'm going to hop The secular sailors. I'm going to hop around the scene. We're going to sort of around the scene. We're going to sort of around the scene. We're going to sort of selectively work our way down it so that selectively work our way down it so that selectively work our way down it so that I can show you the story from their I can show you the story from their I can show you the story from their perspective, from the perspective of perspective, from the perspective of perspective, from the perspective of these pagan sailors, because they're the these pagan sailors, because they're the these pagan sailors, because they're the the focus of a lot of attention here. the focus of a lot of attention here. the focus of a lot of attention here. sustained attention in in this scene is sustained attention in in this scene is sustained attention in in this scene is really on them really on them really on them because God is is delivering a message because God is is delivering a message because God is is delivering a message through through who and what they embody through through who and what they embody through through who and what they embody as they interact with Jonah on this ship as they interact with Jonah on this ship as they interact with Jonah on this ship in light of this storm. God speaks in light of this storm. God speaks in light of this storm. God speaks through them essentially. through them essentially. through them essentially. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] So I want you to listen up and and to So I want you to listen up and and to So I want you to listen up and and to make the connections. Now go to verse 5. make the connections. Now go to verse 5. make the connections. Now go to verse 5. Verse five is where they are introduced. Verse five is where they are introduced. Verse five is where they are introduced. Remember verse four, we read about this Remember verse four, we read about this Remember verse four, we read about this huge storm. And then in verse five, we huge storm. And then in verse five, we huge storm. And then in verse five, we meet these sailors for the first time.

meet these sailors for the first time. meet these sailors for the first time. The sailors were in fear. The sailors were in fear. The sailors were in fear. So each cried out to his own god. And So each cried out to his own god. And So each cried out to his own god. And they hurled the ship's cargo into the they hurled the ship's cargo into the they hurled the ship's cargo into the sea to lighten the ship so that it sea to lighten the ship so that it sea to lighten the ship so that it doesn't sink. doesn't sink. doesn't sink. So when we meet them right right very So when we meet them right right very So when we meet them right right very early on in this story we we meet them early on in this story we we meet them early on in this story we we meet them through through the avenue of of three through through the avenue of of three through through the avenue of of three descriptions that are made concerning descriptions that are made concerning descriptions that are made concerning these sailors at that point in verse 5. these sailors at that point in verse 5. these sailors at that point in verse 5. And these are three descriptions that And these are three descriptions that And these are three descriptions that that kind of follow them all the way that kind of follow them all the way that kind of follow them all the way through this scene. It's kind of like through this scene. It's kind of like through this scene. It's kind of like the path that they walk all the way down the path that they walk all the way down the path that they walk all the way down this scene. this scene. this scene. These men, they know storms. They're These men, they know storms. They're These men, they know storms. They're sailors. They're seasoned sailors. sailors. They're seasoned sailors. sailors. They're seasoned sailors. Yes, they don't have Doppler radars and Yes, they don't have Doppler radars and Yes, they don't have Doppler radars and weather satellites like like our sailors weather satellites like like our sailors weather satellites like like our sailors and forecasters have, but but they know and forecasters have, but but they know and forecasters have, but but they know when a wave is dangerously high. when a wave is dangerously high. when a wave is dangerously high. And they know when the when the sky has And they know when the when the sky has And they know when the when the sky has got dangerously dark in the middle of got dangerously dark in the middle of got dangerously dark in the middle of the day and when the wind is dangerously the day and when the wind is dangerously the day and when the wind is dangerously too strong.

too strong. too strong. They know that this storm has come upon They know that this storm has come upon They know that this storm has come upon them and and and it's not the season for them and and and it's not the season for them and and and it's not the season for storms. We wouldn't be out at sea if it storms. We wouldn't be out at sea if it storms. We wouldn't be out at sea if it were. So, they know something's up. They were. So, they know something's up. They were. So, they know something's up. They know something's different. know something's different. know something's different. They know that they're at death's door. They know that they're at death's door. They know that they're at death's door. They know that they're facing the They know that they're facing the They know that they're facing the reality of of impending doom and death reality of of impending doom and death reality of of impending doom and death in the next few hours unless something in the next few hours unless something in the next few hours unless something else happens. And so, number one, else happens. And so, number one, else happens. And so, number one, they're in a panic. Look at verse five. they're in a panic. Look at verse five. they're in a panic. Look at verse five. They're in fear. They're in a panic. They're in fear. They're in a panic. They're in fear. They're in a panic. They're gripped by fear. When sailors They're gripped by fear. When sailors They're gripped by fear. When sailors panic at sea, it's time to panic. Number two, they pray. Verse 5 tells us Number two, they pray. Verse 5 tells us that they cry out to their false gods. that they cry out to their false gods. that they cry out to their false gods. They they they pray. Of course they do. They they they pray. Of course they do. They they they pray. Of course they do. Who else would they call out to in in in Who else would they call out to in in in Who else would they call out to in in in this situation? their accountant, this situation? their accountant, this situation? their accountant, their lawyer, their lawyer, their lawyer, their wealth manager, HR. Who are they their wealth manager, HR. Who are they their wealth manager, HR. Who are they going to call to? This is not the time going to call to? This is not the time going to call to? This is not the time either to rehearse all the intellectual either to rehearse all the intellectual either to rehearse all the intellectual and smart arguments that you have had and smart arguments that you have had and smart arguments that you have had over the years concerning the the the over the years concerning the the the over the years concerning the the the reason for the non-existence of the reason for the non-existence of the reason for the non-existence of the gods.

gods. gods. When you're in the face o of staring in When you're in the face o of staring in When you're in the face o of staring in the face of death like they are here, the face of death like they are here, the face of death like they are here, you pray. There's no atheist in the you pray. There's no atheist in the you pray. There's no atheist in the foxhole, right? It's time to pray to foxhole, right? It's time to pray to foxhole, right? It's time to pray to whatever God's mom told each one of whatever God's mom told each one of whatever God's mom told each one of these guys about when they were little these guys about when they were little these guys about when they were little boys at home dreaming about one day boys at home dreaming about one day boys at home dreaming about one day being mariners. being mariners. being mariners. So, they panic. Verse 5 tells us they So, they panic. Verse 5 tells us they So, they panic. Verse 5 tells us they pray to all the gods available to them. pray to all the gods available to them. pray to all the gods available to them. Verse 5 tells us, "And then they also Verse 5 tells us, "And then they also Verse 5 tells us, "And then they also get practical. get practical. get practical. They begin to hurl all the cargo off the They begin to hurl all the cargo off the They begin to hurl all the cargo off the ship so that it doesn't sink. ship so that it doesn't sink. ship so that it doesn't sink. Stuff means nothing when you're about to Stuff means nothing when you're about to Stuff means nothing when you're about to die." So those three components become sort of So those three components become sort of like the path that these guys walk all like the path that these guys walk all like the path that these guys walk all the way down this scene in chapter 1. the way down this scene in chapter 1. the way down this scene in chapter 1. They panic, they pray, they get They panic, they pray, they get They panic, they pray, they get practical. Now, let me show you that. practical. Now, let me show you that. practical. Now, let me show you that. Look at verse six. Look at verse six. Look at verse six. In verse six, one of the sailors emerges In verse six, one of the sailors emerges In verse six, one of the sailors emerges uh from the rest and begins to interact.

uh from the rest and begins to interact. uh from the rest and begins to interact. Uh Captain Pagan, Uh Captain Pagan, Uh Captain Pagan, he gets panicked, of course, as well. he gets panicked, of course, as well. he gets panicked, of course, as well. And he gets practical. He's he's And he gets practical. He's he's And he gets practical. He's he's presumably been leading this ecumenical presumably been leading this ecumenical presumably been leading this ecumenical pagan prayer meeting to the gods. Have pagan prayer meeting to the gods. Have pagan prayer meeting to the gods. Have everybody on deck, everybody hold hands. everybody on deck, everybody hold hands. everybody on deck, everybody hold hands. Let's all cry out to all the gods. any Let's all cry out to all the gods. any Let's all cry out to all the gods. any gods. Get them all together. He probably gods. Get them all together. He probably gods. Get them all together. He probably hoisted up the mast, the coexist flag. hoisted up the mast, the coexist flag. hoisted up the mast, the coexist flag. Let's get all the religions together Let's get all the religions together Let's get all the religions together here to match the bumper sticker on the here to match the bumper sticker on the here to match the bumper sticker on the boat, I presume. Get all the gods together, guys, and Get all the gods together, guys, and let's pray for salvation. let's pray for salvation. let's pray for salvation. But but someone on board doesn't seem to But but someone on board doesn't seem to But but someone on board doesn't seem to be coexisting with them. Someone isn't cooperating with with the Someone isn't cooperating with with the captain's plans. captain's plans. captain's plans. Instead, he is snoring his head off down Instead, he is snoring his head off down Instead, he is snoring his head off down below, below, below, fast asleep. So, verse six, we we see fast asleep. So, verse six, we we see fast asleep. So, verse six, we we see the captain. The captain approached him, the captain. The captain approached him, the captain. The captain approached him, meaning approached Jonah, and he said, meaning approached Jonah, and he said, meaning approached Jonah, and he said, "How is it that you're sleeping? Get up.

"How is it that you're sleeping? Get up. "How is it that you're sleeping? Get up. Cry out to your God. Cry out to your God. Cry out to your God. Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps Your God will be concerned about us. Your God will be concerned about us. Your God will be concerned about us. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] The the language there is perhaps your The the language there is perhaps your The the language there is perhaps your God will think about us. Perhaps your God will think about us. Perhaps your God will think about us. Perhaps your God snorer will will will look at us, God snorer will will will look at us, God snorer will will will look at us, take pity on us, notice us so that we take pity on us, notice us so that we take pity on us, notice us so that we will not perish. will not perish. will not perish. This is all told, verse six is told in a This is all told, verse six is told in a This is all told, verse six is told in a way that is supposed to expose the way that is supposed to expose the way that is supposed to expose the ridiculousness of Jonah's behavior here. ridiculousness of Jonah's behavior here. ridiculousness of Jonah's behavior here. fast asleep fast asleep fast asleep when death's knocking on everybody's when death's knocking on everybody's when death's knocking on everybody's door. door. door. Even a pagan sailor knows when it's time Even a pagan sailor knows when it's time Even a pagan sailor knows when it's time to talk to God. to talk to God. to talk to God. There's an old story I heard years ago There's an old story I heard years ago There's an old story I heard years ago of a sailor who lived up to the sailor of a sailor who lived up to the sailor of a sailor who lived up to the sailor reputation, right? He was a blasphemer, reputation, right? He was a blasphemer, reputation, right? He was a blasphemer, no thought for God, foilemouthed, loosed no thought for God, foilemouthed, loosed no thought for God, foilemouthed, loosed in his living, an absolute drunk. But he in his living, an absolute drunk. But he in his living, an absolute drunk. But he was on watch one night way up the mast was on watch one night way up the mast was on watch one night way up the mast in the crow's nest and a storm came in in the crow's nest and a storm came in in the crow's nest and a storm came in and he fell but his foot got entangled and he fell but his foot got entangled and he fell but his foot got entangled in a in a rope and so he was dangling in a in a rope and so he was dangling in a in a rope and so he was dangling over the deck and out over the sea over the deck and out over the sea over the deck and out over the sea and he was afraid of course and another and he was afraid of course and another and he was afraid of course and another fellow sailor kind of walked by and and fellow sailor kind of walked by and and fellow sailor kind of walked by and and heard him screaming, "Help me Lord, help heard him screaming, "Help me Lord, help heard him screaming, "Help me Lord, help me Lord, help me Lord." So the fellow me Lord, help me Lord." So the fellow me Lord, help me Lord." So the fellow sailor said to him, "I thought you were sailor said to him, "I thought you were sailor said to him, "I thought you were an atheist.

an atheist. an atheist. Why are you calling on God if you don't Why are you calling on God if you don't Why are you calling on God if you don't believe there is one? believe there is one? believe there is one? To which the distressed sailor To which the distressed sailor To which the distressed sailor responded, "If there isn't a God, there responded, "If there isn't a God, there responded, "If there isn't a God, there should be one for times like this." Unbelievable how circumstances will Unbelievable how circumstances will change your perspective or bring you to change your perspective or bring you to change your perspective or bring you to your senses, your senses, your senses, open your eyes to reality. And so even a open your eyes to reality. And so even a open your eyes to reality. And so even a pagan sailor here knows when it's time pagan sailor here knows when it's time pagan sailor here knows when it's time to talk to God. So the captain says to to talk to God. So the captain says to to talk to God. So the captain says to the preacher, ironically, it's time to the preacher, ironically, it's time to the preacher, ironically, it's time to pray, not to sleep. When when he asks when he says that, I I When when he asks when he says that, I I think of of Jesus in the garden of think of of Jesus in the garden of think of of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane when he approaches the Gethsemane when he approaches the Gethsemane when he approaches the disciples who are supposed to be praying disciples who are supposed to be praying disciples who are supposed to be praying and he says to them, "Could you not keep and he says to them, "Could you not keep and he says to them, "Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? Don't miss the intended irony here in Don't miss the intended irony here in Jonah. We have a pagan captain calling Jonah. We have a pagan captain calling Jonah. We have a pagan captain calling on God's preacher to return to God on God's preacher to return to God on God's preacher to return to God through prayer.

through prayer. through prayer. That's remarkable to me. Now, pray for That's remarkable to me. Now, pray for That's remarkable to me. Now, pray for what? The captain pagan is quite the what? The captain pagan is quite the what? The captain pagan is quite the theologian. He says this essentially. theologian. He says this essentially. theologian. He says this essentially. Pray for salvation. Pray that we will Pray for salvation. Pray that we will Pray for salvation. Pray that we will not perish. not perish. not perish. pray because perhaps your God, Jonah, pray because perhaps your God, Jonah, pray because perhaps your God, Jonah, perhaps your God will be concerned, perhaps your God will be concerned, perhaps your God will be concerned, will take notice, will think about us, will take notice, will think about us, will take notice, will think about us, will have compassion for us. will have compassion for us. will have compassion for us. Your God, Jonah, might be the God who's Your God, Jonah, might be the God who's Your God, Jonah, might be the God who's willing to save and who's willing to willing to save and who's willing to willing to save and who's willing to show some compassion for us. Would you show some compassion for us. Would you show some compassion for us. Would you please get up and start praying? please get up and start praying? please get up and start praying? Your God might be the God who cares. Your God might be the God who cares. Your God might be the God who cares. Now look at verse seven. Now look at verse seven. Now look at verse seven. Remember the sailors are in prayer, but Remember the sailors are in prayer, but Remember the sailors are in prayer, but they're also being very practical. And they're also being very practical. And they're also being very practical. And so they get off their knees here and so they get off their knees here and so they get off their knees here and they get practical again. Come, let us they get practical again. Come, let us they get practical again. Come, let us cast lots so we may find out on whose cast lots so we may find out on whose cast lots so we may find out on whose account this calamity has come upon us.

account this calamity has come upon us. account this calamity has come upon us. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] They're they're trying to diagnose the They're they're trying to diagnose the They're they're trying to diagnose the problem here. They're trying to figure problem here. They're trying to figure problem here. They're trying to figure out life a and life in light of the out life a and life in light of the out life a and life in light of the distress that has entered into their distress that has entered into their distress that has entered into their life. There must be something that we life. There must be something that we life. There must be something that we can do to change the outcome. So they cast lots. So they cast lots. And in God's kindness, he allows these And in God's kindness, he allows these And in God's kindness, he allows these pagans to and their system, their lot pagans to and their system, their lot pagans to and their system, their lot system to work. system to work. system to work. For in verse 7, we're told the lot fell For in verse 7, we're told the lot fell For in verse 7, we're told the lot fell on Jonah. on Jonah. on Jonah. Now, [snorts] this must have been a Now, [snorts] this must have been a Now, [snorts] this must have been a really awkward moment. really awkward moment. really awkward moment. In my head, I see all the heads turning In my head, I see all the heads turning In my head, I see all the heads turning towards the snorer towards the snorer towards the snorer that no one particularly likes that no one particularly likes that no one particularly likes as he sort of shrugs his shoulders and as he sort of shrugs his shoulders and as he sort of shrugs his shoulders and waves at them and says, "Whoops." But the storm still rages.

But the storm still rages. They've diagnosed the problem, but the They've diagnosed the problem, but the They've diagnosed the problem, but the storm's still threatening to sink the storm's still threatening to sink the storm's still threatening to sink the ship and take their lives from them. So, ship and take their lives from them. So, ship and take their lives from them. So, their practicality continues, and it their practicality continues, and it their practicality continues, and it takes the form of an interrogation in takes the form of an interrogation in takes the form of an interrogation in verse 8. Look at verse 8. verse 8. Look at verse 8. verse 8. Look at verse 8. They're desperately seeking truth here They're desperately seeking truth here They're desperately seeking truth here so that they can respond to this God so that they can respond to this God so that they can respond to this God that they do not know in keeping with that they do not know in keeping with that they do not know in keeping with the ways of this God that they do not the ways of this God that they do not the ways of this God that they do not know. So they ask five questions. On know. So they ask five questions. On know. So they ask five questions. On whose account has this calamity come whose account has this calamity come whose account has this calamity come upon us? What is your occupation? Where upon us? What is your occupation? Where upon us? What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? do you come from? What is your country? do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you rapid fire From what people are you rapid fire From what people are you rapid fire questions which capture their questions which capture their questions which capture their desperation as they search for answers. desperation as they search for answers. desperation as they search for answers. We need answers. We need answers. We need answers. Now Junah tells them in verse 9, Now Junah tells them in verse 9, Now Junah tells them in verse 9, we'll look at it another time, but he we'll look at it another time, but he we'll look at it another time, but he tells them in verse 9, he essentially tells them in verse 9, he essentially tells them in verse 9, he essentially says to them that he fears. The language says to them that he fears. The language says to them that he fears. The language there speaks of worship. He fears or he there speaks of worship. He fears or he there speaks of worship. He fears or he worships Yahweh, the God of the sea and worships Yahweh, the God of the sea and worships Yahweh, the God of the sea and the land.

And that increases their panic. And that increases their panic. Now let me explain to you these these Now let me explain to you these these Now let me explain to you these these sailors are likely very likely sailors are likely very likely sailors are likely very likely Phoenician sailors. Phoenician sailors. Phoenician sailors. So these men come from a part of of the So these men come from a part of of the So these men come from a part of of the world that's that's very close to world that's that's very close to world that's that's very close to Israel. What you and I today would would Israel. What you and I today would would Israel. What you and I today would would call modern day Lebanon. call modern day Lebanon. call modern day Lebanon. And Phoenician sailors were known for And Phoenician sailors were known for And Phoenician sailors were known for spreading culture right across the spreading culture right across the spreading culture right across the Mediterranean. Mediterranean. Mediterranean. They're culture planters as it were. They're culture planters as it were. They're culture planters as it were. And so they've heard of the God of the And so they've heard of the God of the And so they've heard of the God of the Israelites, Yahweh. They they've heard Israelites, Yahweh. They they've heard Israelites, Yahweh. They they've heard because they're right there that the God because they're right there that the God because they're right there that the God of the Israelites is the God who who of the Israelites is the God who who of the Israelites is the God who who defeated the superpower of the Egyptians defeated the superpower of the Egyptians defeated the superpower of the Egyptians some centuries ago. And and then he some centuries ago. And and then he some centuries ago. And and then he defeated the Canaanites. And then he defeated the Canaanites. And then he defeated the Canaanites. And then he defeated the Philistines. A and then he defeated the Philistines. A and then he defeated the Philistines. A and then he established the house of David. And established the house of David. And established the house of David. And David had a son called Solomon who ruled David had a son called Solomon who ruled David had a son called Solomon who ruled all of this land. In fact, he used to all of this land. In fact, he used to all of this land. In fact, he used to trade with our ancestors for for logs trade with our ancestors for for logs trade with our ancestors for for logs and materials to build his palaces. Even and materials to build his palaces. Even and materials to build his palaces. Even their temple was built by Phoenician or their temple was built by Phoenician or their temple was built by Phoenician or Lebanese Lebanese Lebanese products.

products. products. They've heard all the stories about that They've heard all the stories about that They've heard all the stories about that god and it's sort of been in one ear, god and it's sort of been in one ear, god and it's sort of been in one ear, out the other ear. It's just another out the other ear. It's just another out the other ear. It's just another god. So what? But here we have a guy that tells us But here we have a guy that tells us that his God Yahweh that his God Yahweh that his God Yahweh is the God of the sea. We didn't know is the God of the sea. We didn't know is the God of the sea. We didn't know that. That increases their panic. Look at That increases their panic. Look at verse 10. Then the men became extremely verse 10. Then the men became extremely verse 10. Then the men became extremely fearful fearful fearful and said to him, "How could you do this? and said to him, "How could you do this? and said to him, "How could you do this? How could you do this?" [snorts] How could you do this?" [snorts] How could you do this?" [snorts] For the men knew that he was fleeing For the men knew that he was fleeing For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord because he from the presence of the Lord because he from the presence of the Lord because he had told them. That little parenthetical had told them. That little parenthetical had told them. That little parenthetical thought there is supposed to give you a thought there is supposed to give you a thought there is supposed to give you a heads up that they knew he was fleeing heads up that they knew he was fleeing heads up that they knew he was fleeing their God, but he didn't know that he their God, but he didn't know that he their God, but he didn't know that he was fleeing the God of the sea on the was fleeing the God of the sea on the was fleeing the God of the sea on the sea. sea. sea. It's ridiculous. Who would run from the God of the sea by Who would run from the God of the sea by getting onto a boat?

getting onto a boat? getting onto a boat? Even limited Even limited Even limited pagan pagan pagan secular sailors know that that doesn't secular sailors know that that doesn't secular sailors know that that doesn't make sense. That's absurd. The practicality and panic continue. The practicality and panic continue. They don't know what to do with this God They don't know what to do with this God They don't know what to do with this God because they don't know this God because they don't know this God because they don't know this God personally. They don't know his ways. personally. They don't know his ways. personally. They don't know his ways. They don't know how he operates. They They don't know how he operates. They They don't know how he operates. They don't know what he wants. So they turned don't know what he wants. So they turned don't know what he wants. So they turned to their preacher who does and they to their preacher who does and they to their preacher who does and they asked him verse 11, "What should we do asked him verse 11, "What should we do asked him verse 11, "What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for to you that the sea may become calm for to you that the sea may become calm for us? For the sea was becoming worse and us? For the sea was becoming worse and us? For the sea was becoming worse and worse. Tell us what to do. Tell us what worse. Tell us what to do. Tell us what worse. Tell us what to do. Tell us what to do." Their prayers to their gods in to do." Their prayers to their gods in to do." Their prayers to their gods in verse 5 didn't work. verse 5 didn't work. verse 5 didn't work. Their diagnosis of the problem and Their diagnosis of the problem and Their diagnosis of the problem and finding the culprit, the cause of the finding the culprit, the cause of the finding the culprit, the cause of the problem didn't work. problem didn't work. problem didn't work. Even arriving at at at the truth that Even arriving at at at the truth that Even arriving at at at the truth that that this man's God is the God of the that this man's God is the God of the that this man's God is the God of the sea hasn't calmed the sea. They're still sea hasn't calmed the sea. They're still sea hasn't calmed the sea. They're still short of salvation. There's no peace.

short of salvation. There's no peace. short of salvation. There's no peace. There's no calm yet. They need to know There's no calm yet. They need to know There's no calm yet. They need to know what to do. what to do. what to do. We don't know Yahweh. We don't know what We don't know Yahweh. We don't know what We don't know Yahweh. We don't know what he wants. But you do, preacher, so tell he wants. But you do, preacher, so tell he wants. But you do, preacher, so tell us what to do. Now Jonah tells him what us what to do. Now Jonah tells him what us what to do. Now Jonah tells him what to do. Again, we'll look at this another to do. Again, we'll look at this another to do. Again, we'll look at this another time, but in verse 12, he basically time, but in verse 12, he basically time, but in verse 12, he basically says, "Throw me in the water. says, "Throw me in the water. says, "Throw me in the water. Throw me in." Throw me in." Throw me in." That's it. But look at verse 13. They That's it. But look at verse 13. They That's it. But look at verse 13. They don't want to do that. don't want to do that. don't want to do that. They don't want to throw a man into the They don't want to throw a man into the They don't want to throw a man into the water. water. water. They don't like Jonah in his Hawaiian They don't like Jonah in his Hawaiian They don't like Jonah in his Hawaiian shirt sleeping below deck when they're shirt sleeping below deck when they're shirt sleeping below deck when they're all desperately trying to invoke the all desperately trying to invoke the all desperately trying to invoke the gods. But they don't want to kill him. gods. But they don't want to kill him. gods. But they don't want to kill him. They want to save him. They want to save him. They want to save him. What I'm trying to get you to understand What I'm trying to get you to understand What I'm trying to get you to understand is that you're you're supposed to is that you're you're supposed to is that you're you're supposed to intentionally detect that there is an intentionally detect that there is an intentionally detect that there is an element of compassion in these pagan element of compassion in these pagan element of compassion in these pagan sailor's hearts. sailor's hearts. sailor's hearts. Concern for another one. Compassion for Concern for another one. Compassion for Concern for another one. Compassion for for this snoring runaway preacher who for this snoring runaway preacher who for this snoring runaway preacher who has put all of their lives at risk.

has put all of their lives at risk. has put all of their lives at risk. Very ironic. So they do their best to Very ironic. So they do their best to Very ironic. So they do their best to save him. Verse 13, the men tried to row save him. Verse 13, the men tried to row save him. Verse 13, the men tried to row to return to dry land, but they could to return to dry land, but they could to return to dry land, but they could not, not, not, for the sea kept getting worse and for the sea kept getting worse and for the sea kept getting worse and worse. [snorts] The word there for row is very visual. The word there for row is very visual. It actually speaks of digging It actually speaks of digging It actually speaks of digging desperately. desperately. desperately. They're digging desperately, digging They're digging desperately, digging They're digging desperately, digging their oars into the sea, desperately their oars into the sea, desperately their oars into the sea, desperately trying to make it back to dry land so trying to make it back to dry land so trying to make it back to dry land so that they can put this man on the path that they can put this man on the path that they can put this man on the path to get him back on mission with his God. to get him back on mission with his God. to get him back on mission with his God. They try and they try and they try and They try and they try and they try and They try and they try and they try and they row and they row and they row, but they row and they row and they row, but they row and they row and they row, but it gets worse and worse and worse. it gets worse and worse and worse. it gets worse and worse and worse. their effort, their rowing, all their their effort, their rowing, all their their effort, their rowing, all their panic, all their praying to their false panic, all their praying to their false panic, all their praying to their false gods, all their practical solutions gods, all their practical solutions gods, all their practical solutions won't save them. Doesn't save them. won't save them. Doesn't save them. won't save them. Doesn't save them. Doesn't get them to safe. Shores shores Doesn't get them to safe. Shores shores Doesn't get them to safe. Shores shores salvation isn't inching any closer as a salvation isn't inching any closer as a salvation isn't inching any closer as a result of their personal rowing. Even if result of their personal rowing. Even if result of their personal rowing. Even if it's filled with compassion and goodness it's filled with compassion and goodness it's filled with compassion and goodness for the sake of another life, that for the sake of another life, that for the sake of another life, that doesn't save them.

doesn't save them. doesn't save them. That's not how this God works. That's That's not how this God works. That's That's not how this God works. That's not how Yahweh works. not how Yahweh works. not how Yahweh works. So we arrive at the climactic point of So we arrive at the climactic point of So we arrive at the climactic point of of the story for this character cutout of the story for this character cutout of the story for this character cutout verses 14- 16. The time has come to talk verses 14- 16. The time has come to talk verses 14- 16. The time has come to talk to the real God. to the real God. to the real God. We know they know how to pray. They just We know they know how to pray. They just We know they know how to pray. They just haven't talked to the real God. haven't talked to the real God. haven't talked to the real God. This is part of their path that develops This is part of their path that develops This is part of their path that develops here at the end for the first time. here at the end for the first time. here at the end for the first time. They turned to Yahweh. Look at verse 14. They turned to Yahweh. Look at verse 14. They turned to Yahweh. Look at verse 14. So they, the sailors, captain pagan and So they, the sailors, captain pagan and So they, the sailors, captain pagan and all, cried out to the Lord. all, cried out to the Lord. all, cried out to the Lord. The Lord should be capitalized in your The Lord should be capitalized in your The Lord should be capitalized in your copy of the scriptures here to speak or copy of the scriptures here to speak or copy of the scriptures here to speak or to stand in for the word Yahweh. This is to stand in for the word Yahweh. This is to stand in for the word Yahweh. This is Israel's God. This is Yahweh. Israel's God. This is Yahweh. Israel's God. This is Yahweh. So they cried out to Yahweh. So they cried out to Yahweh. So they cried out to Yahweh. Oh Yahweh, God, please do not let us Oh Yahweh, God, please do not let us Oh Yahweh, God, please do not let us perish on account of this man's life. Do perish on account of this man's life. Do perish on account of this man's life. Do not hold us guilty of shedding innocent not hold us guilty of shedding innocent not hold us guilty of shedding innocent blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as you have pleased. What they're saying you have pleased. What they're saying you have pleased. What they're saying is, you've done right by you, God.

is, you've done right by you, God. is, you've done right by you, God. But please do not hold us accountable But please do not hold us accountable But please do not hold us accountable for the life of this man who's rebelled for the life of this man who's rebelled for the life of this man who's rebelled against you if we throw him into the against you if we throw him into the against you if we throw him into the sea. You can sense the the the the sea. You can sense the the the the sea. You can sense the the the the compassion still there. They want to do compassion still there. They want to do compassion still there. They want to do right by this God. right by this God. right by this God. They're crying out for salvation from They're crying out for salvation from They're crying out for salvation from the one that they now know can save. And the one that they now know can save. And the one that they now know can save. And they're crying out that he will not hold they're crying out that he will not hold they're crying out that he will not hold against them what his prophet, his against them what his prophet, his against them what his prophet, his preacher Jonah has told them to do. preacher Jonah has told them to do. preacher Jonah has told them to do. We don't want to hurl a man into the We don't want to hurl a man into the We don't want to hurl a man into the sea. But if that's what you want, God, sea. But if that's what you want, God, sea. But if that's what you want, God, that's what we're going to do. But that's what we're going to do. But that's what we're going to do. But please do not hold us accountable for please do not hold us accountable for please do not hold us accountable for this man's blood. this man's blood. this man's blood. They're essentially trusting what They're essentially trusting what They're essentially trusting what they've been told God wants. And so in they've been told God wants. And so in they've been told God wants. And so in verse 15, look what it says. They picked verse 15, look what it says. They picked verse 15, look what it says. They picked up Jonah. up Jonah. up Jonah. They hurled him into the sea and the sea They hurled him into the sea and the sea They hurled him into the sea and the sea and the sea stopped its raging.

and the sea stopped its raging. and the sea stopped its raging. The sea was calm. The sea was calm. The sea was calm. What you're meant to detect there is What you're meant to detect there is What you're meant to detect there is that Yahweh saved immediately. [snorts] that Yahweh saved immediately. [snorts] that Yahweh saved immediately. [snorts] Turning to Yahweh ended their panic. Turning to Yahweh ended their panic. Turning to Yahweh ended their panic. Turning to Yahweh in prayer did what all Turning to Yahweh in prayer did what all Turning to Yahweh in prayer did what all the useless prayers to the false gods the useless prayers to the false gods the useless prayers to the false gods couldn't do. couldn't do. couldn't do. Turning to Yahweh was the most practical Turning to Yahweh was the most practical Turning to Yahweh was the most practical doing that they could ever do to save doing that they could ever do to save doing that they could ever do to save themselves. Only Yahweh brought peace. themselves. Only Yahweh brought peace. themselves. Only Yahweh brought peace. Only God could save them. Only God could save them. Only God could save them. And they knew it. These men, [snorts] And they knew it. These men, [snorts] And they knew it. These men, [snorts] they no longer need to hear other they no longer need to hear other they no longer need to hear other testimonies o of Yahweh, God's testimonies o of Yahweh, God's testimonies o of Yahweh, God's involvement in history in the past as he involvement in history in the past as he involvement in history in the past as he delivered his people from the Egyptians, delivered his people from the Egyptians, delivered his people from the Egyptians, as he defeated the Canaanites, as he as he defeated the Canaanites, as he as he defeated the Canaanites, as he defeated the Philistines, etc., etc. defeated the Philistines, etc., etc. defeated the Philistines, etc., etc. They with their own eyes, in their own They with their own eyes, in their own They with their own eyes, in their own experience, have now witnessed God's experience, have now witnessed God's experience, have now witnessed God's salvation. They they've been the beneficiaries They they've been the beneficiaries o of the truth that this God does notice o of the truth that this God does notice o of the truth that this God does notice them.

them. them. This God does have thoughts of them. This God does have thoughts of them. This God does have thoughts of them. That this God is concerned about them. That this God is concerned about them. That this God is concerned about them. Had compassion on them. Had compassion on them. Had compassion on them. So verse 16 is beautiful. So verse 16 is beautiful. So verse 16 is beautiful. The sea is calm. They've turned to The sea is calm. They've turned to The sea is calm. They've turned to Yahweh. Look what it says. Then the men Yahweh. Look what it says. Then the men Yahweh. Look what it says. Then the men feared the Lord greatly feared the Lord greatly feared the Lord greatly and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they made vows to him. You see, in and they made vows to him. You see, in and they made vows to him. You see, in verse five, we're told that they cried verse five, we're told that they cried verse five, we're told that they cried out to false gods in fear. out to false gods in fear. out to false gods in fear. And in verse 10, we were told that they And in verse 10, we were told that they And in verse 10, we were told that they were extremely fearful when they came to were extremely fearful when they came to were extremely fearful when they came to know that this God is the God of the know that this God is the God of the know that this God is the God of the sea. sea. sea. But in verse 16, we're told that they But in verse 16, we're told that they But in verse 16, we're told that they fear a great fear. And that fear of of fear a great fear. And that fear of of fear a great fear. And that fear of of the Lord is a different type of fear. the Lord is a different type of fear. the Lord is a different type of fear. That that's a fear that the scriptures That that's a fear that the scriptures That that's a fear that the scriptures help us understand is now a commitment help us understand is now a commitment help us understand is now a commitment to God.

to God. to God. The Proverbs 1 vers7 says that the that The Proverbs 1 vers7 says that the that The Proverbs 1 vers7 says that the that the the beginning of wisdom, knowing how the the beginning of wisdom, knowing how the the beginning of wisdom, knowing how to do life well, is the fear of the to do life well, is the fear of the to do life well, is the fear of the Lord. is being in a relationship with Lord. is being in a relationship with Lord. is being in a relationship with God. That's what this fear means here. God. That's what this fear means here. God. That's what this fear means here. They've turned to God. They've they've They've turned to God. They've they've They've turned to God. They've they've exercised faith as it were in Yahweh. exercised faith as it were in Yahweh. exercised faith as it were in Yahweh. They're converted. These sailors, I They're converted. These sailors, I They're converted. These sailors, I believe, given the way the story is believe, given the way the story is believe, given the way the story is told, have experienced saving faith. told, have experienced saving faith. told, have experienced saving faith. And don't miss what they do as a result. And don't miss what they do as a result. And don't miss what they do as a result. They're practical people. They're practical people. They're practical people. They express their faith practically. They express their faith practically. They express their faith practically. They offer up a sacrifice of gratitude They offer up a sacrifice of gratitude They offer up a sacrifice of gratitude to God. And they make vows or they make to God. And they make vows or they make to God. And they make vows or they make commitments that once they get to shore, commitments that once they get to shore, commitments that once they get to shore, they're going to obey this God. That's they're going to obey this God. That's they're going to obey this God. That's how this is supposed to be read. They how this is supposed to be read. They how this is supposed to be read. They begin a life of faith in obedience, not begin a life of faith in obedience, not begin a life of faith in obedience, not in rebellion to God like the snorer in rebellion to God like the snorer in rebellion to God like the snorer wants to do.

wants to do. wants to do. So here's what I'm saying with character So here's what I'm saying with character So here's what I'm saying with character cutout number one. This is what I want cutout number one. This is what I want cutout number one. This is what I want you to write down and take home with you to write down and take home with you to write down and take home with you. The secular sailors became saints. you. The secular sailors became saints. you. The secular sailors became saints. Saints who who walk the talk. The Saints who who walk the talk. The Saints who who walk the talk. The secular sa sailors become saints who secular sa sailors become saints who secular sa sailors become saints who walk the talk. I it is remarkable. Don't walk the talk. I it is remarkable. Don't walk the talk. I it is remarkable. Don't miss the irony of this situation. miss the irony of this situation. miss the irony of this situation. These pagans get converted to Yahweh, These pagans get converted to Yahweh, These pagans get converted to Yahweh, the one true God through the witness of the one true God through the witness of the one true God through the witness of a reluctant preacher who's running from a reluctant preacher who's running from a reluctant preacher who's running from God so that God doesn't save pagans. God so that God doesn't save pagans. God so that God doesn't save pagans. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] That's what's going on here. Let me say That's what's going on here. Let me say That's what's going on here. Let me say that again. These pagan sailors become that again. These pagan sailors become that again. These pagan sailors become converted to the one true God through converted to the one true God through converted to the one true God through the reluctant preaching of a pastor the reluctant preaching of a pastor the reluctant preaching of a pastor who's running from God so that God who's running from God so that God who's running from God so that God doesn't save pagans. doesn't save pagans. doesn't save pagans. It's ironic. It's ironic. It's ironic. God's going to do what God's going to God's going to do what God's going to God's going to do what God's going to do. And they go on to make vows of do. And they go on to make vows of do. And they go on to make vows of obedience, even offering a sacrifice of obedience, even offering a sacrifice of obedience, even offering a sacrifice of gratitude and faith. I've often thought gratitude and faith. I've often thought gratitude and faith. I've often thought about that little sacrifice Presumably, about that little sacrifice Presumably, about that little sacrifice Presumably, it's a little animal.

it's a little animal. it's a little animal. A little animal who in his mind must A little animal who in his mind must A little animal who in his mind must have thought, "Boy, I survived the great have thought, "Boy, I survived the great have thought, "Boy, I survived the great hurling of the cargo out into the sea." hurling of the cargo out into the sea." hurling of the cargo out into the sea." Up in verse 5, Up in verse 5, Up in verse 5, but he doesn't make it to Tarses. but he doesn't make it to Tarses. but he doesn't make it to Tarses. Poor little guy gets offered up as a Poor little guy gets offered up as a Poor little guy gets offered up as a sacrifice of thanksgiving by these new sacrifice of thanksgiving by these new sacrifice of thanksgiving by these new converts. They're so grateful to God converts. They're so grateful to God converts. They're so grateful to God that they're going to show him how that they're going to show him how that they're going to show him how grateful they are. Now, we never hear of grateful they are. Now, we never hear of grateful they are. Now, we never hear of these men again. these men again. these men again. Their story isn't kept for us. The story Their story isn't kept for us. The story Their story isn't kept for us. The story continues in verse 17 with Jonah, right? continues in verse 17 with Jonah, right? continues in verse 17 with Jonah, right? But we don't hear of these men ever But we don't hear of these men ever But we don't hear of these men ever again. But what a story they must have again. But what a story they must have again. But what a story they must have told when they docked in the harbor of told when they docked in the harbor of told when they docked in the harbor of Tarses. Tarses. Tarses. And I'm sure they spread the good news And I'm sure they spread the good news And I'm sure they spread the good news of of Yahweh at tar at Tarses. Remember of of Yahweh at tar at Tarses. Remember of of Yahweh at tar at Tarses. Remember Tarses is the ends of the earth in the Tarses is the ends of the earth in the Tarses is the ends of the earth in the understanding o of the ancient minds understanding o of the ancient minds understanding o of the ancient minds and and God's desire that that that his and and God's desire that that that his and and God's desire that that that his goodness be spread to the ends of the goodness be spread to the ends of the goodness be spread to the ends of the earth doesn't just start in Acts 18 when earth doesn't just start in Acts 18 when earth doesn't just start in Acts 18 when Jesus commisss us his disciples to to go Jesus commisss us his disciples to to go Jesus commisss us his disciples to to go to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. That's a theme the ends of the earth. That's a theme the ends of the earth. That's a theme that God has been consistently pursuing that God has been consistently pursuing that God has been consistently pursuing in the Old Testament. Well, Tarses, I in the Old Testament. Well, Tarses, I in the Old Testament. Well, Tarses, I present to you, heard the gospel of God present to you, heard the gospel of God present to you, heard the gospel of God because of these sailors who we never because of these sailors who we never because of these sailors who we never hear of again.

hear of again. hear of again. Jonah wasn't called to go there, Jonah wasn't called to go there, Jonah wasn't called to go there, but they were called to go there. but they were called to go there. but they were called to go there. So, that's character cutout number one. So, that's character cutout number one. So, that's character cutout number one. Now, I want to close being very, very Now, I want to close being very, very Now, I want to close being very, very clear with an invitation to some of you clear with an invitation to some of you clear with an invitation to some of you listening in light of what we've heard listening in light of what we've heard listening in light of what we've heard this morning to really capture God's this morning to really capture God's this morning to really capture God's intent behind presenting us with this intent behind presenting us with this intent behind presenting us with this character group in in Jonah chapter 1. character group in in Jonah chapter 1. character group in in Jonah chapter 1. It's a message to those of you who don't It's a message to those of you who don't It's a message to those of you who don't know God personally, know God personally, know God personally, don't know him like like these sailors don't know him like like these sailors don't know him like like these sailors didn't know him at the beginning. You didn't know him at the beginning. You didn't know him at the beginning. You may not be in a panic this morning, but may not be in a panic this morning, but may not be in a panic this morning, but but here's the thing. One day you will but here's the thing. One day you will but here's the thing. One day you will be be be one day you will face death. You will one day you will face death. You will one day you will face death. You will eyeball death and you will be in a eyeball death and you will be in a eyeball death and you will be in a panic. We all will face death. And then panic. We all will face death. And then panic. We all will face death. And then what do you do? If you don't know what do you do? If you don't know what do you do? If you don't know Yahweh, you're in trouble.

Yahweh, you're in trouble. Yahweh, you're in trouble. But you have an opportunity in light of But you have an opportunity in light of But you have an opportunity in light of what you've heard of these men and and what you've heard of these men and and what you've heard of these men and and the path that they walked this morning, the path that they walked this morning, the path that they walked this morning, the lesson that they lay out for you, the lesson that they lay out for you, the lesson that they lay out for you, the the witness that they're calling out the the witness that they're calling out the the witness that they're calling out to you with. You've maybe heard of God to you with. You've maybe heard of God to you with. You've maybe heard of God in the past. You may be frequent church in the past. You may be frequent church in the past. You may be frequent church all the time or or listen to sermons all the time or or listen to sermons all the time or or listen to sermons regularly and it's in one ear, out the regularly and it's in one ear, out the regularly and it's in one ear, out the other ear. I I know about this God, but other ear. I I know about this God, but other ear. I I know about this God, but so what? There's so many other options so what? There's so many other options so what? There's so many other options on the table. No big deal. on the table. No big deal. on the table. No big deal. You maybe are trying to figure out life You maybe are trying to figure out life You maybe are trying to figure out life your way just like these sailors were your way just like these sailors were your way just like these sailors were trying to do. You maybe even tried a trying to do. You maybe even tried a trying to do. You maybe even tried a whole bunch of false gods. There are so whole bunch of false gods. There are so whole bunch of false gods. There are so many on the religious cultural many on the religious cultural many on the religious cultural marketplace. marketplace. marketplace. You maybe sought out truth. You maybe You maybe sought out truth. You maybe You maybe sought out truth. You maybe asked lots of good questions. Maybe asked lots of good questions. Maybe asked lots of good questions. Maybe you've tried to coexist with all the you've tried to coexist with all the you've tried to coexist with all the religions all mixed into the same pot. religions all mixed into the same pot. religions all mixed into the same pot. And you may be trying hard and hard and And you may be trying hard and hard and And you may be trying hard and hard and hard, rowing and rowing and rowing hard, rowing and rowing and rowing hard, rowing and rowing and rowing desperately after anything that you desperately after anything that you desperately after anything that you think will merit you the salvation of think will merit you the salvation of think will merit you the salvation of your soul. All good practical stuff.

your soul. All good practical stuff. your soul. All good practical stuff. That might be you. That might be you. That might be you. But your rowing isn't going to inch you But your rowing isn't going to inch you But your rowing isn't going to inch you closer to eternal life. closer to eternal life. closer to eternal life. It's just not. That's not how Yahweh It's just not. That's not how Yahweh It's just not. That's not how Yahweh works. That's not how God operates. You works. That's not how God operates. You works. That's not how God operates. You need the peace of God. You need the need the peace of God. You need the need the peace of God. You need the forgiveness of God, which means you need forgiveness of God, which means you need forgiveness of God, which means you need a savior. And it's time to put the ores a savior. And it's time to put the ores a savior. And it's time to put the ores down. The time has come to talk to the down. The time has come to talk to the down. The time has come to talk to the real God to seek his peace, his ways. real God to seek his peace, his ways. real God to seek his peace, his ways. That's what these sailors call [snorts] That's what these sailors call [snorts] That's what these sailors call [snorts] out to you today. out to you today. out to you today. Talk to God. Talk to the only true God. Talk to God. Talk to the only true God. Talk to God. Talk to the only true God. Put down the oars. Follow his ways. and and God's been very Follow his ways. and and God's been very very clear on his ways. [snorts] very clear on his ways. [snorts] very clear on his ways. [snorts] Only Jesus, the son of God, is the way, Only Jesus, the son of God, is the way, Only Jesus, the son of God, is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6. the truth, and the life. John 14:6. the truth, and the life. John 14:6. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Salvation is found in no one else, for Salvation is found in no one else, for Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that there is no other name under heaven that there is no other name under heaven that has been given to humankind by which we has been given to humankind by which we has been given to humankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12.

For there is one God For there is one God and only one mediator between God and and only one mediator between God and and only one mediator between God and mankind, between God and you, mankind, between God and you, mankind, between God and you, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5. God pursues pagan sailors God pursues pagan sailors way back in the 8th century BC who had way back in the 8th century BC who had way back in the 8th century BC who had no thought for God that morning. And God no thought for God that morning. And God no thought for God that morning. And God pursues pagan lawyers and pagan teachers pursues pagan lawyers and pagan teachers pursues pagan lawyers and pagan teachers and pagan parents and pagan children and and pagan parents and pagan children and and pagan parents and pagan children and pagan you and pagan pastors pagan you and pagan pastors pagan you and pagan pastors so that you have eternal life with him. so that you have eternal life with him. so that you have eternal life with him. But only God's way, But only God's way, But only God's way, only God's way. And if secular sailors only God's way. And if secular sailors only God's way. And if secular sailors can become saints and can walk the talk can become saints and can walk the talk can become saints and can walk the talk by trusting in God, then through faith by trusting in God, then through faith by trusting in God, then through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ this morning, in the Lord Jesus Christ this morning, in the Lord Jesus Christ this morning, so can you. So, please take what God offers you So, please take what God offers you today. today. today. Don't put it off. Don't put it off. Don't put it off. Don't delay.

Don't delay. Don't delay. Just believe. Just believe. Just believe. Right there, right now, you can believe. Right there, right now, you can believe. Right there, right now, you can believe. You can enter into the family of God. You can enter into the family of God. You can enter into the family of God. You can have eternal life in the kingdom You can have eternal life in the kingdom You can have eternal life in the kingdom of God secured of God secured of God secured this morning this morning this morning because of all that God has done. And because of all that God has done. And because of all that God has done. And what a week to be able to entrust your what a week to be able to entrust your what a week to be able to entrust your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Holy life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Holy life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Holy Week. [snorts] Take what God offers you Week. [snorts] Take what God offers you Week. [snorts] Take what God offers you today. Listen to the message that he's today. Listen to the message that he's today. Listen to the message that he's delivering to you through these ancient delivering to you through these ancient delivering to you through these ancient Phoenician sailors. As I close in prayer and and then we're As I close in prayer and and then we're going to stand and sing, why don't you going to stand and sing, why don't you going to stand and sing, why don't you take a minute to to talk to God and to take a minute to to talk to God and to take a minute to to talk to God and to get right with God. Bow your head. get right with God. Bow your head. get right with God. Bow your head. Talk to him quietly. just into yourself Talk to him quietly. just into yourself Talk to him quietly. just into yourself and talk to him and tell him, "I don't and talk to him and tell him, "I don't and talk to him and tell him, "I don't know you, but I want to know you. I know know you, but I want to know you. I know know you, but I want to know you. I know I'm a sinner and I'm trying desperately I'm a sinner and I'm trying desperately I'm a sinner and I'm trying desperately to do something about that. But I've to do something about that. But I've to do something about that. But I've heard this morning that I can't and you heard this morning that I can't and you heard this morning that I can't and you can and you're willing. I trust in you.

can and you're willing. I trust in you. can and you're willing. I trust in you. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I receive his gift of forgiveness given receive his gift of forgiveness given receive his gift of forgiveness given what he has done on the cross. what he has done on the cross. what he has done on the cross. Heavenly Father, thank you for mornings Heavenly Father, thank you for mornings Heavenly Father, thank you for mornings where we can gather as your people to where we can gather as your people to where we can gather as your people to celebrate Jesus celebrate Jesus celebrate Jesus and to sit under your word and to hear and to sit under your word and to hear and to sit under your word and to hear your voice and to feel your heart to be your voice and to feel your heart to be your voice and to feel your heart to be called to walk in your ways. called to walk in your ways. called to walk in your ways. I pray that that will be the experience I pray that that will be the experience I pray that that will be the experience of everybody who has joined us today of everybody who has joined us today of everybody who has joined us today and that if there are some who do not and that if there are some who do not and that if there are some who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ personally know the Lord Jesus Christ personally know the Lord Jesus Christ personally that you would continue to pursue them that you would continue to pursue them that you would continue to pursue them this week, this week, this week, we want them to be brothers and sisters we want them to be brothers and sisters we want them to be brothers and sisters with us in Christ. with us in Christ. with us in Christ. So we ask all of this in the name of So we ask all of this in the name of So we ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ and leave in the power of the Holy and leave in the power of the Holy and leave in the power of the Holy Spirit to serve you well obediently Spirit to serve you well obediently Spirit to serve you well obediently today. Amen.