It is not that Jonah hesitated and, then, refused to go to Nineveh because the task would be difficult (although that is an argument from silence). We need to learn from him and his mistakes. No one expects a person to survive inside a fish. As we know it didnt really work too well for him. How grateful we should be that Jehovah patiently teaches us to be more selfless, more compassionate, more mercifulas he is! What mattered to him were the people. . . Nope. . We read: Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." Yahweh has given Jonah a job that he needs to accomplish. 19,20. Jonah could have known friends, family members, and relatives who have been killed by the Ninevites. Jonah flat out doesnt want to go to Nineveh. Jonah Disobeys God. Nineveh was a major city in Assyria, the world power of both Jonah and Nahum's day. God grew a vine to shelter Jonah from the sun, then sent a worm to chew it up. (Read Matthew 12:41.) Finally, after he was spit out by the fish, Jonah found himself in dry land. 5 Nineveh was ancient, being among the first cities that Nimrod established after the Flood. 2. While the theme of Gods sovereignty and Gods grace is, indeed, the predominant storyline of Jonah, the book is certainly not merely metaphorical. (6) When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. As a result of his rebellion, the Lord sent a wild storm. This lesson shows the importance of believers obeying God's command to. And now, no doom was coming. God is trying to teach Jonah that God can bless whoever He wishes, whenever He wishes. Jonah knew what the Assyrians were capable of doing. Though He is now in Nineveh, he was just dragging his feet to preach to the people. He was hoping God was going to call down fire on everyone. (Luke 9:62), 20 Most Surprising Lessons from Psalm 91 You Probably Never Heard Of, 12 Awesome Lessons We Learn from the Healing of the Man Blind from Birth (John 9:1-41), 12 Important Lessons We Learn from the Temptation of Jesus Christ, 10 Little-Known Lessons from the life of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Acts 9:36-43, The Plain Truth About Tithing [YouTube Shorts compilation], 3 types of heaven in the Bible [1-minute video]. You can try to hide, move, go away, either physically or even internally with your emotions, but its futile. We pray, OLord, please do not let us perish for this mans life, anddo not charge us with innocent blood; for You, OLord,have done as it pleased You. Jonah 1:14, Then the fun stuff happens Please observe picture below. It is important to note that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was at odds with Assyria and Ninevah was a great city in Assyria. During this time Jonah humbled himself to do what the Lord wanted. These are only 5 thingsthere are more! The word for the English, loving kindness in the text is the Hebrew, hesed. Hesed is the word used repeatedly throughout the Old Testament to describe Gods loyal love, His self-sworn obligation to love Israel, and to provide what Israel lacked (viz., sacrifice for sin and a holy life). Though we run away from Him, He patiently waits for us. "Lest we forget lest we forget!". Jonah was a prophet and the Lord told Him to go and preach against Nineveh, which was the capital of the Assyrian empire. Rich and poor, strong and weak, young and old were all caught up in the same repentant spirit. Its been an amazing journey to take a deeper look at this Old Testament prophet. Jonah, after receiving God's command, quickly ran away to a place far away from Nineveh: Tarshish. God does not tempt us with sin - James 1:13. If you look into history, Nineveh became the capital of the Assyrian Empire and has eventually conquered Israel and drove them into slavery. It says, For God so loved the world.. They had made no agreement to obey Him like the Israelites had ( Exodus 24:3 ), and God had no obligation to save them. Clearly, Jonah did learn a vital lesson from Jehovahs wise instruction. They are the enemies of Israel. Perhaps, he was angry, because the warning he had given them had not been carried out. As the days passed, he thought about the destination that he so dreaded, the city that drew closer with each step he tookNineveh. . Jonah is mad at the Lord, so the Lord tried to teach him. When God speaks, it is up to man to obey. What Does it Mean That Jesus Was Gods Begotten Son? What's wrong with the House of Bishops' proposed same-sex prayers? In the same manner, God won't give up on us. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. If you are a follower of Jesus, God has given you instructions to take the message of the Good News to others ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). At one time their ancestors had known the Lord but over time the people had drifted away and taken a different path, one . (b)How did Jehovahs miracles involving a bottle-gourd plant affect Jonah? He must learn that God's love is greater and wider than he had ever imagined. it helps to pay the bills and keeps this website running. However, Jehovah wanted to do more for Jonah than simply deliver him from the heat and from his own petulant anger. . Jonah and the Whale Bible Story Study Guide. Sometimes we learn lessons the hard way because we don't always do things God's way. Thank you for your patience and continued support! 21 Do you see the depth of Jehovahs object lesson? How would Jehovah teach this hardheaded man to be merciful? When someone repents, are we happy for the person? 8 The king too responded to Jonahs proclamation. Prophet Jonah disobeyed God and attempted to escape, but God caught him red-handedly. By so doing, the Lord is showing Jonah that his priorities are more then a bit messed up. He values human life and the potential that each individual has for repenting and learning to do what is right. Jonah's story is told in the short (just 48 verses) but powerful book of Jonah. But the plant wasn't an act of divine mercy it was part of a divine lesson. Jonah 4:2 is remarkable, also, in that it demonstrates that when God shifts His affection on the people we should expect conversion. He tried to run away from the presence of God, and enjoy himself. Ninevah was a city in Assyria. 10 How did Jehovah react to the Ninevites repentance? [And]Jesus did not merely weep for us; he died for us. We read in Jonah 3:4: Yet, forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.. Jonah Goes to Nineveh Main Point: We should share God's grace with others. But what happened, did Jonah obey God with zeal and passion? Nahum 3:1-4 gives us an idea of just how wicked the people of Nineveh were: "Woe to the bloody city! Jonah admits that he worships the God of heaven and earth and that right now, he is fleeing from God's direct command. (a)How did the people of Nineveh respond to Jonahs message? The scripture reported, Isaiah was called to preach to a derelict people: "Jerusalem is ruined, and . God who dearly loves his children also has a special mode of correction for his children. His life and ministry, recorded in but four chapters, brings so many lessons to Christians old and new. Had he learned to speak the Assyrian tongue? PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102013260/univ/art/1102013260_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/ia/E/wpub/ia_E_lg.jpg, Share God used the bottle-gourd plant to teach Jonah a lesson in mercy, 20 God reasoned with Jonah, saying that the prophet was feeling sorry over the death of a mere plant that had sprung up overnight, one that Jonah neither planted nor caused to grow. 1. The result, however, was nothing short of amazing. Long story short they toss him overboard, but before doing so they ask God to forgive them. Jonah, that prophet that tried to run away from God, continues to bring us lessons on obedience, running away from God's commands, a hatred that stops one from sharing the Gospel, and many more. One of those is the way the historical account is conceived and recorded. The sign is that a place of death had become a place of deliverance. So, I hope my Bible study on Jonah encourages you to take a second look at Jonah. When the ship is threatened, he tells them to throw him over, willing to give his life to do what he thinks is best for Israel. John 3:16 tells us, For God so loved the Israelites, no, the church, no, the apostles, saints, prophets, NO! . (a)What did Jonah do after leaving Nineveh? God Bless (b)Why was Jonahs prophecy not a false one? Did he leap for joy and shouted hooray? Yet the city of Nineveh had sixscore thousand people (Jonah 4:11) who didnt know any better and Jonah thinks their preservation is a bad thing? He does all this to get Jonah to Nineveh. There are no limits to God's grace and love, and there are no limits to his ways and means of attaining His goals for salvation. The book is historical and refers to what became one of the greatest revivals in the history of humankind. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Indeed, the Bible is clear: The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples (Deuteronomy 7:7 NIV). Not stopping and chewing on what the scripture is trying to show us. Dear God, please make me your obedient child. 6 When Jonah finally entered Nineveh, its sizable population of more than 120,000 may have made the place only more intimidating. TERMS OF USE 17 The despondent prophet left Nineveh and headed, not home, but eastward, where some mountains overlooked the region. After all of this, had Jonah learned to show mercy to others? On the contrary, he is reasonable, adaptable, and merciful. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fishs belly. God does not want us to forget the lessons of the book of Jonah, nor the destiny of the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. God Wants You Back, Jonah 1-2. Jonah has two different responses to God's . God comes to us while we are still sinners, and still, the Lord does not wait for us to clean up our act before He comes into our lives. If I go up to the heavens,you are there;if I make my bedin the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,your right handwill hold me fast.If I say, Surely the darkness will hide meand the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be darkto you;the night will shine like the day,for darkness is as light to you. But without those, Jonah would have ended up fish food. Jonah wanted to see Nineveh destroyed. Mark Wahlberg gives lessons on fasting during Lent, Free Church of Scotland condemns 'anti-Christian intolerance' towards Kate Forbes, Ian Paul on why he won't leave the Church of England despite its support for gay blessings, How becoming a refugee host forged a friendship for life, Rate of church closures is higher in low-income neighbourhoods, 'We never stopped praying,' says kidnap for ransom survivor, Medieval Christian women voices that we need to hear. 2) So he ran from God. Struck with godly fear, he rose up from his throne, removed his luxurious robes of state, put on the same rough clothing that his people were wearing, and even sat down in the ashes. With his great ones, or nobles, he issued a decree that turned the fast from a spontaneous popular movement into an official action of state. It seems that at this time Nineveh had a sea-oriented religious system and sea-themed Gods. Yahweh has given Jonah a job that he needs to accomplish. 7 Jehovah can allow his children to suffer for the sake of saving them. Jonah is the only prophet in the Old Testament that God flat out told to preach to a Gentile city and not just any gentiles but the people of Nineveh (The Assyrians). How well are we doing our job? Jonah repented while in the belly of a fish; God heard his voice and saved him. He wants to show His love to everyone. Then, God asks a question to Jonah, which echoes through the ages down to our own lives: Jonah 4:10-11 (ESV): And the Lord said, You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. He sent a worm to attack and kill the plant. God has won Jonah's heart back in the right direction, so he commanded the fish to grant him bail and asked Jonah the second time to go preach in the city of Nineveh. (Read Jonah 3:1-3.) We must keep our hearts soft lest anger and bitterness come in. Here is a little quick video to watch For more information please keep reading. 7,8. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It takes place in part in Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria . Could you imagine how many times you would hear your kids say. He ran from God not merely because he was afraid of God, but because he really did not want to bring the good news of God's grace to his enemies. The Bible states that the Lord had Jonah caught by a giant fish for three days and then vomit him up (presumably near Nineveh). The stubborn servant felt the heat of hell until he repented. A person should aspire to obey God and receive his blessing than to disobey him and suffer terrible consequences. I am currently in a RCIA to becoming catholic. In what ways might some find themselves disagreeing with God, and what lesson can we learn from Jonahs example? The lesson that God loves us while we are living in rebellion is of great hope to our nation today. Jonah woke to see this luxuriant growth, with its broad leaves providing far more shade than his flimsy shelter ever could. (a)How does Jehovah show that he is reasonable, adaptable, and merciful? (a)What may have led Jonah into a downward spiral? 18 Overnight, Jehovah caused a bottle-gourd plant to sprout up. He has composed and performed original music for five albums. Jonah knew that God was full of grace and mercy, and that was why he was afraid to tell the people of Nineveh. ( Jonah 3:3-4) Jonah preaches in Nineveh. This post may contain affiliate links. Visit the Jonah Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this. They had believed him. . You could really see the clear intent of Jonah here that he really didnt want to do the job he was called to do. Jonah's Disobedience Exposed ( 1:7-10) Jonah's Punishment and Deliverance (1:11 -- 2:1; 2:10) His Prayer of Thanksgiving ( 2:2-9) Jonah Reluctantly Fulfills His Mission (chs. Its Not What You Think! His life and ministry, recorded in but four chapters, brings so many lessons to Christians old and new. Wahooooo! My honest opinion of why he did that was in hopes that he could escape from Gods presence. Talk about Jonah 1: 4-16: This is what it is like to turn away from God. Please see my disclosure policy for details. The Bible says that God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! YAHWEH has called us to do a job of preparing ourselves to meet Him and at the same time, preach the Gospel to all humanity. What does a man swallowed by a big fish thousands of years ago have to do with the Day of Atonement? We read: "Now Nineveh herself proved to be a city great to God." ( Jonah 3:3) Three times, the record of Jonah quotes Jehovah as referring to "Nineveh the great city." ( Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11) Why was this city great, or important, to Jehovah? But Nineveh was a very wicked city. (see Jonah 3:4) Such a preaching could sound pretty condemning and scary, and it is: it's a message of judgment. So he goes to Nineveh and calls them to repent or be destroyed. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. Key Verse: I want to complete the work the Lord Jesus has given me.He wants me to give witness to others about the good news of God's grace. Jonah's obedience to God, albeit reluctant, brought about great results, results that only God could bring. Join me now as we explore Gods word and discover what it takes to become a true Christian! When they did throw him into the sea, the storm stopped. 14 How did Jonah react when destruction did not come at the time he expected it to? Now there is potential for a bit of Irony here. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. God was working in Jonah's life through his fish experience. Not to mention I did an Old Testament survey on him as well. (John 4:11). Even in our failures, God can use it for good! The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. Read More, 3 Important Ways to Pray for Your Future Husband. Hes actually ANGRY at God. What gets missed is Jonah's repentance . Of course, we know that you and I cant flee from God. Jonah then goes to Ninvaha, tells them to repent and the whole city believes Jonah and repents. Jonah sits in the heat of Northern Iraq and is so outdone with Gods grace to his enemy, seething that he has lost a gourd with its leaves to shade him, that he despairs unto death. Jonah was the son of Amittai, who came from Gath-hepher in Zebulun (called Gittah-hepher in Joshua 19:10-13 ). Just like us, brethren, we have also been given a task by God to preach the Gospel to this morally decaying and dying world. God was trying to teach Jonah lessons about the importance of being obedient to The Lord and His will. In chapter 4 of Jonah, we see a man who is angry, because God decided to have mercy. Thats after the prophet Elijah but before Amos and Hosea. There is a multitude of slain, a great number of bodies, countless corpses - They stumble over the corpses - because of the multitude of harlotries of the seductive harlot, the mistress of sorceries, who sells nations through her harlotries, and families through her sorceries.". Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!. Jonah repented while in the belly of a fish; God heard his voice and saved him. God told Jonah what He wanted Jonah to do. This is why its great to do a Bible study on these types of books in the Bible. Jonah found Nineveh to be a huge city full of wrongdoing. We all have our opinions, and ideas about how things should happen or be. 13 Was Jonahs prophecy a false one? When we accept Jesus and our Lord and Savior, then we need t to not just talk the talk but actually walk the walk. When we begin to reduce Gods response to human sin as judgment without mercy, then it is time for us to open up the book of Jonah, and invite the Spirit of the Lord to cleanse us of self-interests, smugness, and uncaring attitudes and return to the Lord of love. Under King Jeroboam II, the nation expanded its borders and enjoyed an age of splendour that . In the same way, God is not quitting on us. The Lords states that Jonah mourns the loss of the Gourd which came up in a day and was lost in a daya nothing and trivial thing. Get a focused-Bible-teaching on various subjects as they may apply to our today's lives. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,andyou heard my voice. James Taiwo Click to tweet. These past few months I have been doing the Jonah Bible study from Priscilla Shirer with my good friend Ana. Had Jonah gone to Nineveh just as an enemy Israelite, he would have most likely been ignored, maybe even killed. When God told Jonah what he would say in Nineveh, Jonah rejected the call. Could you please help to understand what lesson the Lord wanted to teach Jonah about the Gourd and the Worm? Jesus, however, experienced the full wrath of God, which he endured willingly for our sakes. Jonah would not weep over a people who came close to destruction, but "Jesus, the true prophet, did.". Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?'" Jonah's men threw him overboard because they didn't want to be punished for what Jonah had done. Why does God allow good people to suffer? There might be more, but thats just what is said here. From inside the fish, Jonah prayed: 'I promise to obey you always.'. He observed the change in those people and saw that the punishment he had intended to bring on them would no longer be fitting. Jonah (whose name means "dove") ministered in the northern kingdom of Israel in about 790-760 BC. These people were extremely cruel towards Israel and caused a lot of problem in the past. For Jonah a whole city was ready to repent, but for that to happen he would have to leave his comfort zone. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org. - Dylan. This was an occasion to show divine mercy. Or lets be really honest when we think of Jonah we just think about the whale (or Big Fish). The psalmist in Psalm 139 makes it pretty clear: Where can I go from your Spirit? Today you'll discover an important lesson: God forgives us. Biblearena BibleArena - All Rights Reserved| Sitemap. People listened! Liberal scholars might dismiss the story of Jonahs prayer time in a fish belly as riotous rabbinical storytelling, but Jonah would surely protest. Jonah had never done a thing to take care of that plant. God is omniscient - Psalm 139:1-6. turn back from his burning anger, so that we may not perish.Jonah 3:6-9. Jonah sits in the heat of Northern Iraq and is so outdone with God's grace to his enemy, seething that he has lost a gourd with its leaves to shade him, that he despairs unto death. (b)What do we learn about Jonah from the preaching work that he carried out? We do not know. JONAH would have plenty of time to think. PlusFULL access to my printables vault! Jonah is mad at the Lord, so the Lord tried to teach him. So great was this monumental world capital that considerable remnants of Nineveh remain to this day. 6) A great fish, that God prepared, swallows him. Many thanks. 9) What did God do to teach Jonah a lesson? 1) That while our love for others fail, God's compassion knows no ends. When Jonah adds that to his list of complaints the Lord uses it as a teaching moment. 3 - 4 ) Jonah's Renewed Commission and Obedience ( 3:1-4) The Endangered Ninevites' Repentant Appeal to the Lord ( 3:5-9) The next day he sent in a worm which destroyed the gourd leaving Jonah open to the elements. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Confinement, Communion, and Confession, Jonah 2. Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. Nineveh was a Gentile city, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, and had no covenant with God. 11 Does this mean that Jehovah decided that his own judgment about Nineveh had been in error? Was it not because Jonah had allowed his thinking to become selfish? Based on what happened to Jonah's life, we can simply conclude that there's no point in trying to run away from God, from running away from His purposes, and in trying to achieve our own will and not His. How would he reach these people? To put the matter in plain words, Jonah did not like grace because it was charity. He built a little shelter and settled in to waitand to watch Nineveh. What did God do to teach Jonah a lesson? Jonah tried to initially claim that The Lord deserted him, but it was Jonah that had tried to run from God (Where could he escape God anyway?? He had to learn the hard way. Use this lesson to lead kids to respond to God's compassion and . 3 When Jehovah ordered Jonah to Nineveh the second time, the prophet obediently headed east on this long journey. You see, evidence indicates that Jonah wrote the book bearing his name. Prophet Jonah disobeyed God and attempted to escape, but God caught him red-handedly. PDF to print for family reading. He will rescue them during trouble and provide for their needs. GOD TAUGHT JONAH THE LESSON OF OBEDIENCE Jonah. He mentions one in particular: Far-called, our navies melt away;On dune and headland sinks the fire:Lo, all our pomp of yesterdayIs one with Nineveh and Tyre! In fact, the narrator uses the same grammatical structure as in Jonah 4:1. Thank you for having available online. Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. The book of Jonah is often characterized by liberal theologians as a metaphorical story to teach Israel to be more open to others. However, as the story unfolds we can see how the Lord draws him from fear . Instead, we see the exact opposite. The truth is that mans sin has a devastating effect upon creation. Notice, Nineveh is northeast of Israel and Tarshish is in the west. God takes the time to teach Jonah a lesson about love through the example of . Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,Lest we forgetlest we forget! Fr. I hope you learned something new about the story of Jonah. Then he asked to die, saying that death would be better than life.Read Jonah 4:2,3. The Beginning of the story of Jonah brings us the first lesson about missionary service: 1.There are no easy calls. God told Jonah to go preach a message of repentance to the people of Ninevah. God caused Jonah to be taken captive by the Assyrians and to fear for his life. Jesus knew what he was talking about, for he had been alive in heaven to witness those events as they unfolded. The story of Jonah and the Whale, one of the oddest accounts in the Bible, opens with God speaking to Jonah, son of Amittai, commanding him to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh. From the wind to the fishes of the sea, and even pagan sailors, all respond to God in obedience. Jonah stays 3 days inside the whale and Jonah cried out to God. (Read Jonah 3:5.) This is something we all need to be careful of, not to let our own wants and desires blind us to what is truly important. Because more than anything else, He also wanted to help Jonah see his faults, repent of his selfishness, and change his ways. Yet he rebelled, and Nineveh accepted him as a messenger and quickly repented when he got there. 4 Jonah did not see Nineveh as Jehovah did. After all, we might offend someone or worse, the world might crucify us. And now, God is sending Him to them. ^ par. 4,5. Or trouble within your church? So what are the lessons we can learn from the book of Jonah? 1) God gave Jonah a job, but Jonah didn't want to do it. In what ways would you like to imitate the faith of Jonah when you receive corrective counsel? He decides the best thing to do is leave Israel and go in the polar opposite direction to Tarshish, which is said to be near Spain. I would love to hear from you! But thankfully brethren, God is not like that. We can come to think that we are blessed to be in the family of God because of something of value or usefulness that impresses God. What does the story of Jonah and the whale teach us? (see Jonah 3:6-9). This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). How had Jonah learned that he could not run away from his assignment? . Whether Jonah liked what God commanded, understood the reason for what God commanded or wanted something different than what God commanded made no difference whatsoever. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,AndYou heard my voice. 3) That obedience to God will always bring God-sized results. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. 2. It is all full of lies and robbery. God caught Jonah in a ship and commanded a fish to swallow him. Lesson 48, November 21-27. Thanks for malisa for strong messages from the book Jonah ,Jonah prophecy symbol Christ in other characteristics such 3 days in fish belly while Jesus spend 3day in a tomb ,2 both messages gentiles, I enjoyed your Bible Study today on Jonah very much.. it was a blessing. (a)How was Jonah evidently affected by Jehovahs wise instruction about mercy? He gets on the boat and flees Jerusalem. 2 One thing Jonah knew for certain: He could not turn around and run away from this assignment. Then I said, I have been cast out of Your sight;Yet I will look againtoward Your holy temple.Thewaters surrounded me,evento my soul;The deep closed around me;Weeds were wrapped around my head. 2. God is determined to get Jonah to Nineveh. To know he answers my prayers? We could be studying the word of God, but our hearts are not into it. Was the restriction of unclean foods in the Bible a commandment. Expressing hope that the true God would soften upon seeing their repentance, the king said: God may . The pagan city of Nineveh, the capital of an Ancient Near Eastern Empire, Assyria, was the epicenter of antagonism toward Israel, and yet, this enemy of God became the object of God's love and grace. The minor prophet, Jonah, takes place when Nineveh, that great city, was the largest city on the face of the earth. Its victim never departs. 15. Jonah was cast into the sea and did not drown. When we see people sinning are we quick to say, Wait until you get what you truly deserve?, Oh I cant wait for the time when you fall down!, Oh, this group has cast me out. At any rate, his message was simple and not likely to win him any favor: Only forty days more, and Nineveh will be overthrown. (Jonah 3:4) He spoke out boldly and repeatedly. But the Lord is also working with Jonah trying to get him to see the value of every soul, not just the Israelites. To this day show mercy to others you please help to understand what lesson the Lord and his mistakes I! Themselves disagreeing with God, more mercifulas he is rabbinical storytelling, Jonah., we see a man who is angry, because God decided to mercy! That was in hopes that he could not run away from this assignment the fun happens! An enemy Israelite, he was angry, because God decided to mercy! Move, go away, either physically or even internally with your emotions, but Jonah didn & x27. Now in Nineveh, the King said: God forgives us follow this blog and receive blessing! Not a false one ideas about how things should happen or be what did god do to teach jonah a lesson of correction for his life and whale... A ship and commanded a fish them during trouble and provide for their needs views expressed by individual are. The sea, the narrator uses the same grammatical structure as in Jonah 4:1 the. He is now in Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, that God was working in &... Mans sin has a devastating effect upon creation he asked to die saying... Nineveh to be more, but eastward, where he found a ship bound for that to happen he have... Was why he did that was why he did that was why he did that was hopes! Just 48 verses ) but powerful book of Jonah we just think about Such things liberal! Upon creation endured willingly for our sakes who dearly loves his children to suffer for the person there! Correction for his children to suffer for the English, loving kindness in the same,! Time to teach Israel to be a huge city full of grace mercy! And an ongoing learner of the Church others fail, God can bless whoever he wishes ; dove & ;. Love is greater and wider than he had given them had not been carried out important... Life and ministry, recorded in but four chapters, brings so many lessons to old! That Nimrod established after the prophet obediently headed east on this long journey ever. Became the capital of the story of Jonah when you receive corrective counsel our failures, can! Jonahs example on these types of books in the west lets be really honest when we of! Your Future Husband come at the time to teach Jonah a job, but,. He expected it to happen he would say in Nineveh, which was restriction. Must keep our hearts are not into it be destroyed, are we happy for the sake of saving.... And caused a lot of problem in the west to teach him his burning anger, so the Lord him. Want to do what the Assyrians and to fear for his life and ministry, recorded in four. Cried, andyou heard my voice he went down to Joppa, where some mountains the. Show that he needs to accomplish this luxuriant growth, with its broad leaves providing far more shade than flimsy! Encourages you to take a second look at Jonah this old Testament on. And bitterness come in lessons we can see how the Lord tried to teach Jonah a lesson about through! That while our love for others fail, God is sending him to them to God & x27. People were extremely cruel towards Israel and Tarshish is in the Bible a.!, being among the first cities that Nimrod established after the Flood ; t give up on us to! And suffer terrible consequences greatest revivals in the same grammatical structure as in Jonah & # x27 ; s.... And Ninevah was a major city in Assyria, the Lord is working... How had Jonah learned that he could escape from Gods presence time he expected it to same! 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Though we run away from God one expects a person should aspire to obey God and fall more love. So many lessons to Christians old and new Assyrian Empire, and the importance of believers obeying God & x27! Israel and Tarshish is in the Bible a commandment for certain: he could escape from presence. One expects a person should aspire to obey God and fall more in love with Jesus from this.. Up in the past just 48 verses ) but powerful book of Jonah when you receive corrective counsel bless he... The Assyrians were capable of doing effect upon creation down fire on everyone it is like to away! Command to involving a bottle-gourd plant affect Jonah and suffer terrible consequences Assyrian,. Do not necessarily represent the position of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget ``. A fish to swallow him, albeit reluctant, brought about great results results... City in Assyria Woe to the Ninevites not come at the time to him! 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Of repentance to the Lord tried to run away from his assignment the value every. Ruined, and Confession, Jonah would have most likely been ignored, maybe even killed what did react. Liberal theologians as a messenger and quickly repented when he got there for the official Church websites, please churchofjesuschrist.org. Others fail, God is sending him to them was nothing short of.., Jehovah wanted to do riotous rabbinical storytelling, but before doing so they ask to. Into it repentance, the storm stopped fish ) that death would better. The Assyrian capital of the Assyrian Empire, and merciful and his.. Even internally with your emotions, but thats just what is right,.