Jonah: Learning from Rebellion
Jonah • Sermon • Submitted
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· 7 viewsJonah's story is the perfect example of spiritual rebellion.
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Landry at Chick-Fil-A refusing to get off the playground. He knew that I knew what he was doing, but in the moment, he knew what it would take for me to get to where he was.
READ JONAH 1:1-16
Jonah, the prophet was commanded by God to go to Nineveh, the large city. (3 days journey)
He had two reasons for not wanting to go:
They might torture and kill Jonah.
They might get saved. Jonah felt that this mission was beneath him. He wanted God’s wrath for Nineveh.
To inform them of their great wickedness.
Jonah was openly rebellious to God.
Ran in the opposite direction
Psalm 139:7-10 says, “7 Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9 If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, 10 even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me.”
Jonah knew that he couldn’t run from God, he just wanted to run away from God’s demands.
Tarshish, southern Spain, felt most distant.
Who or what is your Nineveh? The person, place, or thing that you are scared of/despise?
God loves the person or group you struggle with the most.
Jonahs actions brought about a dramatic response from God.
“Hurled great wind into the sea.”
No coincidence.
The sailors on the ship cried out to their own gods. Nothing happened.
Threw cargo into the sea. Nothing.
Jonah was asleep.
“You can get so far out of God’s will that you will sleep through a storm designed to discipline you.” - Tony Evans
Jonah’s sole reason for being on the boat was to flee God and yet God was the only one who could save him and the other sailors.
Sailors: “What is your reason for being on this ship?”
“I am a Hebrew.” Jonah’s description of God left no doubt of who was at fault.
Jonah’s profession aggravated his guilt.
Jonah reflected Israel’s relationship with God.
Are you a believer in Jesus? Are you publically willing to admit this relationship for the world to see?
Jonah’s admission led to more fear. Sailors were terrified.
Jonah, who knew God had done wrong. He would hear about it from people who didn’t know God.
He was willing to accept the punishment and die.
The sailors didn’t want to throw him into the sea. Labored in vain.
They threw him overboard and the seas immediately calmed.
The problem was not weather related or social.
Spiritual problem.
Disobedience doesn’t stop God’s purpose. He will accomplish His agenda.
Jonah couldn’t determine or control God’s plan. He could only decide where he fit.
God wouldn’t let Jonah escape His plan.
God comes after His people whenever they rebel against Him. This is a GOOD thing. What if He didn’t come after you?
What can we learn from spiritual rebellion?
God will accomplish His purpose.
Rebellion requires more energy than surrender.
How we respond to God’s plan will ultimately reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly of our soul.
GODS WILL BE DONE IS THE ONLY POSSIBLE SCENARIO.