A Community To Redeem

A Community To Redeem
Jonah 3:5-10 and 4:1-5 (4:1-11)
March 14, 2010

Jonah 3:5

V5 Nineveh repented, which was a miraculous work of God, and it is very possible that Nineveh heard about Jonah in the belly of the whale and the sailor’s events, and from this we can see God’s Sovereignty in controlling events in life, in spite of our disobedience, to save souls and glorify Himself. Nineveh repenting at God’s message thru Jonah is also why there is going to be a greater condemnation upon Israel, and this Gospel generation Matt.12:38-41. Now word v6 is brought to the king of Nineveh from the people of Nineveh. But not by way of information against Jonah as if he was disturbing public peace, that he should be silenced or punished, which probably would have been done, had he cried this message in the streets of Jerusalem who killed God’s prophets and stoned those who were sent to Jerusalem.

Jonah 3:6

But instead here in Nineveh word came to the king as a message from Heaven, and it was received in the same manner. Judging the reaction of the king in v6 he was happy to receive this warning of God’s providence and the displeasure Nineveh was under and the people were also happy to have a king who took notice of God’s warnings and displeasure against them Consider Prov.29:2. The king set a good example of humiliation in v6 for the people, by humbling himself before God. And he was humbled before God not only in reverence to a word from God, but also in fear of a word of wrath, and in sorrow and shame for sin, in which he and his people had become obnoxious to God’s wrath and anger and insensitive to sin, as we in our country and world have become today. The king humbling himself before God is an indication that he acknowledges that he did not use his power, as he should have to restrain violence, wickedness, corruption, sin and immorality in order to maintain the righteousness of God. This king rendered Himself unworthy of the honor and trust put upon him as king and that God was just in taking his kingdom from him, and this is an example the ungodly politicians of our country and world should learn from. And not only for their sake, but also for the good of the people they are called to serve, Prov.29:2. Also notice v5 that it was the people who led the way in humiliation and not the king, who followed them in v6.

Jonah 3:7-8

A general fast was proclaimed thru out that great city v7-8 by the king and his nobles. The whole legislative power agreed in appointing this decree and the body of people agreed to observe this decree in order to prevent national ruin of their society, which is another example the leaders and the people of our society should learn from 2nd Chron. 7:14, Also Consider 1st Peter 4:7. This fast was too be a fast of great sacrifice even in spite of the uneasiness many of them would suffer, for it would be better to suffer in uneasiness for sins thru fasting rather than suffer the wrath of God upon us for our sinful ways. And although the Bible does not advocate animal participation in repentance the beasts must also do penance because they have been made subject to vanity as the result of man’s sin Rom.8:19-22. With fasting and mourning and sorrow of heart and mind, they must also pray w/supplication unto God, for fasting is designed to fit the body for service of the soul in the duty of prayer, Consider Matt.5:4 and 17:19-21. In this, man and beast were to cry unto God v8a and b for all creations groaning even now, because of Adam’s sin Rom.8:19-22. Not only v8c, but also in v8d. To make amends for the wrongs they have done of how they took advantage over those they had power over. Note: It is not enough to fast for sin, but we must fast from sin and turn from sin to live a new life Consider 2nd Cor.7:8-11.

Jonah 3:9-10

Although Jonah’s message spoke only of judgment and not mercy, apparently the Assyrian king had some knowledge of God’s justice and hatred of sin v9 as do all of humanity Rom.1:18-20 and 2:12-16. There was a general nation of The Goodness of God’s nature, His mercy to man and God being pleased w/repentance and conversion of sinners 2nd Pet.3:9, and it doesn’t matter what culture, nation, kindred, tongue, people or ethnic background for this is what Christ shed His Blood for, and that is all people John 3:16, Also Consider Eph.2:11-22 and Rev.5:9-10.V10a He not only heard repentance, but God saw evidence, by their good works, had God not saw good works, v8 would have been meaningless. V10b God withdraws His judgment. God’s judgment is for correction and not revenge.

Jonah 4:1-2

4:1-2 Jonah shows no reverence for God, for he is angry, that God saved Nineveh, but whatever pleases God, should please us. Jonah shows no affection, to be angry because they are converted. Why was Jonah so angry that God received them? It was pride and jealousy, Nineveh’s repentance and reformation put Israel to shame, for Israel would not repent and be reformed. V2 Jonah argues w/God in prayer, but this prayer is not a prayer of submission, as was the prayer in the belly of the whale. It is amazing how submissive we can be, when we are under God’s affliction. V2d and e are the very characteristics of God that gives Saints a reason to rejoice; yet he speaks v2 d and e as if this was some kind of flaw or imperfection in God’s character, or His Divine Nature.

Jonah 4:3-4

V3 Indicates a perverse crooked spirit in Jonah. When God saved him out of the whale’s belly, he was thankful for God’s mercy, but now God’s mercy to Nineveh becomes a burden to Jonah. God had prospered Jonah’s ministry which means Jonah would be more useful to God. Note: How could Jonah even think about dying, at a time when he was arguing w/God, and soon must face God at the judgment seat. This is not the right spirit for a man to go out of this world in, our business is to prepare for death, by doing the work of life v4 God could have rejected or struck Jonah dead, but in His Grace God, reasons w/Jonah to convict him and bring him to a better disposition or attitude. God also speaks mildly to this foolish man, to teach us Gal 6:1, and that a soft answer turns wrath away. V4 Is a question we should ask ourselves, do I really have a reason to be angry about whatever, and especially at God’s Sovereignty, which is for His Glory and the building of His kingdom? We do ourselves a great injustice to be angry at that Grace, which we ourselves need.

Jonah 4:5-6

V5 Still after God graciously deals w/Jonah, Jonah is still angry and still looking for Gods judgment to come upon Nineveh. But notice the inconvenience he brought upon Himself as he waited, it is clear in v5 Jonah was exposed to the wind and weather. It is as if Jonah needed something to complain about, and would not let it go, no matter what harm it brought upon himself, like some of us. V6 God could have left him to himself, but instead has compassion upon him, even though Jonah willingly brought this grief upon himself. The identity of this gourd which is a plant, is uncertain, v6c we are to enjoy and be thankful for comforts, but not be exceedingly glad, for God must be our only exceeding joy Ps.43:4. V7 The comfort God provided for Jonah, his affliction, and all by God’s Divine Direction, to teach Jonah and us, that the comforts of this world are only temporary; they wither and perish, as w/Job 1:21.

Jonah 4:7-11

V7 Shows that God can use the smallest thing to take away our comforts in this world. V8 More calamity comes upon Jonah, that he may examine his values. V9 Notice the danger of uncontrolled anger, Consider Eccl.7:9 and Eph.4:26-27. Jonah challenging God’s authority shows no fear of God and no regard for himself. Anger often over-rules common sense. V10 and 11 God compares Jonah’s concern for the plant, w/His concern for Nineveh, to show Jonah how twisted his thinking was, v106. V11 God shows compassion on those he created by the work of His own hands, God created the plant by speaking, but out of Love He formed man Gen.2:7. The plant withers and dies and that is the end, but the precious souls of Nineveh have an eternal destiny and must be carefully considered.

In Jesus Name Amen