It’s His World, We’re Just Living in it

It’s His World, We’re Just Living in it
(Jonah 1:1-17)
Rev. Mark Kosko

 I. Jonah: A Prophet of God
Prophet: one who delivers God’s message of warning or prophecy
Jonah accepted Lord as Almighty but lacked fear and reverence
Jonah defied God’s command out of contempt for God’s concern for Nineveh

 II. These Sailors had a greater fear and reverence for God than Jonah did
The circumstances of the violent storm were not chance occurrence
They eventually believed and were in awe of this God who created land and sea
Jonah’s fate was God’s decision , not theirs to judge, and they feared killing Jonah

 III. Great Storms teach more than Calm Waters
Jonah accepted his fate for his disobedience but was saved by a great fish
His disobedience created greater turmoil in his life than if he had obeyed
However, God will do as he pleases (v.14)
God’s command for us now is to love one another

 IV. Reflections on the Passage:
God puts up with our stubborn defiant behavior to an extent but there are consequences to us for this. The Ninevites were ruthless and violent Assyrians and yet God chose to show them mercy. And God’s command for us now is to love one another. It’s easy to love our friends and family. But if we’re unwilling or unable to love the unlovable or forgive those who aren’t even sorry are we willing to accept how this creates separation in our relationship with the Lord and with others?