Astonishing Facts About Jonah

ASTONISHING FACTS ABOUT JONAH

INTRODUCTION

Jonah has attracted attention because of the sensational “fish story.” Anytime we consider the greatness of God’s power, we will be amazed.

There are other things in the book of Jonah that are startling, astonishing, and amazing!

I. It Is Amazing That God’s Preacher Would Resent God’s Compassion.

Jonah knew the compassionate character of God.

Jonah 4:2 – “He prayed to the Lord, ‘O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”

Jonah resented God’s mercy.Jonah 4:1-3 – “But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than live.”

Some preachers prefer “condemning” more than “saving.” You can preach a better sermon with your life than your lips.

Luke 15:1-2 – “Now the tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

A shepherd will leave 99 to go after one lost sheep. 1/100

A woman will search for one lost coin. 1/10

A father will wait on one lost son. ½

The cross tells how far God will go to rescue the perishing.

II. It Is Amazing That Heathen Sailors Would Have More Compassion On Another Human Being Than Did A Prophet Of God!

Jonah 1:13-15 – “Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried to the Lord, ‘O Lord, please do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O Lord, have done as you pleased, then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.”

Jonah 4:11 – “But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

The heathen sailors were more concerned about Jonah’s life than Jonah was concerned over the spiritual welfare of 120,000 Ninevites.

People may preach the truth, but not care and love people. It is a sad day when people in error show more compassion and love on suffering humanity than does the Church.

Matthew 5:38-48 – “You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one that wants to borrow from you.”

“You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

III. It Is Amazing How The People Of Nineveh, As Wicked As They Were Could So Wonderfully

Repent.

There was a great revival despite the evangelist.

Nineveh was known for its wickedness.

We sometimes think, “Oh, they won’t change. Preaching fails that only charms not changes.

Jonah 3:1-10 – “Then the word of the Lord came a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you. Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city – a visit required 3 days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned. The Nineveh’s believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from is throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:

By the decree of the king and his nobles: