This is the King James Bible translated in 1611. There is no copyright. Title Page for Book of Jonah
Jonah Chapter 1 Contrast
“Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence.” (Jonah 1:3)
If we were to write a description of Jonah from Chapter 1, we would surely include such terms/phrases as:
(1) a reluctant prophet – stubborn and rebellious
(2) one refusing to extend love to his enemies
(3) Jonah – the prophet of God – guilty and disobedient.
Yet God showed compassion and spared Jonah, the unrepentant prophet. While Jonah withdrew from both God and fellow man and went to sleep in the bottom of the ship.
“What should we do to you (Jonah) so that the sea will calm down for us?” (verse 12)
“So they(sailors) called out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, don’t let us perish because of this man’s life, and don’t charge us with innocent blood! For you, Lord, have done just as you pleased.” (verse 14)
In contrast, how would the sailors be described? Answer: as unbelievers, crying out to their pagan gods. Yet the Lord God revealed Himself to them showing His power and authority over the wind and waves. They were men of action – seeking a solution for safety of all.
Actions:
(1) throwing the cargo overboard (despite loss of earnings),
(2) rowing harder (importance of human life),
(3) refusing to throw anyone overboard (avoid murder)
(4) offering sacrifices (thanksgiving).
They showed more concern for the life of Jonah than he did for the people of Nineveh.
Unbelievers – more godly than believers!
Believers – how do we respond to God’s Call?
how do we respond to God’s Discipline?
Remember – when we run away, God still goes with us!