February 3, 2019  |  Ryan Mobley

Jonah 1:1-3

The Bible is the best mirror that reflects how we are to be growing to become more like Jesus and the areas that need more attention.

One powerful feature of the book of Jonah is that it is designed to be a mirror for ourselves.

The Bible is about God, not about you or me or any of the characters we meet or stories we read.

Jonah 2:9  

Jonah 3:3

The opening verses of the book show us God’s call to Jonah and Jonah’s response: he ran.

Psalm 139:7-10 


Why do we run?

• Running: avoiding something or someone you should be lovingly engaging 
• Generally, we run because we’re threatened

Jonah’s Condition

1. Jonah was angry. - Jonah 4:1,9
   
   
2. Jonah was bitter. - Jonah 4:2
   • Hebrews 12:15 
   
   
3. Jonah was full of self-pity. – Jonah 4:8,9

God’s Character

1. God is gracious and merciful.
   
   
2. God is slow to anger.
   
   
3. God is abounding in steadfast love.
   
   
4. God is relenting from disaster.

Our Choice

1. Choose to face our sin and repent.
   
   
2. Choose to forgive and let go of bitterness and anger.
   
   
3. Choose to be gracious, merciful and compassionate.