Beech Tree News Network

The book of Jonah provides us with a fascinating study. Last week, we studied the first two chapters in the book of Jonah. We conclude our study here. We ended last week’s article with Jonah’s understanding that “salvation is of the Lord” and then being spit out on the land (2:9-10). Let us continue our study of the book of Jonah.

Jonah 3 begins with Jonah being told once more preach to Nineveh (3:2, 1:2). He was to “preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.” Jonah 3:3 records his obedience to God’s command. As a result of his preaching, the Ninevites repented of their “evil way” and their “violence” (3:8). God also turned from His anger and spared the people (3:10).

 In ten short verses, we see the power of God’s word. When God’s word is preached, people will respond! In this case, we find folks responding in a positive way from the first day Jonah was in the city. They repented of their evil. I am also impressed with the king. First, he repented and then he made sure the population heard God’s command and repented (3:6-8). Notice that he did this in the right “order” by first correcting himself and then declaring how others needed correction. He did not deny his sin. Even before Jesus had preached Matthew 7:5, this king was living it by first correcting himself, and then correcting others. In a very real sense, the king did much of Jonah’s “legwork” for him. How great it was that he took action!

In like manner, it is necessary to speak “as the oracles of God” today (I Pet. 4:11). We need to do as Jonah and speak only what God wants us to speak. God’s word is inspired, and it equips us completely for every good work (II Tim. 3:16-17). Therefore, if something is not authorized of God in His inspired Scriptures, then it is not a good work!

 After all we have read in these short chapters, how strange that this book ends with Jonah being upset that God’s way worked! Yes, this was the case. Jonah was upset! He didn’t want these people to be saved (4:2). Jonah admits he had said as much in Joppa, and didn’t want to go because he didn’t want the citizens in Nineveh saved. This is just more evidence that the power in preaching is found in the message, and not in the messenger (Rom. 1:16-17)! If it were up to Jonah, the Ninevites never would have heard the message of repentance and salvation! How terrible.

 Yet, through a series of miracles, God shows Jonah that these people had value to the Lord. Their souls (and Jonah’s soul) were worth it all. Thus, in Jonah 4:11, God asks a question which leaves Jonah sitting beside a wilted gourd, in the blistering sun, pondering the love, grace, patience, and kindness of God. Jonah’s anger did nothing to help this situation. Nor did it help Jonah’s soul. He needed to stop and reconsider his ideas about who is and is not “worthy” of salvation!

Let us learn from Jonah’s example. There is much to do from a spiritual standpoint! Obviously, much more can be said about Jonah. Please take the time to read this short book again. What lessons did you gain (Rom. 15:4)? There is much to learn in this book!

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167