Ref. 2 Kings 14:25
A nationalistic prophet—foretold military victory for Israel—not a good choice for foreign missions.
Jonah 1:3
Pioneering the way for many a young preacher since—who would pay good money to get away from God’s calling.
Jonah 1:5
“Each cried to his god”— This still happens in crisis— some call Mom, some go for Federal disaster relief.
Jonah 1:6
“Maybe he will take notice of us”…
The pagan—grasping at straws—has the seed of hope that Jonah lacks; did he want to drown?
Jonah 1:14
The integrity of the ethical is preserved; even an obvious sin (throwing a man overboard in a storm!) is less important than the motivation of humility and reverence.
Jonah 2:1ff
This chapter is a psalm of thanksgiving, not a prayer for help. He is not asking for deliverance from the fish, but thanking God for providing it; also recounts his prayer of distress in the water….?
Jonah 3:4
No conditional promise here; not even a message of repentance. This kid is not giving an inch.
Jonah 3:9
Not having heard of verbal inspiration, these pagans thought God might change his mind. —Somebody needs to set their doctrine straight.
Jonah 4:2
Might as well tell somebody I told you so! What’d I tell you, God? These stinking fools repented—and so did you! [Left me holding the bag]
(For Christ’s sake let’s not offer a fair deal to the Russians {name current enemy here} —what if they take it!?!)
Jonah 4:10
::You selfish pig::— though you spoke in my name, you don’t know the first thing about compassion—like many clergy after you.
