THOUGHTS ON JONAH 1
Theme: Identity In Disobedience: Do We Still Know Who We Are?”
Main Verse:
Jonah 1:9
“I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the GOD of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.”
Supporting Verses:
2 Timothy 2:19
“The LORD knoweth them that are HIS. And, Let every one that nameth the name of CHRIST depart from iniquity.”
Luke 22:60-62
Peter denied JESUS but remembered who he was after the cock crowed
Romans 7:15:
“For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.”
Chapter 1 of Jonah has so many things we can learn from. We encounter GOD in HIS sovereignty. It is not just about Jonah’s disobedience, but in it, we see GOD’s relentless pursuit of HIS purpose. We also see HIS mercy even when we run and how HE works through every storm to bring us back to HIM.
We also see selfish human nature and mercy from an unexpected angle – unbelievers.
TakeAway :
Even while running from GOD, Jonah still knew who he was. He could boldly declare his identity and his GOD — though his actions contradicted his confession.
Many believers today carry GOD’s name but struggle with compromise and disobedience.
The sailors’ probing questions force us to reflect: Do we still recognize and represent our identity in CHRIST when we deliberately choose rebellion?
Jonah’s delay in admitting his fault highlights how sin often makes us passive, even as others suffer the consequences of our disobedience.
The sailors’ hesitation to throw Jonah overboard shows how sometimes unbelievers demonstrate more mercy and conscience than the disobedient believer himself, just like the good samaritan. And it is just a pity that most believers have unconsciously become choosy at who to extend mercy to.
Prayer Point:
LORD, awaken my identity even when I falter. Let me not carry YOUR name in vain while living in contradiction. Give me the courage to take responsibility for my actions and to repent early before others suffer for my disobedience. Amen.
Thoughts On Jonah 2
THEME: Deliverance Through Repentance and Prayer.
This chapter summarizes Jonah’s prayer of Repentance from Inside the belly of a large fish. After being swallowed for disobeying God’s command to preach to Niineveh, Jonah cries out to the LORD from the depths of the sea, recounting his distress and acknowledging God’s Power and mercy.
He recognizes God’s hand in his deliverance, even in the midst of his perilous situation and vows to fulfill his original mission.
The chapter concludes with God commanding the fish to release Jonah onto dry land.
In verse 9, Jonah exclaims that salvation is of the LORD!
LESSONS
People of God, here, we can see how God proved to Jonah His sovereignty.
Repentance is the turning point of answered prayer and deliverance.
After repentance, Jonah went back to answer God’s call.
Let us look back and rise from where we have fallen and go back to our first love for This Our Great and Awesome God!
He is forever merciful!
May God give us the grace and the wisdom for our daily living in Jesus Christ’s Mighty Name! Amen!
Thank You Jesus!
