THE PROGRAM OF SELF VS A GREATER THAN JONAH!

 Jonah Chapter 4

If I am allowed to headline the four chapters one maybe humorous way would be like this:

1. Politically perverse prophet purposefully pursued by God
2. Prayerfully penitent prophet precisely protected by God
3. Powerfully preaching prophet pointedly pushed by God
4. Pitifully petulant prophet progressively penalized by God

THE PROPHET’S PERSONAL PROGRAM

Here in the final chapter we see the reason for Jonah's original action in the first chapter...why he ran away instead of obeying Yahweh!

Jonah knows and testifies here to Yahweh as a God who is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness! He knows Yahweh as ONE who is quick to forgive. And paradoxically Jonah, Yahweh’s servant, is a bloodthirsty soul who wants to see Nineveh destroyed...well maybe he was not bloodthirsty, just patriotic to the marrow! Is there a difference? So maybe, just maybe, if he did not warn them their wickedness will result in their destruction.

Knowing Yahweh is a merciful and gracious God is also probably the reason for Jonah's original little escapade when he ran away from his duty. He counted on God's mercy, which makes it all the more ironic that he becomes angry when the Eternal God extends the same mercy to a vicious enemy.

Jonah wanted to be the hero, a celebrity in his people's eyes and he cared nothing for God's glory.

Now he must be thinking of how his “patriotic” brothers will look at him...as the one who allowed Nineveh to have a new lease of life when Israel's enemy could have been wiped off the face of the map!

How he must have wanted to boast to his countrymen that Nineveh fell because of him!

What would he have to say to them now that Nineveh was spared, and he was mostly responsible for that?

Jonah seems to be more concerned about his own standing in society and popularity among his countrymen than about the will of God, and the weightier matters of mercy and righteous judgment.

Jonah has more compassion for a plant he had no hand in preparing, but just because it gave him shelter from the sun! Creature comfort selfishness!

An angry man who is concerned more for a plant than for people! Our priorities need to be examined! What takes precedence? God or...?

There are so many today who are more concerned with trees and plants and trivialities while giving wholehearted consent to murdering of innocent young lives, perversion of God's laws, deception, lies and compromise. Trying to save the planet without first saving the man in like trying to heal the effects and ignoring the cause!

How often we are engrossed in and caught up with the trivial than with what really matters? How often we make the gnat our object of attention and miss the whole camel?

How often we major in the minor and ignore the major?

How often we follow our own minds rather than trying to find the mind of God on a matter?

How often we fight for a vague principle and miss out on what God really wants us to do?

Many still take up arms against social sores and political ploys that completely blind their minds to what God really wants them to see…the big picture.

Have you sometimes wished that God would remove certain individuals who are contrary to what you want, or a certain family that is not in your dubious class, or a certain group that does not subscribe to principles and lifestyles you believe in, or a certain nation(s) that's a threat to world well being? Have we sometimes thought that we can run things better than Yahweh? Have we really surrendered to Him or are we wrapped up in our own little program of self?

THE PROGRAM OF SELF

Selfishness is subtly camouflaged loneliness!

Selfishness is counterproductive to the purpose of Christ.

Selfishness is a malignant outgrowth of pride or is it the other way round?!

Selfishness is the core of self-centeredness and self interest.

Selfishness is self destructive.

Selfishness is also disguised as self pity

How do you react when the so called elite club rejects you?

How do you react when the work of others is praised more than yours?

How do you react when the girl (or boy) says she (he) is not interested in that manner?

How do you react when it seems that you are constantly ignored?

Being unable and unwilling to forgive is selfishness.

There is a loud reason why self crucifixion is a prominent theme of the Bible!

When we try to be selfless in our own strength we end up draining ourselves since we are limited in our personal resources. When we are connected to His Life and that Life flows through us then we can keep on giving since we are constantly being replenished.

Selfishness is like a stagnant pond. Everything flows in and nothing or very little flows out, soon resulting in a stink and unpleasant personality that is probably loved only by a few. For a life to be sweet and clean there must be a constant flow of the stream of God’s life. There is a reason why the Sea of Galilee has fish and the Dead Sea lives up to its name. The river Jordan flows through one but stops at the other. Selfishness gratifies one's own ego and leaves little if anything for the LORD! 

"Selfishness and holiness cannot co-exist in the same mind." Charles Finney

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:23-25 KJV

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.2 Corinthians 5:14-17 KJV

Jonah's selfishness is overshadowed by the mercy and longsuffering of God.

It is all too tragic a fact, but many we who preach have a lot of theology in the head but little if any in the heart. Many times we who preach are only interested in delivering to the targeted congregation but not to ourselves. Jonah knew what Yahweh was like but he expected Yahweh to align with his own selfish desires.

It's like us when we do not get our own way we become morose, withdrawn, annoyed, and rebellious with all manner of fleshly reactions! It's only OK when God blesses us and works on our behalf but why Oh why must He show a little mercy to that miserable wretch?

We need to understand that it's not all about me but ALWAYS about Him. The world and this country specifically, is caught up in self, selfishness, self gratification, selfish desires, selfish ambitions and selfish goals, and advertisements play and pander to this ungodly ugliness in man.

The first recorded commercial ad shows the enemy making the forbidden and dangerous to appear as an attractive package, an appealing prerequisite and an achievement to pursue. Thus has the enemy always been, making things that God forbids, to be appealing while deceptively urging sin prone humans to see how unjust and straitjacket God is, in trying to deny and deprive man of his supposedly rightful freedom, only to laugh mockingly when his victims succumb to his almost irresistible persuasion. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  James 4:7 KJV

Jonah was anything but a satisfied preacher, given the massive repentance at his preaching.

He was instead angry, full of self pity and extremely petulant in his reaction at a city’s salvation!

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.  Jonah 4:1 KJV

It actually describes Jonah as being ragingly furious, foot stamping, temper tantrum until he wishes to be dead!!! What a difference from the man who prayed in the fish?

When we exhibit selfishness values go out the door...look at what Jonah valued more than the thousands of lives spared. A plant! He was a morally good man but he lacked the heart of God!

Notice than in Jonah God prepared a few things...four to be exact...a great fish, a gourd, a worm and a vehement east wind! God's object lessons can often be misconstrued as due to natural causes but the Bible says that: The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:1 KJV

So often in life we assume natural occurrences are just that... natural. We're either afraid or just too stubborn to acknowledge that God can be the reason because we do not want to deal with the consequences of that line of reasoning.

And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?  Jonah 4:11 KJV

The book ends on an abrupt and disturbing note! No feeling of comfort but a challenge to see the way God sees…to have the mind of Christ. We are commanded to!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 KJV

GREATER THAN JONAH!

The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. Luke 11:32 KJV ...they repented at the preaching of Jonas AND JESUS IS GREATER...!

AS TO HIS CAUSATION: He Himself is the CAUSE! He is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and Ending! Jonah was His creature!

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.  Revelation 1:8 KJV

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  John 1:3 KJV

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:16-17 KJV

AS TO HIS CREDENTIALS: He was approved of the Father and confirmed by the Holy Spirit! Jonah was the servant to the Master!

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22 KJV

AS TO HIS CHARACTER: He is Sinless without guile or deceit! He is Pure and Holy One, Beloved of the Father. Jonah exhibited serious personality flaws!

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  1 Peter 2:22-23 KJV

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Hebrews 4:15 KJV

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  1 John 3:5 KJV

AS TO HIS COMMUNICATION: He brought a message of Hope, Healing and Heaven to the whole world! Jonah spoke only of doom to one city!

 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. John 7:44-46 KJV

And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?  Luke 4:22 KJV

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.Matthew 7:28-29 KJV

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

AS TO HIS COMMISSION: He came to seek and save, heal and deliver! Jonah was bloodthirsty!

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 KJV

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  Acts 10:38 KJV

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  1 John 3:8 KJV

AS TO HIS COMPASSION: He wept over a city that would not come to be healed! Jonah was furious at Nineveh’s deliverance.

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. Luke 19:41-42 KJV

Jesus wept.  John 11:35 KJV

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.  Mark 6:34 KJV

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:  Mark 8:2 KJV

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. Luke 7:12-13 KJV

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.  Matthew 14:14 KJV

Jonah was a human prophet. Jesus is the Son of God

Jonah's behavior and attitude were contrary to God. Jesus was totally obedient to God

Jonah was biased for his own. Jesus came for the whole world

Jonah lived in a fish's belly for three days and nights. Jesus died and then rose the third day!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 KJV

NAMELESS ON EARTH, KNOWN IN HEAVEN!

Today we look briefly at 5 nameless women from the Bible, with an important message to mothers and women everywhere …and to the male population as well! 

1. ICHABOD'S MOTHER- Grief for the Departed Glory

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.1 Samuel 4:20-22 KJV

Phinehas wife was giving birth during a crisis situation in the country. She called her son Ichabod!

Ichabod! What a name to give to a child! What a tragic atmosphere in which to give birth! War, death of husband and in-laws but what she focused on most was "The ark of the LORD was taken! The glory has departed! Because the Glory was departed she would not be comforted by even the birth of her son, though the women said fear not!

Ichabod! Now he had no father, mother or grandfather. All dead in one day but she was bothered about one vital truth above all this... Her son had now also been deprived of the glory of God's presence! That was the greatest concern as she went to her grave. 

We do not hear her mourn over her husband's death or that of her in-laws...she only seems concerned for the Glory's departure!

Take some time to ponder on the daily life of this woman who is wife to a philandering priest, who has to live hearing of her husband's unfaithfulness and his constant ignoring of his own father's pleadings.

How many in the middle of critical condition and crisis think about God's glory? How important it is to be concerned about the spiritual future of our children! How we should petition God, pray for them and pursue them for God!

Many Christians are caught up and ensnared in the spirit of the world being obsessed with lavishing our children with perishable valuables rather than eternal values! We excuse their sin and bad behavior in defiance of God’s commands and fondly think of ourselves as being understanding and hip parents trying to live a proxy life through our children’s youth!

It is far simpler to load our children with expensive and fancy fashions and fetishes in an effort to buy their loyalty and affection than to ensure they have a Christ centered life from which the glory of God radiates! How many times have we not renamed our children Ichabod spiritually, having robbed them of the glory of God!

2. WOMAN OF ABEL- Wisdom and Prudence

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD? And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. 2 Samuel 20:15-22 KJV

Wise women seek the safety of their own. They do not expose them to unnecessary danger. In the face of war and threat of death this mother of Abel sought a peaceful solution. How many instead would have responded otherwise? Many at the drop of an ill placed word are ready to dress for war. They foolishly cry “Bring it on” Wisdom indeed is manifested as the Bible says: Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1.

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 KJV

By her wisdom this woman saved her city and everyone in it. Making wise decisions is vital in preservation of lives, relationships, and fellowship with Christ.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  Proverbs 31:26 KJV

She asked “Art thou Joab?” His name means “Yahweh is father” According to Jewish tradition it’s as though she asking, “Are you a really father…seeking to kill Israel? According to the law: When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.  Deuteronomy 20:10 KJV

However Joab had not done according to the law but was set to destroy the whole city!

For even hereunto were ye called:because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1 Peter 2:21-22

3. WIDOW WITH TWO MITES - Selfless Sacrifice

And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44 KJV

She was a widow. She was poor. She would probably be justified if she did not give. She could have looked at her two mites (the equivalent of 2 dollars today), and feel ashamed while others looked at her condescendingly! However her devotion to Yahweh won, and she gave what she had, which was ALL…and SOMEONE noticed!!!...and called attention to it! Jesus forever made the distinction between giving and merely giving! It was not just what you gave…it was what REMAINED after you gave! Jesus was excited and enthusiastically praised the woman’s giving! Great mothers tend to unconsciously exhibit this quality…selfless sacrifice on behalf of their children, depriving themselves for the greater good…paving the way for their posterity. It is important to know what catches God’s attention and holds it!

4. WOMAN OF SHUNEM- Hospitality and Dedication

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 2 Kings 4:8-10 KJV

This woman displays several commendable qualities, of which the following are a few, which combined to make her great. She did not do things by halves! She went the distance!

1. Her hospitality was heavenly
2. Her perception was precise
3. Her generosity was genuine
4. Her charity was commendable
5. Her  persistence was profound
6. Her determination was dynamic
7. Her humility was honored

She combines the virtues of a good woman and mother into one unique package that, even though nameless on earth, plants her firmly in the Scripture as one of the great women of God!

5. SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN- Persistence, Humility and Faith

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matthew 15:21-28 KJV

Her daughter was in desperate need and she resorted to the one and only solution…Jesus Christ! There was a little problem however…she was a Gentile.

It did not discourage her! Her child was in trouble and needed help. She swallowed pride and nationality, countering every opposition with persistence, humility and faith! Her attitude brought an exclamation of amazement and commendation from the Lord, and a declaration of deliverance for her daughter!

May mothers and everyone else be challenged today to strive for the qualities that make your name known in heaven and make you praiseworthy among men!