Scripture
So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.
~Jonah 4:2, NLT
Quote
God is sovereign: He has the power and resources to fulfill His word and will and no one can stop Him.
~Ya’akov
Jonah had a bad attitude for sure but there is nothing wrong with his theology. The book of Jonah teaches us many things about God’s character and the three simple theological truths that stand out are God’s mercy, sovereignty and His ability to answer prayer. The narrative in Jonah reinforces all three of these truths. Note Jonah 3:1, “Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time.” Jonah complains about God showing mercy to Nineveh but God also showed mercy to Jonah. He gave him a second chance. Yahweh is the God of a second chance. He is a God of mercy. The book of Jonah also illustrates God’s sovereign will and power. God wanted the heathens to be warned of judgment just like He wants the gospel to be preached to the world. Jonah thought he could thwart God’s plan by his own rebellion but Jonah was wrong. God worked His will and Jonah, the unwilling messenger became the reluctant, yet willing messenger. God also answers prayer. Who can understand prayer and how it works? No one! I can’t, you can’t and no one else can but I pray because it works. God changed his mind because Nineveh prayed. I know the Reforms say this is impossible; that God can’t have perfect foreknowledge and yet change His mind. This is one of many reasons the book of Jonah is in the bible, to contradict the heretical teaching of the reforms. God can do anything He pleases. I know, you don’t understand how prayer works or how we as sinners could influence God. No one understands, that is why God is God. He is infinite and His ways and thoughts. He operates on an infinite plain which means his wisdom is far about ours. Just follow the instructions in the bible and don’t try to reconcile everything with your puny brain. If we could put God in man’s tiny box of brains, He would not be a God big enough to worship.
- Yesterday {Sunday} was a long day for a 70 year old. I left at 7:30 am and got home a little before 3:00. Didn’t even have time to take a nap.
- I need to confess a sin: I am not a fan of Ervin Meyer or Ohio State and I confess, I watched the entire second half praying for Prudue to hold on to the lead. They did more than hold on, they increased the lead. I hope this will shut some of the pious OS fans up. I have to admit, I took great pleasure in seeing them get beat. The story line of the little boy with cancer was touching. If you didn’t see it, you need to find it on YouTube and watch it.
- We Baptized three at GRACE POINT yesterday and they had another Pastor Appreciation: this one coming from the kids. Keith Blackwood came and did the Gideon presentation and did outstanding. I’ve never heard better. I invited his big brother to come and he didn’t; imagine that! How many times has Keith went out of his way to go here his brother preach? I know how you feel Keith, none of my siblings will come here me either.
- I appreciate Joe David and Michael allowing me the privilege to participate in Michael’s Deacon Ordination. I thought it was a very good service. Dr. Pearson prayed a very good ordination prayer. The entire service was inspiring.
- I have a precious pic from the Children of Grace Point…
