OPERATION MERCY!
BOOK OF JONAH
The date this book was written is not precisely known: It’s estimated to have been
written sometime between the middle of the eighth century and the third century B.C.
The wickedness of this prosperous city, Nineveh, has “come up before” the Lord! The
ancient city of Nineveh was located in modern day northern Iraq; where today Mosul is
the capital city of what is called the Nineveh Providence; some 250 miles northwest of
Baghdad.
(v.1-3) God commissions Jonah to go and speak “against” the city. However, God’s
message of impending judgment is always in hope mankind will repent and embrace
His mercy. “…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9b) In
fact, “Jonah” in Hebrew is “Yonah,” meaning “dove.” In scripture, the dove is a symbol
of hope, peace, tenderness and devotion… and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:6;
Genesis 8:8, 10; Song of Solomon 1:15). Thus, Jonah is dispatched on a mission of mercy.
Instead, however, in an attempt to flee from God’s presence, Jonah goes down to
Joppa, an ancient seaport, today called Jaffa, located near Tel-Aviv, Israel. There, he
buys a ticket to Tarshish! It is believed, based on 2 Kings 14:25, that Jonah was not only
a prophet but a famous statesman as well; hence he could afford such a trip. (Halley’s Bible
Handbook). This was an extreme move on Jonah’s part, because Tarshish in Jonah’s time
was the farthest known western region of the world! Tarshish today is called Tartessus,
a harbor city located in the southwestern region of modern day Spain.
But Jonah hated the Ninevites, because they were Assyrians. Why? The Assyrian
Empire was the dominant world empire in Jonah’s day, and Nineveh was their capital
city. Historically, the Assyrian Empire was one of the most vicious and cruel empires to
ever exist on the planet. They were sworn enemies of Israel. Two observations: First,
we can run, but we cannot hide. Being a prophet Jonah should have known better, but
even God’s people can get stuck on stupid! If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed
in hell, behold, You are there. (Psalm 139:8) Secondly, the very people (person) you resent will
often be the individual(s) God will assign you to reach. Why? To make us more like
Jesus. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
(v.4-12) Jonah is found out – the “lot” falls on Jonah. For the gifts and the calling of God are
irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) (v.12b) Here, Jonah is having a pity party. Notice: (v.13) It is
futile to “row” against the truth (word-will) of God! They probably thought they were
being compassionate, but compassion a-part from truth, is simply a disguise for
rebellion. (v.14-17) The lesson here is: People are for you until it starts to cost them
something. Yet, we can be confident, when the world throws us overboard: God has a
plan which works for our good and His glory! The Lord prepared a “great fish” or sea
monster.
Chapter 2:1-4a – After pouting for “three days and nights” Jonah prays! God returns
the call of the broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), but all pouters will be placed
on hold! (v.2). Notice: Mercy affords us a second look (second chance) (v.4-6). (v.7-9)
Jonah had reached a place of brokenness. Often times, it’s only after we have
exhausted our efforts and run out of excuses, that we “remember” the Lord! (v.10)
Jonah was delivered after God turned up the heat! H.E.A.T. – Humility (v.2);
Exhaustion (v.7); Agreement (v.8); and Thanksgiving (v.9). This is the emetic
(vomiting agent) God often uses to deliver us from the depths of our rebellion!
Chapter 3:1, 2 – Notice: The irrevocable word of God had not changed, but Jonah had.
The nature of God’s word transforms us, rather than reforms Him! (v.3, 4) Nineveh
was an "exceedingly great city a three day journey in extent." (4:11) tells us the population
was 120,000. Many believe that number refers only to the children of the city; thus, the population could have
Jonah had one sermon with one
verse, (v.4b). As a result, revival breaks! It reminds us that; salvation is not an
evangelistic strategy, but a sovereign work of God! “No one can come to Me unless the Father
been as high as 600,000. (Nelson's / Easton / Fausset's Bible Dictionary).
(v.5-10). Success! Chapter 4:1-5. A clear sign of spiritual
immaturity is when heaven is rejoicing, and we’re pouting! Jonah was so self-absorbed,
he couldn’t even rejoice! He had no problem with God’s mercy towards him (2:2); but
mercy toward his enemies? That’s another story! Like a lot of carnal believers, he
would rather “die” than forgive! (v.4) The Lord questions Jonah’s heart (attitude); (v.5)
as result, he chooses to sulk, (be upset; moody and silent), rather than face the truth!
In Psalm 32, David reveals that ignoring God is a bad career choice!
who sent Me draws him…” (John 6:44a)
In (v.6-8), God further exposes Jonah’s heart. Notice: “God prepared” a plant (v.6a) He may prosper the proud; (v.7) “God prepared” a worm – What He raises up He can
also tear down; (v.8) “God prepared” a vehement east wind – God, Creator, will often
create circumstances which will reveal what is truly in our hearts, that we might be
healed. (v.8b) Self-pity, unfortunately, was Jonah’s defense of himself (1:12; 2:1; 4:2, 5,
8b, 9b). Jonah failed to see. He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. (Micah
7:18) There’s a pattern found here in Jonah’s life that we should avoid: rebellion, selfpity, repentance, entitlement, back to rebellion. Like a dog chasing its tail, our faith will
never progress or mature in this cycle of carnality!
(v.9-11) God questions the prophet again. The book suddenly ends on what seems to
be a down note. The Book of Nahum reveals, about a hundred years later, that despite
God’s mercy, the city would return to its evil ways. Yet the mercy God extends here
serves as foreshadowing of the work of the cross. (1:2) “This is a personification of evil. It
ascends from earth to heaven; and stands before the Supreme Judge, to bear witness against its own delinquency,
and that of the persons whom it has seduced.” (Adam Clarke's Commentary).
Wickedness testifies against mankind, before God. God, who is just must judge our
sins. The good news, however, is that through repentance and faith in Christ, we have
a defense attorney against the condemnation - the testimony of wickedness against us.
“…we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1b) Apart from His
advocacy, we are defenseless: “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!”
(Romans 3:23). But in Christ, there is now no condemnation, no testimony against us,
forever! COMMUNION - is celebration of God’s mercy toward us!