Sermon of the Week
Jonah 1:1-3 (NIV)
"Running The Wrong Way"
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Introduction
Jonah heard the Word of the LORD, disregarded the Word of the LORD, and ran from the Word of the LORD. I suppose Jonah thought that if he ran from the LORD, the LORD would just tell someone else to do it! I have literally heard people say, “I don’t have the time to do that, the LORD will choose someone else.” Maybe Jonah thought he could go into hiding for a little while and the LORD would forget all about the command. But GOD is not like man, HE doesn’t forget HIS commands, HE forgives us, but HE doesn’t forget what HE has told us! Maybe Jonah ran because he didn’t think he was qualified to preach against the great city of Nineveh! But if GOD calls us to do something, HE will equip and qualify you to fulfill the task at hand! Listen, either we are running from GOD, running to GOD, or running for GOD! We will look at several chapters in book of Jonah to see these points.
Running From GOD (Chapter 1:3)
Jonah ran away from the LORD and jumped on a ship headed for Tarshish. He was trying to get as far away from Nineveh as possible. With his own resources, he paid for a ticket to go in the wrong direction! If we are "Running From GOD", we are running in the wrong direction! Not to mention, we waste allot of time and resources when we run from GOD. We put unnecessary frustration and heartache on ourselves and others when we run from GOD! GOD caused a violent wind to toss the ship that Jonah was on in order to get his attention. Not only did Jonah put his own life in danger, he inflicted hardship and danger on others around him! When we find ourselves running from GOD, we do the same thing! We put our families in danger, our communities in danger and our ministries in danger! Here is a question to answer, "If you are running from GOD . . . who are you running to?" GOD has something HE wants you to do, and you feel that your job is more important! Maybe you think that the task is beneath you. Or maybe you feel overwhelmed by such a request from the LORD. Whatever it is, do you really think running from GOD is a wise choice? Of course the answer is "No"! Turn from your ways and run to GOD!
Running To GOD (Chapter 2:1)
Jonah found himself in the belly of a big fish! Not a whale, but a big fish! Let me mention that even when you simply try to ignore GOD's call and just sit there and do nothing (not running at all), you are still running in the wrong direction! You can try to ignore HIM, but HE will get your attention, even if HE has to put you in an uncomfortable place or position. Some of us are in that very place like the belly of a big fish. Unfortunately, some find themselves in prison before they can realize they need GOD! I am not just talking about the physical walls of bondage behind bars, but I am also talking about the mental/spiritual bondage. While Jonah was in the belly of the big fish he could no longer run from GOD, but eventhough his feet were not moving . . . he was able to "Run To GOD" through prayer! When GOD puts us in that uncomfortable place or position, we should recognize, reflect, and repent! Write this down . . .
1) Recognize who GOD is!
2) Reflect on HIS grace and mercy (Grace being that which is given but not deserving of; Mercy being that which is deserved not being given). Jonah began to realize that in spite of him running, GOD was still giving him a chance to change his direction a run to the LORD.
3) Repent and ask for HIS forgiveness.
Stop running and recognize GOD for who HE is, then reflect on GOD's calling, and repent for running in the wrong direction! And you will find yourself, not only running TO GOD, but running FOR GOD!
Running For GOD (Chapter 3:3)
When Jonah begin to run for the Lord, he was able to accomplish the impossible. Even when all you can see is the worst in a situation, obey HIM and HE will show you the best! HE will take your ordinary capabilities and accomplish extraordinary things! You may not understand why, but when you run for GOD . . . big things happen! When you are running for GOD, you don't see yourself in the situation . . . you see the Spirit in you! You no longer see yourself in the belly of the big fish! It may be difficult at times to run for GOD, but HE guarantees we will finish well!
Conclusion
Jonah's decision to run in the wrong direction cause a lot of unnecessary grief for him and those around him! The ship rocked violently! When we run from GOD, we take a chance of causing unnecessary grief for ourselves and those around us! Many times our families and churches suffer because we are running from GOD! Although GOD can use someone else, HE has called you! So stop running from HIM! HE may have called you for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Trust me . . . if you are running from GOD, you are running in the wrong direction! Run to HIM! Recognize that HE is GOD, and it is not our ways but HIS ways we should follow! Reflect on HIS grace and mercy! Know that HE is calling you to do something great! Repent and ask for forgiveness. Turn from your ways and what you think is right! Acknowledge HIS ways and do what is true! Put down "Self" and pick up your cross . . . and run for GOD! It is a hard race at times, but when we run for GOD . . . we run a race that cannot be lost!
How long have you been running in the wrong direction? Maybe you have not been running to GOD because you are scared you won't be able to finish well! If you are ready to run for GOD . . . this is the time to step up to the starting line and accept JESUS as your Savior and Lord! HE is the alpha and omega. HE is the begining and the end! JESUS becomes your Savior when you accept and your Lord as you run the good race!
Prayer
LORD, we thank YOU for a Word that reminds us to run to YOU and for YOU! Keep our feet fitted with the gospel and our path in the direction of righteousness! We may want to run from YOU, but by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we run back to YOU! Let our hearts be encouraged, just as the heart of Esther to run for YOU! To be prepared for such a time as this. For those who have never taken a stance on YOUR promises and truth, we ask that they receive this message and run to YOU! Train them up in the way of righteousness, so they may find the joy in running for YOU. Bless our troops around the globe, bless those who are sick, bless those who are shut-in! May YOUR Word continue to reach the lost and discouraged! In JESUS name we pray! Amen!
Salvation
Read of GOD's Love: John 3:1-21
Read of JESUS' Love: Matthew 27:27-31; Matthew 27:41-50; Matthew 27:54
Read of Salvation: Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Titus 2:11
Read of Acceptance: John 14:6; Romans 10:9-13; 1 Peter 1:8-9; 1 Peter 2:2
Read of the Holy Spirit: John 14:25-27; Acts 4:31; Acts 10:47; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
We always encourage those who have questions to ask their local pastors, elders or ministers. More importantly, we encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit for guideance! HE will let you know exactly what questions to ask and what answers to expect!
Please email any questions or prayer request to nhishand@comcast.net
No comments:
Post a Comment