Luke 11:30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

It’s a pleasure and privilege to preach the book of Jonah throughout August. I’m reminded of those bumper stickers on cars in Seattle that say “Jesus, save me from your followers.” When I look at Jonah, and even my own disposition when I step out of line with God’s spirit, I see just how that reputation got started. Thank God our faith is not sourced in ourselves, but in the fact that “behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” – Luke 11:32 (referring to Jesus).

From what I can tell, Jonah and I have a few things in common. Number one? We’re both jerks. Thankfully, God didn’t make me sleep with the fishes. Looking at God’s prophet, we can learn a lot about God’s grace and compassion, and our own lacking. God schools Jonah with a fish and spits Him in the right direction. Praise God that Jesus is not like us, but “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness… ” -Exodus 34:6

Next Week: Jonah Episode 1: The Rebellious Prophet
The 4-week series on the biblical book of Jonah begins, exploring the titular prophet’s response to God’s calling. He doesn’t just tell God “get out of town”, he tries to show God exactly how that’s done. God is not amused. Read and pray over Jonah 1:1-16 this week.

-Pastor James Harleman