by Pastor James Harleman

Our 4-week series on the biblical book of Jonah continues, examining the prophet’s response to God’s discipline. God doesn’t just give Jonah a bellyful, he turns him into one. Pastor James Harleman examines the contents of a fish’s stomach, as Jonah learns what happens when you give your Creator and Lord the finger.

Originally called “the repentant prophet”, closer examination reveals Jonah still has quite a way to go before he repents. Drowned, disoriented, and desperate, he gurgles for God’s grace and finds himself swallowed by something fishy. Filled with terror and remorse, he amalgamates fifteen psalms into a personal prayer of thanksgiving to God. The prayer and God’s aquatic albeit unglamorous rescue of Jonah gives us some thoughts to consider:

• There is much profit in knowing and praying the psalms God has given us.
• Apart from God, we are like Jonah – terrified, bound, imprisoned and destined for the grave – and God is the one who hears us, answers us, and brings life to pit-bound sinners who deserve Hell.
• Sometimes we may not be cheerful or “feeling” like being faithful, but must persevere in obedience to our God and Savior.

We should ask God to help us overcome our own stubbornness, so we don’t wait until we are like Jonah – literally at the threshold of spiritual and physical ruination – before we cry out and acknowledge Him.

Jonah Episode Two:
THE REGRETFUL PROPHET
preached by Pastor James Harleman

Listen right here by clicking the play button below.

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