For Those in Peril on the SeaPart 2

Jonah 1

Jeremiah 10:1-10Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the LORD: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, 3 for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. 4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. 5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it

Jeremiah 10:1-10in them to do good.” 6 There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. 7 Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. 8 They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood! 9 Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. They are the work of the craftsman and of the hands of the goldsmith; their clothing is violet and purple; they are all the work of skilled men. 10 But the LORD is the true God…

Those in Peril on the SeaI. The Lots – v. 7

II. The Questions – v. 8

III. The Testimony – v. 9

IV. The Response – v. 10

Those in Peril on the SeaI. The Lots – v. 7

CalvinFor if strong wind arose, it would not have been so strange, for such had been often the case; and if a tempest followed, it would not have been a thing unusual. It must then have been something more dreadful, as it filled men’s minds with alarm, so that they were conscious that God was present as an avenger: and we know, that it is not common with ungodly men to recognise the vengeance of God, except in extreme dangers; but when God executes punishment on sins in an unusual manner, then men begin to acknowledge God’s vengeance.

1 Samuel 14:36-42Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today.

1 Samuel 14:36-4242 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “What have you done?”.

Those in Peril on the SeaI. The Lots – v. 7

II. The Questions – v. 8

QuestionsWhat is your occupation?

And where do you come from?

What is your country?

And of what people are you?

Those in Peril on the SeaI. The Lots – v. 7

II. The Questions – v. 8

III. The Testimony – v. 9

Psalm 89:9You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.

Matthew HenryJonah gave an account of his religion, for that was his business. We may hope that he told with sorrow and shame, justifying God, condemning himself, and explaining to the mariners what a great God Jehovah is.

BoiceIt is amusing to me that, in spite of his determination to disobey God and the rupture of fellowship between himself and God that must have caused, Jonah gave a very good testimony. Perhaps he had been a preacher too long and the habit of it was with him. Or perhaps, like Peter at the campfire of the high priest, he was just unable to lie convincingly. Logically, he might have been able to tell just the bare facts and let it go at that.

Those in Peril on the SeaI. The Lots – v. 7

II. The Questions – v. 8

III. The Testimony – v. 9

IV. The Response – v. 10

Matthew HenryIf the professors of religion do wrong, they will hear it from those who make no such profession. When sin has raised a storm, and laid us under the tokens of God’s displeasure, we must consider what is to be done to the sin that raised the storm.

Major Theme…It is very possible to be thoroughly orthodox in our beliefs, but in complete rebellion against God in our hearts.

Acts 27:23-25‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.