For Those in Peril on the SeaPart 3

Jonah 1:11-16

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

Those in Peril on the Sea

I. Searching for an Answer

II. Searching for an

Alternative

III. Searching for Forgiveness

IV. Searching for the LORD

Those in Peril on the Sea

I. Searching for an Answer

Glaze It was the voice of his conscience,

not compassion, that spoke.

Why did Jonah ask to be thrown into the sea?

• out of compassion for the sailors

• out of a desire to be forced into

complete dependence upon God

alone

• out of a feeling that anything

was better than his running from

God

• because he had already truly

repented

BoiceCan a Christian become so hardened that he prefers death to what God wants him to do? I wish we could say no to that question, but unfortunately the answer is yes. A Christian can become hardened. This is the course of sin. What begins easily with just a step to the west instead of to the east soon accelerates into a maelstrom of self-destruction.

Those in Peril on the Sea

I. Searching for an Answer

II. Searching for an

Alternative

Jonah 1:11Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?”

BoiceSomeone has said that non-Christians never look better than when they are compared with some Christians, and that is certainly true if the Christians are disobedient ones. It is true in this story. Jonah, in his disobedience, is quite willing that all the inhabitants of Nineveh perish; for his message is one of impending judgment, and his fear is that it might be suspended if he should preach to them and they should repent. But the sailors, themselves pagans like the people of Nineveh, are unwilling that Jonah (just one man) should perish even…

Boicethough he has brought them into a position of great danger. Jonah has said that he should be thrown overboard. The sailors have every right to heed him. But they are unwilling to see him die if it can be prevented. They do their best to save him.

Those in Peril on the Sea

I. Searching for an Answer

II. Searching for an

Alternative

III. Searching for Forgiveness

Isaiah 55:11…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Ephesians 1:5…he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will

Ephesians 1:9…making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

Mark 4:35-41On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care…

Mark 4:35-41that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Those in Peril on the Sea

I. Searching for an Answer

II. Searching for an

Alternative

III. Searching for Forgiveness

IV. Searching for the LORD

Romans 1:19-20For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

BoiceThis seems to mean, quite simply, that the sailors were converted through their experience with Jonah. It means that in an ironic way God was already accomplishing his purposes in spite of his prophet’s stubborn rebellion.

Acts 7:52Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered

Matthew HenryWhen 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.

John 11:50Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.

SpurgeonBrethren, I wish I had meet words with which I could fitly describe the peace which comes to a human heart when we learn to see Jesus cast into the sea of divine wrath on our account. Conscience accuses no longer. Judgment now decides for the sinner instead of against him. Memory can look back upon past sins, with sorrow for the sin it is true, but yet with no dread of any penalty to come. It is a blessed thing for a man to know that he cannot be punished, that heaven and earth may shake, but he cannot be punished for his sin.