6.4.17 // A FISHY TALE ABOUT FAITH

A FISHY TALE ABOUT FAITH

Running from God – Jonah 1

Pastor Peter Young

 

Jonah 1:3 - But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

 

The Running Game …

 

1. Why do we run

Fear - I don’t have the goods

Anger - God can’t ask ME to do this

Resentment - THEY don’t deserve…

 

Jonah 1:2 - “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.”

 

2. How do we run

Isolation: Withdraw – “hole up”

Debate: Confront and challenge/argue

Turn It Up: Drown out the call

Literally… Running away

 

Jonah 1:1-3 - Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it…” But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish... 

 

3. What happens when we run

Endanger:

Others

Ourselves

 

Jonah 1:4 - But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up.

 

Delay:

God’s plans

Our success

 

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

 

4. The answer to running

 

S.T.O.P.

S: STOP

T: THINK

O: OPEN YOUR HEART

P: PRAY

 

Psalm 139:7 (read through 12) Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your Presence?

 

Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.