THINGS JONAH FORGOT

December 29, 2002 PM

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Sermon Outline

Jonah 4:4-11

INTRO: Perhaps several lessons could have been developed out of the verses we have read. But it seemed to me that this particular incident needed to be considered as a whole for the lessons it contains. But I did find myself in somewhat of a dilemma when I tried to decide how to approach the text. I started out with Jonahs Priorities. As I thought further, I decided on Jonahs Value System. But that didnt really strike a responsive chord. As I read and reread the text, I settled on the idea of Things Jonah Forgot. Think about that idea with me for a few minutes.

I. HE FORGOT THAT PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THINGS

A. Jonah got worked up over death of a gourd vine!

1. 4:7-9 no doubting it he was upset about that vine

2. he had been exceeding glad of the gourd

3. that ought to begin to tell us something of Jonahs priorities

B. More concerned about gourd than with nearly a million folks

1. what about those souls? what about the innocent child

2. Mk 8:36,37 Ps 49:8 here is what was important to God

3. it seems like the time in which we live has forgotten this we love things and use people ... how sad

II. HE FORGOT GODS WORK IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN I

A. Through entire book I seems to crop up as a problem

1. but in 4th chapter, it really overcomes Jonah

2. his integrity, his wishes, his comfort, his feelings

3. glad for gourd because it provided relief for him

B. But he was a prophet ... a people person ... a servant

1. he - of all people should have realized the importance of Gods work among mankind

2. Phil 2:7 hes talking about probability of his execution ... death for the work of God which, if others have been blessed by his life and work, is a cause for rejoicing!

3. I can tell you first hand that I understand Jonahs problem here ... and too often I fear I identify with it!

III. HE FORGOT TO THANK GOD FOR GODS BOUNTY

A. Whence came that gourd vine?

1.the speed of growth would indicate miracle to Jonah

2. there was not doubting that God had provided for his need

3. but so caught up in himself was Jonah that he did not have the grace to address thanksgiving to God

B. We often take our blessings without tracing to the Source

1. All that we have is Thine alone, a trust O Lord from Thee

2. Ps 103:1-5 and forget not all his benefits

3. perhaps you feel you have no particular blessings if so, you are blind! I frankly confess to being, because of Gods grace and favor, the richest man alive

IV. HE FORGOT THAT LOSSES IN LIFE ARE TEMPORAL AND PREDICTABLE

A. Because gourd died, Jonah felt it better to die than to live

1. certainly became attached to that gourd! (4:10)

2. but nothing material is permanent even our bodies will finally wear out, or be diseased and die

3. Mt 6:19 its a real mistake to become emotionally dependent, entwined with what is on this earth (1 Cor 7:31)

B. The gourd died ... but Goddidnt!

1. note the spirit, sentiment of 2 cor 3:5

2. and couldnt we find great comfort in Ps 34:19

3. if we can learn to place our confidence and trust in the Lord and His workings, the change of life and circumstance will not destroy us nor make bitter people of us

CLOSE: Jonah forgot that God is Sovereign. And in that sovereignty God will decide the issues of life out of His marvelous attributes His righteousness, His mercy, His grace.

The book of Jonah ends with an unanswered question. Jonah has been pretty free with his dialogue with God. But what can he say now? He knows God is right. The only thing left for Jonah is to write the whole story so that we - you and I - can learn from his won profound experiences with God.

Cecil A. Hutson

29 December 2002