I had a question answered by Paige’s last teaching that has troubled me for a long time:
When we sin, does He back away because He sees us in the arms of another lover, or does He run toward us? In Scripture, I see Him doing both, so what is His true heart?
The lightbulb came on for me when my friend Dean said: “The father in Luke 15 didn’t run after the younger son.”
I thought: That’s true. He let him wallow with the pigs in the mud.
That’s when the light turned on for me. 💡
I realized: But that was running after his son, for the father wanted him to experience the pain of his idols so he would return to him.
The Father is always running after us, even when He backs up, even when He allows us to quench His Spirit.
He knows what will bring us to our senses.
This made me think of this song by Philips, Craig, and Dean:
The following questions are meant to help you — feel free to skip any that don’t help you or share anything that stood out that I didn’t address.
Wednesday: Getting Started
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
Thursday: Jonah’s Temper Tantrum: Animosity
Listen to through the Grouchy Ladybug Book. Optional:
God’s righteous anger is turned away from Ninevah. In contrast, Jonah’s unrighteous anger is turned toward God.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare?
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this?
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
Friday: Absurdity
Listen through her giving the French version of Jonah from Les Miserables. Optional:
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah?
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2)
9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone?
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment.
11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9?
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah?
Saturday: God’s Tender Tenacity: Instruction
Listen until she goes into inclusiveness.
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3?
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance?
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah?
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different?
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that?
Sunday:
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today.
Monday: Inclusivity
Listen through the story of Katie’s funeral.
20. What is God’s motive for hesed?
21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God?
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).)
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment?
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way?
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why?
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point?
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity?
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point?
Tuesday: Inconclusion
Listen to the end.
We don’t know for sure where Jonah lands. The fact that there is a book implies he changed. But we can’t be sure.
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week.
. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do. Yes I believe He chases after us. Maybe not as the word running implies, but I know there were times in nature, a starry sky, or a sunset that my heart was yearning for something more. I don’t see without Him searching, luring me, creating needs, or letting me know emptiness I could have ever come to Him.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why? Jonah is still very angry. He was the voice that provided a miracle in the saving of Nineveh and angry about God’s compassion. He did understand what mercy God was capable of and yet not in awe to be used by this great God. There s probably a message here for me that I haven’t quite figured out
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
I do. He’s always in my head, no matter where I am!
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
I think she is right in that the book of Jonah should have ended with chapter 3! Chapter 4 is weird and initially hard to understand.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. How do you see this through the verse Jonah quotes from Exodus?
Jonah wants them punished. He doesn’t believe they deserve mercy. He knows from the verses that it takes a lot to get God to give up, but he also thinks he has done well in his life and is better than those people in Nineveh.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you seen yourself or others disapprove of God?
I definitely have questioned God when bad things happen. But all of this reminds me of Job too; when he questioned God, and God put him in his place.
Yet chapter 4 is so realistic. True life doesn’t always have a happy ending. Yet there is hope that it did eventually as most believe Jonah wrote this embarrassing account of his life. And I think Chapter 4 helps us see the real point of the book — I can be like Jonah, not loving well but just thinking about myself!
Wednesday: Getting Started
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
I never thought of this, Dee but I do believe He is always running after us. I believe He uses the Holy Spirit in my life to bring about remembrance of who God is and His great love for us especially when we are like the prodigal son, wallowing in the mud.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
I, too, have always wondered why the book of Jonah does not just end in Chapter 3:10. and have a happily ever after one-liner for a v.11. I think Chapter 4 is evidence of God’s relentless love for us. I am Jonah in many ways. I can be tempted to be resentful of the grace of God for others. I also believe that this will still be a struggle while we live here on earth-taking God’s grace for granted, feeling entitled to it at times, and resentful of the grace others receive. I have to be reined into the truth and I can never outgive God in his love, mercy, and grace.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare? Deliverance was present. Jonah wasn’t praising God as the other examples. He was angry with God.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this? I can’t remember anything, I may not like God’s decisions, but not sure I disapproved of God. I suppose it’s possible and I just don’t remember.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4? Is it right for you to be angry?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point? That if food doesn’t taste right and air seems wrong it’s a symptom body is sick. If God’s purposes and priorities seem wrong, that is a symptom that my heart has disease. It’s my attitude that is wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book? Jonah started a fight with God. When challenged because God was willing to spar with him, Jonah fled. ( Jonah must have known he was wrong, was unwilling to change, but and wasn’t going to like the outcome of the fight.)
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do. The scriptures say that He will never leave us nor forsake us, which means to me that He is always there. I don’t think He backs away or runs after us. He reaches for us because He is right there. He is simply always with us. 2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why? Paige points out that the need for a chapter 4 is unexpected because you would think that chapter 3 would end with Jonah being happy that he was successful. I am surprised that there is no ending to chapter 4 or a chapter 5. Did Jonah repent and turn away from his hatred, anger and selfishness? At the end of Job when he got lectured by God there was an answer from Job and we got to hear how the rest of his life turned out; nothing at all about Jonah.
Yes, we don’t really know for certain how Jonah turned out, but I agree with Keller it is probable Jonah wrote this embarrassing account in later years so he did finally truly repent. But, yes, we don’t know for certain.
Wednesday: Getting Started
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
—I absolutely loved this opening to Lesson 5.
Dee, Your insights from your light bulb moment are beautiful! I agree that in the end and in reality God as Father is always running after us. If there is any distance between us we have caused it and He waits and waits but is always ready and waiting to run to us and gather us up in his arms. I really do enjoy Phillips, Craig, and Dean. And the song was perfect to illustrate the point. I believe it because when you consider the whole Bible and the context of the Gospel with in it your find God through his only Son Jesus brings outrageous grace to a lost and sinful world. I think of Paige’s comment last week when she said it takes the whole Bible to make a whole Christian.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
—I think it is the stubbornness and extreme anger in Jonah that is hard to understand especially because of who Jonah is and what he knows about God. As a prophet or in other words God’s messenger I find his total unwillingness to accept God’s will baffling. And even in his own extreme anger he identifies God as slow to anger.
In 4:2 He says of God “…..I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”
He would rather that God be like him than for himself to be like God.
Thankfully the character of God is immutable.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
Are you right, in being upset about the situation?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
It’s not God and His law/guidance, it’s me that might be wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
The lady bug is grumpy and wants all the aphids for herself. She doesn’t want to share. She “stomps” off looking for a fight to satisfy her in her madness. She finally is set straight by the largest of the animals she encounters, a whale, who slaps her back home to the original scene, where she decides it’s probably a better idea to share.
Jonah descends into a ridiculous pit. A temper tantrum. He is waiting for God to change!
Thursday: Jonah’s Temper Tantrum: Animosity
God’s righteous anger is turned away from Ninevah. In contrast, Jonah’s unrighteous anger is turned toward God.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare?
—Its use has always been in the context of a covenant relationship with Israel and that God cannot and will not break his covenant with Israel even when they sinned grievously worshipping a gold calf.
In light of God’s character Moses falls on his face in worship of God. But Jonah shakes his finger at God in insult slamming the very character of God and who he is.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this?
—I haven’t knowingly felt or expressed anger at God thinking he is wrong. But I have at times wondered at God’s way. I think it was my fear of him as Who he really is that didn’t ever take me down that path. He has always been an authority figure in my life and bucking authority was highly unacceptable in my growing up. I did have to learn and grow in my understanding of his mercy, grace, steadfast love and his faithfulness.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
—“Do you do well to be angry?”
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
—Tim Keller “If suddenly it is painful to breathe air and distasteful to eat food there is nothing wrong with the food or air. Your body is diseased. If suddenly the purposes of God are repulsive there is nothing wrong with them. It’s your heart is diseased. “
—Jonah’s anger with God and God’s way showed his heart was diseased and completely wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
—The Ladybug in her selfish bad attitude heart kept picking a fight with everyone she met and when they would accept her bullish challenge then she would just fly away. Jonah did the same. He picked the fight and then walked away. She said Jonah was great at leaving. 🥴
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah? He is angry over God giving mercy to a city full of people and exceedingly happy God grows a vine overnight to give him shade. Jonah s heart perceives things wrong. No joy over 120k people saved but happy for a vine that helped him. He didn’t want God to relate to other people in the living gracious way He treated Jonah. The small things he liked the great saving of a city made him angry That is inverted.
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see. Jonah on vs 1 is greatly displeased and became angry with God’s action and in vs 4 Jonah is very happy about the vine which God provided which provided shade for his head and eased his discomfort.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2) from inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. Jonah needed God’s help. Vs 4:2 Jonah prayed to the Lord complaining isn’t this what I said when I was home. I knew You were compassionate slow to anger and abounding in love. A God who relents from calamity he is angry with God for who He is.
9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone? Israel was blessed to be a blessing to other nations. Jonah didn’t want God ‘s grace to be extended to people, Jonah wanted it held over people. I think people like Jeffrey Dahmer and people who do vile things against children, it was hard to hear grace and salvation is given to them.
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment. Jonah was wanting God to be like him and destroy a city in wrath. Thankfully God is not like us humans.
11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church We complain and discount a church because we aren’t comfortable there or they don’t teach what we believe. Even though the church lifted Jesus up. We can go to a church because of social connections. Years ago a friend rejected a church because of carpet color
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ. The young woman had gone to college living as she wanted and then turned to Jesus and talked to Paige about the grace of God. Paige didn’t want to hear it because of the narrow road she had always followed.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me) surprised he endorsed.
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9? Jonah stood his ground that he was right to be angry.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah? Javert’s heart, despite mercy, grew harder and didnt want to live in a world where there is grace given.
Saturday: God’s Tender Tenacity: Instruction
Listen until she goes into inclusiveness.
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3?
—The ultimate inversion here is that this is who God is to Jonah. Committed to Jonah and He will not give him up.
God’s grace finds us where we are and never leaves us where we are.
Death would not have solved Jonah’s problem.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance?
—He keeps coming back to him
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah?
—The comparison of a plant as compared to the souls of the Ninevites.
Paige’s comment.
“Jonah thought God saves cities and destroys plants but he should save plants and nukes cities.”
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different?
—For our own sake and not theirs. God does not give us our own way for our own sake and not his.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that?
—Because we all have to grow up and move into greater maturity. It is unhealthy to stay stuck in the same place. She said “His love is committed to not just saving us but growing us up. Salvation belongs to the Lord and so does our maturity. “
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare? It is always quoted in thankfulness to God for his mercifulness, slowness to anger and steadfast love. Jonah uses it as a complaint about God in saving the Ninevites. 4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this? I don’t think that I’ve ever outright disapproved of God, although I have been grieved over some of the events of my life that I would have preferred had not happened. I have twisted God’s words and probably still do, but not intentionally. It is more that I had a superficial or immature interpretation of scripture. 5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4? “Do you do well to be angry?” 6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point? If you’re finding God’s ways repulsive or undesirable, the problem is you, not God. 7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book? She ended up in the same situation that she started in only battered, tired and wet. She unnecessarily went through a lot only to end up in the same place.
Also Paige’s point was the ladybug challenged everyone to a fight and when they agreed, she made an excuse and flew on. Jonah challenged God and when He accepted the challenge, Jonah said, “Never mind.”
God’s righteous anger is turned away from Ninevah. In contrast, Jonah’s unrighteous anger is turned toward God.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare?
The love and compassion of God to His people who fear Him is the context of the passages in Psalms. And the response is always to worship God. Jonah’s response was of indignation and insult.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this?
Yes, for sure. Her examples clarified what she meant by this. Having my own group of “like-minded” people who agree with me about those other people. Ugh!
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
Is it right for you to be angry?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
The crux of the matter is not the food or drink or the air may taste wrong but it is your body that is actually diseased. Spiritually speaking, God’s priorities are right but my heart is diseased so I consider it wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
The very grouchy ladybug just circled back to where she started. We want to fight God but we just keep running away from Him and end up in the same place where we started. Until we have our eyes open to His relentless pursuit of us.
Friday: Absurdity
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah?
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see. Jonah was angry at God for showing mercy to the Ninevites. He was happy about the plant that God provided for Him.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2) He prayed to God while in distress and then he is mad at God because of His character.
9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone?
He wanted God to be partial to him and the Jews, not include others. Yes, when I start comparing myself to others and see that they do not deserve the grace of God.
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment.
There are many ways/times that I want to be God-this is evident in how I am too future-oriented or stressed about something that I know I do not have any control over.
11. Examples of upside-down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9?
He did not want to acknowledge that God is right and that he is wrong.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah?
Javert could not stand grace and mercy therefore he could not live with that and committed suicide.
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah?
Jonah believes God is mistaken in His judgement. He thinks he deserves mercy. He also thinks the Ninevites also deserve to perish because of their sins.
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see.
He was greatly upset that God forgives, and he was greatful for the plant that shaded his head. B.(2:1 compared to 4:2)
He prayed because he was scared inside the fish. He complained because he knew how God would save the Ninevites just as he was saved!
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God and we are not.” Comment.
God is God and Jonah is not. He thinks that God should be like him. I and me are used many times in this chapter.
11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians: A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
I’m not comfortable at that church, they don’t teach what I believe, my kids don’t like it, etc.
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
Paige thought she had worked so hard and the woman had not. She didn’t deserve God.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
Jesus was kind to the woman at the well, and told her to go and sin no more. He never said what she was doing was acceptable. We can be kind to the gay community and still not agree with them on being gay. 12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9?
He thinks it’s just fine to die even though he didn’t much like being in the fish….he’s saying he wants to die if God gives them mercy. He is being absurd. He wants God to do what he wants.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah?
I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t really know this play very well. I have seen clips (probably here). I think Javert feels like he should be punished in reality, but is not. He doesn’t know how to handle that he isn’t made to stand for his crimes. He would rather die than live with the guilt?
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah? A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see. When God spared the Ninevites, Jonah was exceedingly angry. When God planted a shade plant for Jonah, he was exceedingly happy. B.(2:1 compared to 4:2) Jonah was thankfully worshiping God for His grace and mercy when he was being rescued from drowning in the sea, but he was angry at God’s grace and mercy when He was saving the Ninevites. 9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone? When people do all of the wrong things, but continue to prosper and have pretty good lives, I wouldn’t say that I get angry, but my gut reaction is that God is rewarding bad behavior. I don’t stay in that frame of mind though. 10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment. That has always been the problem. It’s the root of sin. 11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9? Instead of humbling himself and repenting of his attitude, he tells God that he has the right to be angry. 13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah? He’d rather die than see someone he thinks is not worthy, get mercy. At least Jonah didn’t kill himself!
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3? Because of God’s character and love, he is committed to Jonah and will not give up on him.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance? Is it right for you to be angry? Is it right for you to be angry about the plant? Should I not have concern for Nineveh with more than 120k people who can’t tell their right hand from their left and also many animals? God responds with patience, kindness and questions him to show the silliness of being more concerned for one plant than 100k people .
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah? If God clothes the lilies of the field, how much more will He clothe you, oh you of little faith? If the single plant grew by God’s hand and brought Jonah relief from the harsh heat, why shouldn’t a city of 120k made in God’s image be allowed to have relief from the heat of God’s judgement.
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different? For our sake not theirs because we are tired of the fighting and continual arguing. God never does that because of His love. The cross was for our sake and cost God His Son. God is determined to grow us up.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that? Because to stay in that place is being stuck and trying to hold on to youth no matter the cost Instead of maturing into adulthood with its struggles and challenges.
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3? Because He is patient, slow to anger, merciful. 15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance? God doesn’t just kill Jonah off like he was saying that he wanted. He makes a the whole scenario with the shade plant and worm as an object lesson for Jonah. He asks Jonah if he (Jonah) is right to be angry about the plant. God is doing what is right, not giving in to Jonah’s requests. 16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Nineveh? If God does the simple things like clothe the plants in the field with beautiful flowers, how much more will He clothe you and give you what you need? Jonah was angry that God spared the Ninevites and was angry when God didn’t spare a plant. God points out that Jonah cares more about a plant that is here today, gone tomorrow than 120,000 people. 17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different? We give kids their own way for our temporary peace, not because it’s good for them. God does what is best for us regardless of what we want. 18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that? Because that means that they are stuck in perpetual adolescence, never to become a mature adult.
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today. It was the worship songs especially at the end of the service. The only singing people with microphones are the pastor and one other lady, yet they were almost drowned out by the singing from the congregation, which rarely happens. We had less than 30 people today and it sounded like a choir. All of the voices were in harmony, it was beautiful.
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today.
Today was a Spirit-inspired, infused Sunday. We had 2 baptisms, a young football coach from our local high school and a young lady who is pursuing a degree in nursing. We were so encouraged by the turnout of students and families in support of their public profession of faith. Both Richard and I were so pumped by the fact that many young people were there. During his short sermon, he talked about the basics of baptism and made sure that the gospel was clear, and that water baptism was a step of obedience and following the example of Jesus, not a requirement of salvation. We pray the gospel seeds that were planted today will be watered by God and His Word.
I also attended an older adult Sunday School class. I was washed with joy in my heart as I listened to an older gentleman share his testimony. He had lost his wife and son in a span of less than a year. He said, “I never knew what life could be like when you lose everything. Nowhere else to turn to but the Lord.” He expressed his grief and loneliness, and we can all sense his sincerity and humility.
I have often wondered about his faith as he is what we would call a self-made man. His testimony today assured me that his faith is true. And that brought me so much joy!
God is gracious, compassionate, and committed to Jonah.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance?
He doesn’t give up. He continues to ask him if it is right for Jonah to be angry and about the plant dying. He then asks if He should not be merciful to the city of Nineveh. God is patient with Jonah. He never blasts him even for his answers.
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah?
Jesus asks the people, if God cared about the little sparrow and its well being, then how much more did He care for them, since they are His offspring?
The plant is mercy and the worm is justice. 17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different?
It is for our sake, not theirs. God does it for our sake, not His. It is to help us to grow up.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that?
You will remain stuck there if not careful. True adulthood is a beautiful thing.
Oh Thank you Laura for sharing that recording by CeCe Winans. What a beautiful rendition. We sing that song occasionally at our church as well and it is truly one of my favorites. 💕
20. What is God’s motive for hesed? Because of His never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love. His love is not contingent. It is final.
What is the measure — what does this love cost God? Because of His never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love, He gave His Son to pay for my sins. His love for Jesus. God now lavishes on me the love that Jesus is worth,
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).) Jonah is a me figure. Jonah waited for the destruction of other people Jesus bore the destruction of other people Jonah gloated hoping Nineveh to be destroyed Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem,
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment? It is a precious thought to me that God doesn’t come to punish me but to draw me closer to Him and open my eyes to my sin and ungodly thoughts and beliefs.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way? Zero sum. Someone else gain is someone’s loss. It is selfish and focused on me. When God is love and His intention is to bless all. I think I can get envious sometimes and wonder when is it my turn. It becomes something I have to repent.
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why? I am usually genuinely happy for them. If it happens to be something that has to do with doing something for God and they are able to bless someone, I am thankful (but in selfishness wish I would have been used)
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point? The painting would be of a full subway car. God loves people and cities are full of people. It doesn’t matter who they are and their credentials or lack of, God wants them to surrender to Him.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity? World’s definition is everyone is okay right where and who they are. God says they need and repent of self and come to Him because we all need Him.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here. To bring people to God and His love. I’m not an evangelist but in a small setting I can tell people about God. I am weak in this area and am convicted in her statement my failing has something to do about how I feel about God. There were people from my church this week doing street evangelism and I found no need to join them.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point? Katie had no sense of possession that this is mine. She willingly shared and thought others wanted to do the same. Point is God doesn’t want an only child. He wants us to share the love God has gives us with others.
Sunday:
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today.
—I was not home for the worship services at my own church yesterday but was at a church camp over the weekend where my husband directs a sporting clays shoot 4 times a year. There is an area along a creek at the far end of the camp where a group of men set up and have an open shoot. It is an opportunity for ministry to men in particular.
But there happened to be a college age retreat of 500 students at the camp and my great niece was there as part of the leadership team ministering to those students. On Saturday night we saw her at supper and she invited us to come to the evening Chapel gathering. She happened to be giving the Call to Worship. So it was our privilege to hear her do that and share from Psalm 27 verse 4. In her brief comments she clearly shared Christ and the gospel. It is a wonderful blessing for us to support her ministry and to get to observe her heart for God before a group like that.
Yesterday was a particularly rich discussion at our home church on the woman caught in adultery. Everybody talked and it really was iron sharpening iron.
One of the big things I learned from Keller (and this is a sermon we will do here) is that though it wasn’t in the place in the earliest manuscripts of John, scholars believe it is authentic, just was misplaced from its original place in John or the end of Luke.
He is steadfast in His love for us. It is final. 21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God?
It costs Him everything.
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).)
Jonah is selfish. Jonah is uncaring. God loves us so much that He gives His only Son for us. Good is not selfish. Jesus gives Himself. He bears the destruction of other people. 23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment?
He wants to come for Jonah, He wants to cover him with salvation. Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Monday: Inclusivity
Listen through the story of Katie’s funeral.
20. What is God’s motive for hesed?
His love.
21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God?
His love cost him his son, Jesus.
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).)
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment?
God is committed to Jonah no matter what to bring Jonah back to Himself.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way?
Zero-sum mentality, she calls it. Jonah does not understand the measure of God’s grace. Because of Jesus’ loss, all of us have gained. It is not just me but me and them.
I think I am beginning to understand God’s grace more and more and see that his love is beyond my ability to measure. I don’t think that somebody’s gain is my loss. Perhaps, I used to believe it but not anymore.
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why?
My natural response is to be jealous but I have been finding it not good for my soul. So, I try to give it to the Lord and ask Him to cleanse me and for Him to make his grace known to me, and to teach me how to be content. I believe it is a good thing to acknowledge these feelings but then not to dwell on them and to count my blessings. It is hard at times, though.
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point?
God loves people on a busy, smelly, jampacked subway car more than He would want to have a picture of beautiful scenery. Come to think of it, those beautiful sceneries are His own making anyway but the people in that subway car can be lost without Him. He loves cities because they are where many people are. I never really thought of a city in that way. When I got to metropolitan Kansas City, I saw some people there as people who were down in luck, and often, due to their own doing. Now, I am seeing or picturing more as sheep without a shepherd in need of a Savior.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity?
The world’s idea of inclusion means everyone should be able to go to heaven regardless of their relationship with God. God’s inclusivity means all people but they would have to believe in His son. Jesus’ math is always addition-prostitutes, Pharisees, rich young rulers, the crowd. Anybody in the world who believes in His son and His atoning sacrifice.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here.
To bring people to God. All people. And not be selective which I can be at times.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point?
Katie has no sense of possession. Everything belongs to all. We as Christians should be ready to share our greatest possession and that is Jesus Christ. We should not be selective with whom we share the gospel.
Tuesday: Inconclusion
Listen to the end.
We don’t know for sure where Jonah lands. The fact that there is a book implies he changed. But we can’t be sure.
I need to ask myself, where would I want to land and what should I do to make certain I land where God wants me to.
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
I want mercy for all so I pray God will help me not be selective in who I share the gospel with. We all need the Lord. I think of this song from Steve Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRqgCkg7OV8 People Need the Lord
32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week.
This study has been kind of like heart surgery again! Just when I thought I was doing okay in the Lord, I was convinced of how short I had fallen. Especially in the area of unconditional love for others. The heart is indeed deceitful. I must look closely at it and sometimes don’t want to see the real me in there. I want to go through life not ruffling any feathers (idol of approval) and staying away from people who don’t agree with me. Ugh! Paige is such a gifted speaker. She hits me in the guts. I know it is the spirit working in my heart. Paige is just a channel and she is faithful to do so even when she might come across as a little harsh at times.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way?
It should be them AND me, not them and not me. God wants all of us!
I don’t typically feel that way…
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why?
In the past I have been jealous. I am no longer that way. God’s plan for me is right. Who am I to complain?
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point?
The painting of a smelly subway car, with people. All kinds of people. God loves people more than plants (which would normally be the painting over the fireplace; some c sort of nature scene). Cities, where there are plenty of different people.
Tuesday: Inconclusion
Listen to the end.
We don’t know for sure where Jonah lands. The fact that there is a book implies he changed. But we can’t be sure.
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week.
—Paige’s introduction to Chapt. 4 reminds me of her study on Samuel where she said “It’s the heart, Stupid! “
She said chapter 4 is a showdown between Jonah’s heart and God’s heart. It shows how far a believer’s heart can wander from the heart of God. So the point of the chapter was to look at both hearts.
By the time she got done teaching on Chapter 4 the take-a-way for me is this: “….the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,…”. It becomes an amazing and overwhelming reiteration of what a wonderful caring Heavenly Father we have who loves us beyond measure and pursues us to the ends of the earth. This is a wonderful statement she made.
God’s grace finds us where we are and never leaves us where we are.
I will not look at the book of Jonah the same as I did before. She adamantly says this is not a book about Jonah but rather a book about God. So, so good. 😊💕
I will not look at the book of Jonah the same as I did before. She adamantly says this is not a book about Jonah but rather a book about God. So, so good. 😊💕
20. What is God’s motive for hesed? His only motive for steadfast love is His love. 21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God? It cost God himself. The death of Jesus. 22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).) Jesus loves everyone and wants all people to be saved. Jonah loves himself and his people and doesn’t want anyone else to be saved. 23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment? God didn’t attack Jonah for being bigoted, a nationalist, a hater (Jonah’s characteristics). He told Jonah about HIS characteristics, loving, merciful, patient. He’s trying to win Jonah’s heart. 24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? It’s like saying God has a limited amount of love and mercy. Do you ever feel that way? Not that I’m aware of. 25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why? I think I respond well. I can’t think of anything recently, although when I was a kid, I used to be a very jealous person to the point of hating rich people and stealing whatever I thought I could get away with because I figured they’re rich they can afford to buy new ones. 26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point? That God wouldn’t hang pictures of scenery, He would hang pictures of ordinary people because that’s what He loves most. 27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity? Inclusion in our society means everyone is fine just the way they are. Everyone is included in God’s love. God so loved the world. 28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture? He’s leaving out the part about go and sin no more. 29. What is the co-mission of all believers? To bring others to Christ. Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here. I am pretty weak in this area. I don’t share my faith with most people. 30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point? Katie had no sense of possession so she took things because it never crossed her mind that someone would be upset about it because she never would be upset if someone took her things. She was the opposite of how most only children are. As a Christian we shouldn’t act like we’re God’s only children and keep things to ourselves.
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do? When I see some of the horrible crimes against children, my first thought isn’t for God’s mercy on the perpetrator. When I think more about it, I’ll pray for that person to accept Christ, but I wonder sometimes if I’m being sincere or if I’m just going through the motions because I’m supposed to. All I can do is ask for God’s heart to be my heart.
I am halfway through the book that Paige mentioned last week, Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love by Thomas Tarrants. When I hear testimonies from criminals who have been redeemed by Christ, I am rejoiceful. 32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week. My take away is total awe of God’s mercy both for the undeserving unbelievers and the undeserving believers as well.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity?
Our vision is that everyone is included and are fine the way that they are. The Gospel says none of us are fine and need a Savior. God loves people. God includes all who repent of themselves and come to Him. His mission is to bring people to Himself.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
I’m not sure about this pastor, or why he would twist the scripture to fit his need. I do know that I can’t attend a church that goes against the Bible. I have left a church that decided it was okay to “marry” same sex people. It is clear to me in scripture, both Old and New Testaments, that homosexuality is wrong. It doesn’t mean God (or I) doesn’t love those afflicted by this disease of the mind. God loves people (as Paige says). I’m afraid that pastors who think the way Andy Stanley think, don’t have enough trust in God. They believe they must change to help the homosexual think they belong. However, if their belief in God is solid, they will remember that God can handle the homosexual on His own. Our part is to get everyone to church so that can happen. It isn’t to change doctrine to make people feel good.
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here.
We are to help God bring people to Him.To bring others to His love is our mission. All kinds of people are included. The hardest to love are included.
I struggle with sharing the love of God, but every so often I find a situation that makes me brave. Today was one of those times. I sent a video of the verse of the day yesterday to a non believer colleague who has such an emotional rollercoaster life. She SO needs Jesus.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point?
Katie had no idea that she shouldn’t take things. She thought you would also take things.
She had no sense of possession. She would gladly give or share anything she had. She was not taking things to harm others. She wanted to share, and thought others would want to share as well.
We need to share Him!
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
So hard. This morning, I am struggling the terrible events of the week. The innocent Israeli citizens, the awful hate of the terrorists, and the propaganda! Ugh! How can God love those people who think it’s okay to behead babies?? How can they be made in His image??? I just don’t know about this. 🤷🏻♀️
Laura, I feel your questions on #31. I just can’t imagine the atrocities. I am one who would not read the news because things like what is going on in Israel elicit visceral responses in me. I keep calling on God to have mercy and grace in this very tragic situation while I call for His justice. “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24
54 comments
. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do. Yes I believe He chases after us. Maybe not as the word running implies, but I know there were times in nature, a starry sky, or a sunset that my heart was yearning for something more. I don’t see without Him searching, luring me, creating needs, or letting me know emptiness I could have ever come to Him.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why? Jonah is still very angry. He was the voice that provided a miracle in the saving of Nineveh and angry about God’s compassion. He did understand what mercy God was capable of and yet not in awe to be used by this great God. There s probably a message here for me that I haven’t quite figured out
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
I do. He’s always in my head, no matter where I am!
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
I think she is right in that the book of Jonah should have ended with chapter 3! Chapter 4 is weird and initially hard to understand.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. How do you see this through the verse Jonah quotes from Exodus?
Jonah wants them punished. He doesn’t believe they deserve mercy. He knows from the verses that it takes a lot to get God to give up, but he also thinks he has done well in his life and is better than those people in Nineveh.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you seen yourself or others disapprove of God?
I definitely have questioned God when bad things happen. But all of this reminds me of Job too; when he questioned God, and God put him in his place.
Yet chapter 4 is so realistic. True life doesn’t always have a happy ending. Yet there is hope that it did eventually as most believe Jonah wrote this embarrassing account of his life. And I think Chapter 4 helps us see the real point of the book — I can be like Jonah, not loving well but just thinking about myself!
I like this comment 😊“He’s always in my head, no matter where I am!”
Me, too!
Wednesday: Getting Started
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
I never thought of this, Dee but I do believe He is always running after us. I believe He uses the Holy Spirit in my life to bring about remembrance of who God is and His great love for us especially when we are like the prodigal son, wallowing in the mud.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
I, too, have always wondered why the book of Jonah does not just end in Chapter 3:10. and have a happily ever after one-liner for a v.11. I think Chapter 4 is evidence of God’s relentless love for us. I am Jonah in many ways. I can be tempted to be resentful of the grace of God for others. I also believe that this will still be a struggle while we live here on earth-taking God’s grace for granted, feeling entitled to it at times, and resentful of the grace others receive. I have to be reined into the truth and I can never outgive God in his love, mercy, and grace.
I wrote my note to Laura before I read your thoughts, Bing — so parallel! Same Spirit says same thing.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare? Deliverance was present. Jonah wasn’t praising God as the other examples. He was angry with God.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this? I can’t remember anything, I may not like God’s decisions, but not sure I disapproved of God. I suppose it’s possible and I just don’t remember.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4? Is it right for you to be angry?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point? That if food doesn’t taste right and air seems wrong it’s a symptom body is sick. If God’s purposes and priorities seem wrong, that is a symptom that my heart has disease. It’s my attitude that is wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book? Jonah started a fight with God. When challenged because God was willing to spar with him, Jonah fled. ( Jonah must have known he was wrong, was unwilling to change, but and wasn’t going to like the outcome of the fight.)
You are a careful listener, Judy.
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do. The scriptures say that He will never leave us nor forsake us, which means to me that He is always there. I don’t think He backs away or runs after us. He reaches for us because He is right there. He is simply always with us.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why? Paige points out that the need for a chapter 4 is unexpected because you would think that chapter 3 would end with Jonah being happy that he was successful. I am surprised that there is no ending to chapter 4 or a chapter 5. Did Jonah repent and turn away from his hatred, anger and selfishness? At the end of Job when he got lectured by God there was an answer from Job and we got to hear how the rest of his life turned out; nothing at all about Jonah.
Yes, we don’t really know for certain how Jonah turned out, but I agree with Keller it is probable Jonah wrote this embarrassing account in later years so he did finally truly repent. But, yes, we don’t know for certain.
Wednesday: Getting Started
1. Do you agree or disagree that the Father is always running after us? Explain why you believe as you do.
—I absolutely loved this opening to Lesson 5.
Dee, Your insights from your light bulb moment are beautiful! I agree that in the end and in reality God as Father is always running after us. If there is any distance between us we have caused it and He waits and waits but is always ready and waiting to run to us and gather us up in his arms. I really do enjoy Phillips, Craig, and Dean. And the song was perfect to illustrate the point. I believe it because when you consider the whole Bible and the context of the Gospel with in it your find God through his only Son Jesus brings outrageous grace to a lost and sinful world. I think of Paige’s comment last week when she said it takes the whole Bible to make a whole Christian.
2. Listen to Paige through reading of Jonah 4. Then share what initially stands out to you from Jonah 4 and why?
—I think it is the stubbornness and extreme anger in Jonah that is hard to understand especially because of who Jonah is and what he knows about God. As a prophet or in other words God’s messenger I find his total unwillingness to accept God’s will baffling. And even in his own extreme anger he identifies God as slow to anger.
In 4:2 He says of God “…..I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”
He would rather that God be like him than for himself to be like God.
Thankfully the character of God is immutable.
Thanks for your kind words, Bev.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
Are you right, in being upset about the situation?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
It’s not God and His law/guidance, it’s me that might be wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
The lady bug is grumpy and wants all the aphids for herself. She doesn’t want to share. She “stomps” off looking for a fight to satisfy her in her madness. She finally is set straight by the largest of the animals she encounters, a whale, who slaps her back home to the original scene, where she decides it’s probably a better idea to share.
Jonah descends into a ridiculous pit. A temper tantrum. He is waiting for God to change!
Thursday: Jonah’s Temper Tantrum: Animosity
God’s righteous anger is turned away from Ninevah. In contrast, Jonah’s unrighteous anger is turned toward God.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare?
—Its use has always been in the context of a covenant relationship with Israel and that God cannot and will not break his covenant with Israel even when they sinned grievously worshipping a gold calf.
In light of God’s character Moses falls on his face in worship of God. But Jonah shakes his finger at God in insult slamming the very character of God and who he is.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this?
—I haven’t knowingly felt or expressed anger at God thinking he is wrong. But I have at times wondered at God’s way. I think it was my fear of him as Who he really is that didn’t ever take me down that path. He has always been an authority figure in my life and bucking authority was highly unacceptable in my growing up. I did have to learn and grow in my understanding of his mercy, grace, steadfast love and his faithfulness.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
—“Do you do well to be angry?”
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
—Tim Keller “If suddenly it is painful to breathe air and distasteful to eat food there is nothing wrong with the food or air. Your body is diseased. If suddenly the purposes of God are repulsive there is nothing wrong with them. It’s your heart is diseased. “
—Jonah’s anger with God and God’s way showed his heart was diseased and completely wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
—The Ladybug in her selfish bad attitude heart kept picking a fight with everyone she met and when they would accept her bullish challenge then she would just fly away. Jonah did the same. He picked the fight and then walked away. She said Jonah was great at leaving. 🥴
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah? He is angry over God giving mercy to a city full of people and exceedingly happy God grows a vine overnight to give him shade. Jonah s heart perceives things wrong. No joy over 120k people saved but happy for a vine that helped him. He didn’t want God to relate to other people in the living gracious way He treated Jonah. The small things he liked the great saving of a city made him angry That is inverted.
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see. Jonah on vs 1 is greatly displeased and became angry with God’s action and in vs 4 Jonah is very happy about the vine which God provided which provided shade for his head and eased his discomfort.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2) from inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. Jonah needed God’s help. Vs 4:2 Jonah prayed to the Lord complaining isn’t this what I said when I was home. I knew You were compassionate slow to anger and abounding in love. A God who relents from calamity he is angry with God for who He is.
9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone? Israel was blessed to be a blessing to other nations. Jonah didn’t want God ‘s grace to be extended to people, Jonah wanted it held over people. I think people like Jeffrey Dahmer and people who do vile things against children, it was hard to hear grace and salvation is given to them.
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment. Jonah was wanting God to be like him and destroy a city in wrath. Thankfully God is not like us humans.
11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church We complain and discount a church because we aren’t comfortable there or they don’t teach what we believe. Even though the church lifted Jesus up. We can go to a church because of social connections. Years ago a friend rejected a church because of carpet color
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ. The young woman had gone to college living as she wanted and then turned to Jesus and talked to Paige about the grace of God. Paige didn’t want to hear it because of the narrow road she had always followed.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me) surprised he endorsed.
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9? Jonah stood his ground that he was right to be angry.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah? Javert’s heart, despite mercy, grew harder and didnt want to live in a world where there is grace given.
So clearly put. Javert’s heart, despite mercy, grew harder and didnt want to live in a world where there is grace given.
I’ve heard Americans hate justice, Croatians hate grace.
Saturday: God’s Tender Tenacity: Instruction
Listen until she goes into inclusiveness.
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3?
—The ultimate inversion here is that this is who God is to Jonah. Committed to Jonah and He will not give him up.
God’s grace finds us where we are and never leaves us where we are.
Death would not have solved Jonah’s problem.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance?
—He keeps coming back to him
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah?
—The comparison of a plant as compared to the souls of the Ninevites.
Paige’s comment.
“Jonah thought God saves cities and destroys plants but he should save plants and nukes cities.”
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different?
—For our own sake and not theirs. God does not give us our own way for our own sake and not his.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that?
—Because we all have to grow up and move into greater maturity. It is unhealthy to stay stuck in the same place. She said “His love is committed to not just saving us but growing us up. Salvation belongs to the Lord and so does our maturity. “
You are a good listener, Bev
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare? It is always quoted in thankfulness to God for his mercifulness, slowness to anger and steadfast love. Jonah uses it as a complaint about God in saving the Ninevites.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this? I don’t think that I’ve ever outright disapproved of God, although I have been grieved over some of the events of my life that I would have preferred had not happened. I have twisted God’s words and probably still do, but not intentionally. It is more that I had a superficial or immature interpretation of scripture.
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4? “Do you do well to be angry?”
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point? If you’re finding God’s ways repulsive or undesirable, the problem is you, not God.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book? She ended up in the same situation that she started in only battered, tired and wet. She unnecessarily went through a lot only to end up in the same place.
Also Paige’s point was the ladybug challenged everyone to a fight and when they agreed, she made an excuse and flew on. Jonah challenged God and when He accepted the challenge, Jonah said, “Never mind.”
Loved your P. S., Dawn.
God’s righteous anger is turned away from Ninevah. In contrast, Jonah’s unrighteous anger is turned toward God.
3. Jonah’s fundamental problem is with God’s character. Here is a question from West End: The passage that Jonah quotes back to God (Exodus 34:6-7) is the most oft-quoted passage in the Old Testament. Given by God in the context of His mercy following the disobedience of His people in worshiping the Golden Calf. What is always the context of its quoting – for example, see Psalm 86:12-16, 103:1-13, 145:1-10. How does Jonah’s use compare?
The love and compassion of God to His people who fear Him is the context of the passages in Psalms. And the response is always to worship God. Jonah’s response was of indignation and insult.
4. She says the literal translation is that “this was a great evil that burned in Jonah.” Jonah is sure God is wrong. How have you ever disapproved of God? Jonah is twisting God’s word to make himself right. Have you done this?
Yes, for sure. Her examples clarified what she meant by this. Having my own group of “like-minded” people who agree with me about those other people. Ugh!
5. What question does God ask of Jonah in verse 4?
Is it right for you to be angry?
6. Did you get the Tim Keller quote? What was the point?
The crux of the matter is not the food or drink or the air may taste wrong but it is your body that is actually diseased. Spiritually speaking, God’s priorities are right but my heart is diseased so I consider it wrong.
7. What was the point of The Very Grouchy Ladybug book?
The very grouchy ladybug just circled back to where she started. We want to fight God but we just keep running away from Him and end up in the same place where we started. Until we have our eyes open to His relentless pursuit of us.
Friday: Absurdity
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah?
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see. Jonah was angry at God for showing mercy to the Ninevites. He was happy about the plant that God provided for Him.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2) He prayed to God while in distress and then he is mad at God because of His character.
9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone?
He wanted God to be partial to him and the Jews, not include others. Yes, when I start comparing myself to others and see that they do not deserve the grace of God.
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment.
There are many ways/times that I want to be God-this is evident in how I am too future-oriented or stressed about something that I know I do not have any control over.
11. Examples of upside-down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9?
He did not want to acknowledge that God is right and that he is wrong.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah?
Javert could not stand grace and mercy therefore he could not live with that and committed suicide.
Javert really is like Jonah who wanted to die instead of extend grace — you helped me see that.
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah?
Jonah believes God is mistaken in His judgement. He thinks he deserves mercy. He also thinks the Ninevites also deserve to perish because of their sins.
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see.
He was greatly upset that God forgives, and he was greatful for the plant that shaded his head.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2)
He prayed because he was scared inside the fish. He complained because he knew how God would save the Ninevites just as he was saved!
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God and we are not.” Comment.
God is God and Jonah is not. He thinks that God should be like him. I and me are used many times in this chapter.
11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
I’m not comfortable at that church, they don’t teach what I believe, my kids don’t like it, etc.
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
Paige thought she had worked so hard and the woman had not. She didn’t deserve God.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
Jesus was kind to the woman at the well, and told her to go and sin no more. He never said what she was doing was acceptable. We can be kind to the gay community and still not agree with them on being gay.
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9?
He thinks it’s just fine to die even though he didn’t much like being in the fish….he’s saying he wants to die if God gives them mercy. He is being absurd. He wants God to do what he wants.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah?
I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t really know this play very well. I have seen clips (probably here). I think Javert feels like he should be punished in reality, but is not. He doesn’t know how to handle that he isn’t made to stand for his crimes. He would rather die than live with the guilt?
8. A woman in Serbia saw everything upside down. Jonah sees everything spiritually upside down. How do you see this in Jonah?
A. (4:1 compared to 4:6) Share everything you see. When God spared the Ninevites, Jonah was exceedingly angry. When God planted a shade plant for Jonah, he was exceedingly happy.
B.(2:1 compared to 4:2) Jonah was thankfully worshiping God for His grace and mercy when he was being rescued from drowning in the sea, but he was angry at God’s grace and mercy when He was saving the Ninevites.
9. How does Jonah use grace against God? Have you been or are you angry about God giving grace to someone? When people do all of the wrong things, but continue to prosper and have pretty good lives, I wouldn’t say that I get angry, but my gut reaction is that God is rewarding bad behavior. I don’t stay in that frame of mind though.
10. “The fountainhead of our problems is God is God and we are not.” Comment. That has always been the problem. It’s the root of sin.
11. Examples of upside down thinking in Christians:
A. Concerning going to church at all or going to a weak church
B. Her example of the young woman she didn’t like coming to Christ.
C. Right now Andy Stanley is endorsing same sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. (This is from me)
12. How do you see Jonah doubling down instead of repenting in verse 9? Instead of humbling himself and repenting of his attitude, he tells God that he has the right to be angry.
13. How is Javert in Les Miserables like Jonah? He’d rather die than see someone he thinks is not worthy, get mercy. At least Jonah didn’t kill himself!
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3? Because of God’s character and love, he is committed to Jonah and will not give up on him.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance? Is it right for you to be angry? Is it right for you to be angry about the plant? Should I not have concern for Nineveh with more than 120k people who can’t tell their right hand from their left and also many animals? God responds with patience, kindness and questions him to show the silliness of being more concerned for one plant than 100k people .
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah? If God clothes the lilies of the field, how much more will He clothe you, oh you of little faith? If the single plant grew by God’s hand and brought Jonah relief from the harsh heat, why shouldn’t a city of 120k made in God’s image be allowed to have relief from the heat of God’s judgement.
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different? For our sake not theirs because we are tired of the fighting and continual arguing. God never does that because of His love. The cross was for our sake and cost God His Son. God is determined to grow us up.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that? Because to stay in that place is being stuck and trying to hold on to youth no matter the cost Instead of maturing into adulthood with its struggles and challenges.
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3? Because He is patient, slow to anger, merciful.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance? God doesn’t just kill Jonah off like he was saying that he wanted. He makes a the whole scenario with the shade plant and worm as an object lesson for Jonah. He asks Jonah if he (Jonah) is right to be angry about the plant. God is doing what is right, not giving in to Jonah’s requests.
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Nineveh? If God does the simple things like clothe the plants in the field with beautiful flowers, how much more will He clothe you and give you what you need? Jonah was angry that God spared the Ninevites and was angry when God didn’t spare a plant. God points out that Jonah cares more about a plant that is here today, gone tomorrow than 120,000 people.
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different? We give kids their own way for our temporary peace, not because it’s good for them. God does what is best for us regardless of what we want.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that? Because that means that they are stuck in perpetual adolescence, never to become a mature adult.
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today. It was the worship songs especially at the end of the service. The only singing people with microphones are the pastor and one other lady, yet they were almost drowned out by the singing from the congregation, which rarely happens. We had less than 30 people today and it sounded like a choir. All of the voices were in harmony, it was beautiful.
Dawn, that is a beautiful thing!
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today.
Today was a Spirit-inspired, infused Sunday. We had 2 baptisms, a young football coach from our local high school and a young lady who is pursuing a degree in nursing. We were so encouraged by the turnout of students and families in support of their public profession of faith. Both Richard and I were so pumped by the fact that many young people were there. During his short sermon, he talked about the basics of baptism and made sure that the gospel was clear, and that water baptism was a step of obedience and following the example of Jesus, not a requirement of salvation. We pray the gospel seeds that were planted today will be watered by God and His Word.
I also attended an older adult Sunday School class. I was washed with joy in my heart as I listened to an older gentleman share his testimony. He had lost his wife and son in a span of less than a year. He said, “I never knew what life could be like when you lose everything. Nowhere else to turn to but the Lord.” He expressed his grief and loneliness, and we can all sense his sincerity and humility.
I have often wondered about his faith as he is what we would call a self-made man. His testimony today assured me that his faith is true. And that brought me so much joy!
How beautiful, Bing!
14. Why doesn’t God answer Jonah’s prayer in 4:3?
God is gracious, compassionate, and committed to Jonah.
15. How in this chapter do you see God determined to instruct Jonah? What questions does God ask? And how is God responding to Jonah’s petulance?
He doesn’t give up. He continues to ask him if it is right for Jonah to be angry and about the plant dying. He then asks if He should not be merciful to the city of Nineveh. God is patient with Jonah. He never blasts him even for his answers.
16. Jesus gives lessons that go from lesser to greater. Example? How is He doing this with the plant and Ninevah?
Jesus asks the people, if God cared about the little sparrow and its well being, then how much more did He care for them, since they are His offspring?
The plant is mercy and the worm is justice.
17. Why do we give children their own way? How is God different?
It is for our sake, not theirs. God does it for our sake, not His. It is to help us to grow up.
18. Tony Morrison: “If it is true that this is the best time in your life you have my condolences.” (To graduating class) Why did she say that?
You will remain stuck there if not careful. True adulthood is a beautiful thing.
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today.
I always cry when we sing this song, as we did today…
https://youtu.be/y81yIo1_3o8?si=tBiDl0K38FXIDJqs
Oh Thank you Laura for sharing that recording by CeCe Winans. What a beautiful rendition. We sing that song occasionally at our church as well and it is truly one of my favorites. 💕
20. What is God’s motive for hesed? Because of His never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love. His love is not contingent. It is final.
What is the measure — what does this love cost God? Because of His never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love, He gave His Son to pay for my sins. His love for Jesus. God now lavishes on me the love that Jesus is worth,
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).) Jonah is a me figure. Jonah waited for the destruction of other people Jesus bore the destruction of other people Jonah gloated hoping Nineveh to be destroyed Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem,
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment? It is a precious thought to me that God doesn’t come to punish me but to draw me closer to Him and open my eyes to my sin and ungodly thoughts and beliefs.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way? Zero sum. Someone else gain is someone’s loss. It is selfish and focused on me. When God is love and His intention is to bless all. I think I can get envious sometimes and wonder when is it my turn. It becomes something I have to repent.
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why? I am usually genuinely happy for them. If it happens to be something that has to do with doing something for God and they are able to bless someone, I am thankful (but in selfishness wish I would have been used)
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point? The painting would be of a full subway car. God loves people and cities are full of people. It doesn’t matter who they are and their credentials or lack of, God wants them to surrender to Him.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity? World’s definition is everyone is okay right where and who they are. God says they need and repent of self and come to Him because we all need Him.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here. To bring people to God and His love. I’m not an evangelist but in a small setting I can tell people about God. I am weak in this area and am convicted in her statement my failing has something to do about how I feel about God. There were people from my church this week doing street evangelism and I found no need to join them.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point? Katie had no sense of possession that this is mine. She willingly shared and thought others wanted to do the same. Point is God doesn’t want an only child. He wants us to share the love God has gives us with others.
Sunday:
19. Share a highlight from your local worship service today.
—I was not home for the worship services at my own church yesterday but was at a church camp over the weekend where my husband directs a sporting clays shoot 4 times a year. There is an area along a creek at the far end of the camp where a group of men set up and have an open shoot. It is an opportunity for ministry to men in particular.
But there happened to be a college age retreat of 500 students at the camp and my great niece was there as part of the leadership team ministering to those students. On Saturday night we saw her at supper and she invited us to come to the evening Chapel gathering. She happened to be giving the Call to Worship. So it was our privilege to hear her do that and share from Psalm 27 verse 4. In her brief comments she clearly shared Christ and the gospel. It is a wonderful blessing for us to support her ministry and to get to observe her heart for God before a group like that.
What great timing, Bev!
Yesterday was a particularly rich discussion at our home church on the woman caught in adultery. Everybody talked and it really was iron sharpening iron.
One of the big things I learned from Keller (and this is a sermon we will do here) is that though it wasn’t in the place in the earliest manuscripts of John, scholars believe it is authentic, just was misplaced from its original place in John or the end of Luke.
20. What is God’s motive for hesed?
He is steadfast in His love for us. It is final.
21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God?
It costs Him everything.
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).)
Jonah is selfish. Jonah is uncaring. God loves us so much that He gives His only Son for us. Good is not selfish. Jesus gives Himself. He bears the destruction of other people.
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment?
He wants to come for Jonah, He wants to cover him with salvation. Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Monday: Inclusivity
Listen through the story of Katie’s funeral.
20. What is God’s motive for hesed?
His love.
21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God?
His love cost him his son, Jesus.
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).)
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment?
God is committed to Jonah no matter what to bring Jonah back to Himself.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way?
Zero-sum mentality, she calls it. Jonah does not understand the measure of God’s grace. Because of Jesus’ loss, all of us have gained. It is not just me but me and them.
I think I am beginning to understand God’s grace more and more and see that his love is beyond my ability to measure. I don’t think that somebody’s gain is my loss. Perhaps, I used to believe it but not anymore.
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why?
My natural response is to be jealous but I have been finding it not good for my soul. So, I try to give it to the Lord and ask Him to cleanse me and for Him to make his grace known to me, and to teach me how to be content. I believe it is a good thing to acknowledge these feelings but then not to dwell on them and to count my blessings. It is hard at times, though.
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point?
God loves people on a busy, smelly, jampacked subway car more than He would want to have a picture of beautiful scenery. Come to think of it, those beautiful sceneries are His own making anyway but the people in that subway car can be lost without Him. He loves cities because they are where many people are. I never really thought of a city in that way. When I got to metropolitan Kansas City, I saw some people there as people who were down in luck, and often, due to their own doing. Now, I am seeing or picturing more as sheep without a shepherd in need of a Savior.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity?
The world’s idea of inclusion means everyone should be able to go to heaven regardless of their relationship with God. God’s inclusivity means all people but they would have to believe in His son. Jesus’ math is always addition-prostitutes, Pharisees, rich young rulers, the crowd. Anybody in the world who believes in His son and His atoning sacrifice.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here.
To bring people to God. All people. And not be selective which I can be at times.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point?
Katie has no sense of possession. Everything belongs to all. We as Christians should be ready to share our greatest possession and that is Jesus Christ. We should not be selective with whom we share the gospel.
Always appreciate your honesty, Bing!
Tuesday: Inconclusion
Listen to the end.
We don’t know for sure where Jonah lands. The fact that there is a book implies he changed. But we can’t be sure.
I need to ask myself, where would I want to land and what should I do to make certain I land where God wants me to.
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
I want mercy for all so I pray God will help me not be selective in who I share the gospel with. We all need the Lord. I think of this song from Steve Green:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRqgCkg7OV8 People Need the Lord
32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week.
This study has been kind of like heart surgery again! Just when I thought I was doing okay in the Lord, I was convinced of how short I had fallen. Especially in the area of unconditional love for others. The heart is indeed deceitful. I must look closely at it and sometimes don’t want to see the real me in there. I want to go through life not ruffling any feathers (idol of approval) and staying away from people who don’t agree with me. Ugh! Paige is such a gifted speaker. She hits me in the guts. I know it is the spirit working in my heart. Paige is just a channel and she is faithful to do so even when she might come across as a little harsh at times.
Good assessment of Paige.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? Do you ever feel that way?
It should be them AND me, not them and not me. God wants all of us!
I don’t typically feel that way…
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why?
In the past I have been jealous. I am no longer that way. God’s plan for me is right. Who am I to complain?
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point?
The painting of a smelly subway car, with people. All kinds of people. God loves people more than plants (which would normally be the painting over the fireplace; some c sort of nature scene). Cities, where there are plenty of different people.
Tuesday: Inconclusion
Listen to the end.
We don’t know for sure where Jonah lands. The fact that there is a book implies he changed. But we can’t be sure.
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week.
—Paige’s introduction to Chapt. 4 reminds me of her study on Samuel where she said “It’s the heart, Stupid! “
She said chapter 4 is a showdown between Jonah’s heart and God’s heart. It shows how far a believer’s heart can wander from the heart of God. So the point of the chapter was to look at both hearts.
By the time she got done teaching on Chapter 4 the take-a-way for me is this: “….the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,…”. It becomes an amazing and overwhelming reiteration of what a wonderful caring Heavenly Father we have who loves us beyond measure and pursues us to the ends of the earth. This is a wonderful statement she made.
God’s grace finds us where we are and never leaves us where we are.
I will not look at the book of Jonah the same as I did before. She adamantly says this is not a book about Jonah but rather a book about God. So, so good. 😊💕
From Bev:
I will not look at the book of Jonah the same as I did before. She adamantly says this is not a book about Jonah but rather a book about God. So, so good. 😊💕
20. What is God’s motive for hesed? His only motive for steadfast love is His love.
21. What is the measure — what does this love cost God? It cost God himself. The death of Jesus.
22. Jonah is not a Christ figure. Illustrate ways Jonah and Jesus are different. (This may help you from West End: (Compare God’s heart in Jonah 4:10-11 to the heart of Jesus for people (Luke 12:24-28), for all people (Matthew 9:35-38), for His own hard-hearted people (Matthew 23:37).) Jesus loves everyone and wants all people to be saved. Jonah loves himself and his people and doesn’t want anyone else to be saved.
23. “God is not cornering Jonah, He is coming for Jonah.” Comment? God didn’t attack Jonah for being bigoted, a nationalist, a hater (Jonah’s characteristics). He told Jonah about HIS characteristics, loving, merciful, patient. He’s trying to win Jonah’s heart.
24. The math. Jonah thinks Ninevites’ gain is Israel’s loss. What is wrong about this kind of thinking? It’s like saying God has a limited amount of love and mercy. Do you ever feel that way? Not that I’m aware of.
25. When God blesses someone close to you with something you wanted but might not have gotten, how do you respond? Why? I think I respond well. I can’t think of anything recently, although when I was a kid, I used to be a very jealous person to the point of hating rich people and stealing whatever I thought I could get away with because I figured they’re rich they can afford to buy new ones.
26. Her story about Keller’s description of the picture that hangs over God’s fireplace — point? That God wouldn’t hang pictures of scenery, He would hang pictures of ordinary people because that’s what He loves most.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity? Inclusion in our society means everyone is fine just the way they are. Everyone is included in God’s love. God so loved the world.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture? He’s leaving out the part about go and sin no more.
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? To bring others to Christ. Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here. I am pretty weak in this area. I don’t share my faith with most people.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point? Katie had no sense of possession so she took things because it never crossed her mind that someone would be upset about it because she never would be upset if someone took her things. She was the opposite of how most only children are. As a Christian we shouldn’t act like we’re God’s only children and keep things to ourselves.
Loved her point that we are no only children!
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do? When I see some of the horrible crimes against children, my first thought isn’t for God’s mercy on the perpetrator. When I think more about it, I’ll pray for that person to accept Christ, but I wonder sometimes if I’m being sincere or if I’m just going through the motions because I’m supposed to. All I can do is ask for God’s heart to be my heart.
I am halfway through the book that Paige mentioned last week, Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love by Thomas Tarrants. When I hear testimonies from criminals who have been redeemed by Christ, I am rejoiceful.
32. Next week we’ll meditate on our take-aways from all of Jonah and share answers and requests to prayer while she takes a week off. But for now, share your take-a-way from this week. My take away is total awe of God’s mercy both for the undeserving unbelievers and the undeserving believers as well.
27. How does she contrast our world’s idea of inclusion with God’s idea of inclusivity?
Our vision is that everyone is included and are fine the way that they are. The Gospel says none of us are fine and need a Savior. God loves people. God includes all who repent of themselves and come to Him. His mission is to bring people to Himself.
28. Recently Andy Stanley began to endorse same-sex marriage saying Jesus was inclusive. How is he twisting Scripture?
I’m not sure about this pastor, or why he would twist the scripture to fit his need. I do know that I can’t attend a church that goes against the Bible. I have left a church that decided it was okay to “marry” same sex people. It is clear to me in scripture, both Old and New Testaments, that homosexuality is wrong. It doesn’t mean God (or I) doesn’t love those afflicted by this disease of the mind. God loves people (as Paige says). I’m afraid that pastors who think the way Andy Stanley think, don’t have enough trust in God. They believe they must change to help the homosexual think they belong. However, if their belief in God is solid, they will remember that God can handle the homosexual on His own. Our part is to get everyone to church so that can happen. It isn’t to change doctrine to make people feel good.
29. What is the co-mission of all believers? Honestly look at your life and share where you are strong and where you are weak here.
We are to help God bring people to Him.To bring others to His love is our mission. All kinds of people are included. The hardest to love are included.
I struggle with sharing the love of God, but every so often I find a situation that makes me brave. Today was one of those times. I sent a video of the verse of the day yesterday to a non believer colleague who has such an emotional rollercoaster life. She SO needs Jesus.
30. Her story of Katie taking things. Point?
Katie had no idea that she shouldn’t take things. She thought you would also take things.
She had no sense of possession. She would gladly give or share anything she had. She was not taking things to harm others. She wanted to share, and thought others would want to share as well.
We need to share Him!
31. Do we really want mercy for all? How can we show that we really do?
So hard. This morning, I am struggling the terrible events of the week. The innocent Israeli citizens, the awful hate of the terrorists, and the propaganda! Ugh! How can God love those people who think it’s okay to behead babies?? How can they be made in His image??? I just don’t know about this. 🤷🏻♀️
Laura, I feel your questions on #31. I just can’t imagine the atrocities. I am one who would not read the news because things like what is going on in Israel elicit visceral responses in me. I keep calling on God to have mercy and grace in this very tragic situation while I call for His justice. “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24
We surely do live in a fallen world. And so we pray and say “Come, Lord Jesus.”