To see where Jonah fits with the other prophets and
the history of the OT, look at the chart at the end of this document, “Kings
of Judah and Israel and the Preexilic Prophets.”
Jonah 1-4
In reading Jonah, I really don't have much to say about the
story itself. It's pretty straightforward. My thoughts have more to do with
what the book of Jonah was meant to say to his people and to us.
Think about this. After the long and decisive years of
ministry of Elijah and Elisha, the northern kingdom experienced its best years.
Jeroboam II reigned for 41 years, and Assyria, the rising star, was eaten up
with internal problems. This meant that everyone had peace and prosperity. So,
what happened to the threats of God's coming judgment to northern Israel, this
very idolatrous and rebellious nation? If I had been planning it, judgment
would have fallen immediately after Elisha died. Israel had been given enough
patience, in my opinion. Even so, I wouldn't have given them prosperity. I
definitely wouldn't have given them another 70 years before the hammer fell.
What was God thinking? What a testimony to His patience and mercy.
At the beginning of Jeroboam's reign God sent three prophets
to Israel who all appeared at the same time. Hosea prophesied on and off for
about 20 years. At the same time God sent Amos who only preached for a short
time, right before the great earthquake. Notably, God said there would come a
drought of His Word in the land, and for 50 years, before the end of Israel,
there was no prophet. The people would have had to go south to Judah for the
Word of God. That was probably the plan.
And then there was Jonah. Jonah is mentioned in 2 Kings
14:25, telling Jeroboam that God would restore part of the old borders of
Israel. In the book of Jonah, Jonah's preaching wasn't even to Israel. Since we
have the book of Jonah, we know that Israel heard the story of what happened to
Nineveh, but that wouldn't have disturbed or convicted them. It would have just
confirmed for Israel that God didn't really mean business. So, what is the
point of this story?
I think the point of Jonah is what Jesus mentioned several
times during His ministry. The men of
Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for
they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than
Jonah is here. (Matt. 12:41) Jonah became a sign of the resurrection and of
God's judgment and sovereign working. The men of Nineveh, by their repentance
and response to the Word, became a sign of judgment against the unbelief of
Israel.
The story of Jonah and Nineveh would have made people laugh,
but behind the story was a serious testimony and judgment against Israel. God
sent a little known, unwilling prophet to speak to this ungodly Gentile city.
Assyria had experienced deep problems. Historians say there was an outbreak of
the black plague that ravaged the city. They were now recovering and then Jonah
arrives, and these people saw the hand of God and repented. Gentiles, the
uncircumcised, repented. Yet even Israel with all its privilege and heritage
did not heed God's Word. They could make jokes like, "How many Ninevites
does it take to put sackcloth on a cow?" But an important, massive
judgment against Israel had just been delivered. Ironically, the Assyrians
would recover and lead Israel into exile. I think God scripted the events of
Jonah to sound funny to the unbelieving, but in the end, they were not
laughing.
One more thing to think about regarding Jonah is that he
wrote this book. That means that after his "fit" at the end of the
book he saw his patriotic childishness, repented, laughed at himself and
understood what God was doing. The fact that he wrote this shows he understood
God's grace and God's righteous judgment against Israel. The fact that this
book was added to the Old Testament books in the temple in Jerusalem means that
godly people in Judah/Jerusalem immediately knew that this book was a word from
God and the Word of God.
Jonah 1
Vs. 1-3 Jonah knew God had said Assyria would punish Israel.
Amos (3:9) had predicted this. Jonah tried to avert God's plan, like trying to
change the future in some sci-fi movie. Tarshish was in Spain, hundreds of
miles in the other direction.
Vs. 4-16 Notice that the unbelievers were more God-fearing
than Jonah. Obviously this was said in purposeful irony, to show that sometimes
the lost are more perceptive of God than the saved. Just for another example of
something like this, find the place in 1 Samuel 6:1-6 where the Philistines had
captured the ark of the covenant, and look at what they said and did. They weren't
"saved" and believing by any stretch of the imagination, but they
showed more sense than God's own people. Religious activity doesn't mean that a
person is saved.
V. 17 This would have added a lot of humor to the story of
Jonah. Talk about having the ultimate bad day. He couldn't even get out of this
assignment by drowning. Yet consider that this event was also designed so that
years later, Jesus Himself could refer to it. Jesus only ever referred to four
prophets by name, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah and Jonah. Jesus said, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for
a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For just as Jonah was three days and three
nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and
three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matt. 12:39-40) Jesus' own words
make the overall message of Jonah important.
Jonah 2
Vs. 1-9 This wasn't a prayer for God to save him; it was
Jonah's thanks for being saved.
V. 10 This would have made the hearers laugh themselves out
of their sandals. Depending on where Jonah was vomited out, he probably still
had a 500-mile walk.
Jonah 3
Vs. 1-5 Nineveh was a huge city and it grew to have suburbs
with several markets and community centers. Jonah would have stopped in each of
these. Imagine how long it would take you going through Chicago or New York and
their suburbs, if you had to stop at every shopping area and preach. This
should be understood as saying that Jonah began preaching when he hit the first
marketplace and it took him three days to do Nineveh.
Some people think that Jonah's appearance might have added
to his message: bleached by the whale's digestive fluids, clothes covered with
vomit, etc. But after a long journey, Jonah would have been tubbed and
scrubbed, maybe just a little dusty. The response of the people was because of
God's work, not Jonah's appearance or preaching. Nineveh was already having
problems. Having Jonah show up was like the cherry on the top. Look at Peter's
sermon in Acts 2. It was God who worked, not the preacher. God had already gone
ahead of Jonah. Jonah didn't realize it, but he was really only following God.
That's what we're doing too, following Jesus in the harvest. He opens the
doors, not us.
Note that there was nothing in Jonah's message that was
tailored to speaking and relating to Ninevites. Jonah did no research on how to
understand and relate to these people. The message was very simple and it
worked. Today we get so paralyzed in thinking about relating to "boomers,"
"gen-x," "post-modern," or the next special group, that we
say nothing or blame ourselves for the lack of response. Here are three things
Jesus said that work in every culture and in every generation to direct and aid
us in our witness.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Luke 24:47 and that repentance and forgiveness of
sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
John 18:37 Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered,
"You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come
into the world, to bear witness to the truth.
Everyone who is of the truth listens to (hears) my
voice."
Jonah didn't need to convince anyone. He just said what the
Lord told him to say. That "strategy" still works.
Vs. 6-9 Sackcloth on the animals? King Jeroboam must have
laughed when he heard this part of the story. I wonder if he was convicted by
this, or if he laughed so hard that his wine backed up and started coming out
of his nose.
V. 10 The God of all the earth doesn't desire that any
should perish. God had done so much through Elijah and Elisha, so many signs
and wonders and yet Israel didn't respond. Here, some ignorant, uncircumcised
people were repenting and receiving God's mercy. Go figure.
Jonah 4
Vs. 1-4 This is the reason that Jonah ran. He knew that God
was going to use the Assyrians to destroy Israel, and he thought he could
change the future by running. I think Jonah "McFly" had watched too
many sci-fi "change the future" flicks.
Jonah is a good example of someone who knows the nature of
God in his head, and is totally unlike God in his behavior. This should be
convicting to us.
Vs. 5-11 This was another humorous move by the Lord. He got
Jonah to attach himself emotionally to this plant. I wonder if Jonah named it
"Wilson?" While Jonah sank into his moodiness, God explained that all
men on this planet are His concern. That last line about the cattle might also
have gotten a laugh.
On hearing this story, those who were serious and open to
the Lord would have been appalled and begun packing their bags. They would have
seen the subtle, yet deep, judgment against them. They would have gathered
their families and headed south to Judah, to introduce their kids to Yahweh.
Others would have laughed at those dumb "Ninnys" and told this story
to their kids.
For us as disciples, this story tells us that God is
patient, but that judgment will come. It tells us that we reach out, but it is
God who prepares the hearers. Our job is just to go and follow Christ into the
harvest. He will do His part, but we need to obey and to follow.
Revelation 5
As we read these chapters in Revelation, remember that God
is showing John very specific things that He personally wants us to know. There
is symbolism that might be hard to understand, but still, these are very
literal events in heaven. The events we'll read of today are fairly easy to
understand.
How would you title the event in chapter 4? What was its
purpose? It was giving honor to the Father, but I don't think it is something
that happens every day or week or month. I think it was a special one-time event
that led up to chapter 5. Likewise, what we are reading today is a
"once-in-all-of-eternity" event that we have been invited to see in
advance. Through faith, this ought to rock our world. It should strengthen and
set our hearts on fire. Being human we are wet wood, I know; but that's why it
is written, so that we have the luxury and privilege of reading and re-reading
what is happening here. This event will lead to chapter 6, which launches the
Tribulation, that is, the seven-year "day of the Lord."
Vs. 1-2 The Father holds the scroll. Apparently, on one end of the scroll there were wax seals at different places, kind of like
paper clips, so that the scroll could only be rolled open to a certain place.
The angel crying out like this is making an official, judicial challenge to all
of created reality. The scroll is the judgment of God on mankind. Who would be worthy to open that scroll? God could
have judged, but how much better if there were a human who had defeated sin and
Satan, and who could now re-claim human rule and authority as the second Adam.
"Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He."
Vs. 3-5 I find it interesting that the phrase, in heaven or on earth or under the earth,
is used. Paul uses this phrase also in Philippians 2:10. Also, it is
interesting that John is heartbroken, sobbing. Why do you think that was? Is
judgment something that we should desire? Or could it be that it is actually
more than judgment? Was it more like a fulfillment and finally fixing the long
tragic story of mankind?
Vs. 6-7 I find it interesting that Jesus is among the elders, standing right there with
them. We've seen these seven spirits
before and it seems to me that they have something to do with the mission of
the gospel. Taking that scroll is a world-changing event. I really wonder what
is happening on earth during these events.
Vs. 8-10 Notice that the taking of the scroll is mentioned
again. It was a decisive act that set off a one of a kind expression of worship
and praise. This is a big event.
V. 9 The new song
was given at that time. The song seems to say three things. First, Jesus was
slain. Second, by His blood He ransomed people. This mix of people is the
church. Third, He made them a kingdom of priests. The redeemed serve mankind
before God, reaching out to those yet lost. That is being a priest in the
simplest, servant sense of the word. Another way of putting it is being
ambassadors for Christ.
The entire song is saying why He has the right to open the
seals. Not only did He sacrifice Himself, but His death brought forgiveness and
righteousness to those who accepted the offer. His victory in producing these
people is the proof that redemption was possible. Redemption becomes the proof
that God is righteous in judging those who refused to be redeemed. The human
condition is impossible, but God found a way around the impossible in the
sacrifice of His Son and the redemptive power of the Spirit as evidenced by us,
the church.
V. 10 We will reign with Him on earth. I think this is where
the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:13-26) comes in. During the Millennial
Kingdom we already know that the disciples will govern the twelve tribes (Luke
22:30) and that David will govern Israel (Ez. 34:23-24). Apparently those who
have invested wisely, following Christ in the harvest during this time of the
church, will be given responsibilities in governing and leading around the
world during the Millennium. Jesus will make sure it is a time and world of
perfect justice and mercy.
Vs. 11-14 Our Lord, and what He did, brings all history
together for the angels, for mankind, for all of creation. Taking that scroll
in hand celebrates the commencement of the end of this entire drama. This is
like Jesus officially taking the throne, taking His ruling seat as Son of Man.
All of these things have been promised and were sure, but now they become
actual. Even though the removal of that first seal will begin the Tribulation,
what is beginning is the healing of everything and every order that God
created. And they all worship together.
Psalm 133
David wrote this song for the worshipers coming to Jerusalem
to appreciate the miracle of God's unity. There was no one who could have known
the wonder of unity better than David. We've looked at his life and know of his
long years of running from Saul. Having read David's psalms, especially Psalm
119, we know that he suffered from all of the lies spread against him, yet he
kept himself in the Word, crying out desperately to God. Then there were the
seven years of civil war as David reigned in Hebron as king of Judah. Finally,
God brought peace, and David immediately worked to bring Israel together in
worship to the Lord.
Vs. 1-3 Although, as a pastor, I don't fully identify with
the oil poured on Aaron's head and running down his face and on to his clothes
as blessing. I still appreciate the miracle of unity. Should the Lord put me in
a situation where everyone is working in the harvest, seeing people come to
Christ and making disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples, and we
have this kind of God-given unity, then I'll go to Sam's, get a 55-gallon
barrel of olive oil and let the elders douse me regularly.
Proverbs 29:26-27
Looking at the verses in reverse order, it looks like God is
saying that there will always be conflict between the righteous and the
unrighteous. So on earth, we should understand that whenever justice wins the
day, it isn't because of men, but because of God.
Thinking about Psalm 133, it is probably also the case that
if there is peace among believers working together in the harvest, it isn't
because of our people skills, or "chemistry," or leadership skills.
It is because of the Lord and His desire to see disciples making disciples of
the lost.
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One
Year Bible, click on this link http://oneyearbibleonline.com/weekly-one-year-readings/?version=47&startmmdd=0101. This version is set to the ESV but you can reset this to a different
version or different language.I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find it in my book: Simply Disciples*Making Disciples. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.
If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go to https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.
No comments:
Post a Comment