AfterThoughts: April 27, 2025
April 27, 2025
Jonah: The Prodigal Prophet
Jonah 1
This week, Dr. David Eldridge began a new Sermon Series entitled Jonah. In this message, Pastor David describes:
- Jonah's Call
- Jonah's Response
GOING DEEPER:
• Jonah had a clear assignment from the Lord, but instead entered into a downward spiral of disobedience, running away to what would have been the “ends of the earth” to an ancient Israelite. While you probably do not have this same kind of dramatic story, think about a time when you disobeyed God’s clear call. Describe that time in your life.
• Pastor David shared that the subtitle of Jonah’s story could be “Jonah: Pride and Prejudice.” Jonah didn’t run from God’s call because he thought they would not receive the message, but because he thought they might. Jonah saw everyone in Nineveh as “those people.” That temptation is still alive and well today. Who are you tempted to see as “those people?" How do you unconsciously divide people into groups that deserve God’s grace and groups that don't?
• God let Jonah run away and get on a ship going away from Him. Pastor David shared that there is always a “ship” that we can board that is going in the opposite direction of God’s way and will for our life. What circumstances in your life tempt you to run away from or hide from God? What “ship” do you tend to board in order to run away or hide?
• We can try to run from the presence of the Lord, but Pastor David reminded us of this truth: we can run, but we never run so far that we can escape His sovereign control and His purposes. God will do whatever it takes to get the attention of runaways like Jonah and like us. What “storm” in your life is God using to get your attention? How is God calling you home to Him even in this moment?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• To view past sermons, please click here.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24–26
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