Experiencing God - Day 30
Day 30 - Friday, March 15
Read Jonah 4
Highlight
It’s hard to know what to do with Jonah in this final chapter. What a disappointing end. And yet, his response echoes so many other stories in Scripture, and maybe even our own at times. It sounds a lot like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal (or lost) son that Jesus shares in Luke 15 who says to his father, “‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!’” (v 29-30, MSG). Yikes.
Jesus knew we also needed to hear about the elder brother in the story of the prodigal. God knew we needed to hear Jonah’s response to the forgiveness of Nineveh. We’ve all been there. We’re all tempted to believe that we can earn our Father’s love and favor with good behavior. But the truth is that none of us can escape the major adjustments in our lives that must be made to join God in what He is doing. It could certainly mean a major adjustment of our circumstances, our lifestyle or our comfort, but could also mean a major adjustment to our heart. The good news of the Gospel is that His mercy is available to us all: the elder and the lost brother, the Ninevites and Jonah.
God doesn’t condemn Jonah. He lovingly points out that Jonah has wrongly associated God’s goodness with his circumstances by giving and then taking away the shady plant. Can you sense His compassion for Jonah in the gentle question he asks, “Is it right for you to be angry?” (v. 4). What a good Father we have. He’s not demanding or disdainful. When we’re ready to make the adjustments needed to join him in his work he’s always there, arms open, ready to receive us with joy.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Jonah 4
Highlight
It’s hard to know what to do with Jonah in this final chapter. What a disappointing end. And yet, his response echoes so many other stories in Scripture, and maybe even our own at times. It sounds a lot like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal (or lost) son that Jesus shares in Luke 15 who says to his father, “‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!’” (v 29-30, MSG). Yikes.
Jesus knew we also needed to hear about the elder brother in the story of the prodigal. God knew we needed to hear Jonah’s response to the forgiveness of Nineveh. We’ve all been there. We’re all tempted to believe that we can earn our Father’s love and favor with good behavior. But the truth is that none of us can escape the major adjustments in our lives that must be made to join God in what He is doing. It could certainly mean a major adjustment of our circumstances, our lifestyle or our comfort, but could also mean a major adjustment to our heart. The good news of the Gospel is that His mercy is available to us all: the elder and the lost brother, the Ninevites and Jonah.
God doesn’t condemn Jonah. He lovingly points out that Jonah has wrongly associated God’s goodness with his circumstances by giving and then taking away the shady plant. Can you sense His compassion for Jonah in the gentle question he asks, “Is it right for you to be angry?” (v. 4). What a good Father we have. He’s not demanding or disdainful. When we’re ready to make the adjustments needed to join him in his work he’s always there, arms open, ready to receive us with joy.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God