There's an Easier Way to Ninevah - Ajay Chakravarthy - August 2, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/theres-easier-way-ninevah River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses the story of Jonah and the accounts of the Syrian army to illustrate that there is an easier way to Nineveh than the difficult path Jonah took. The speaker emphasizes that instead of reacting with fear or anger, one should respond to opposition or hardship with kindness, mirroring how Elisha treated the Syrian army. This approach avoids escalating conflict and instead leads to a peaceful resolution.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did Jonah hesitate to go to Nineveh?Jonah harbored deep resentment in his heart toward Nineveh because of the taunting, captivity, and hostility Israel experienced from surrounding nations like Assyria.
Jonah flees to TarshishInstead of traveling the relatively short distance to Nineveh to preach repentance, Jonah spent his own money on a long ship journey in the opposite direction to avoid God's command.
The storm and Jonah sleeping in the holdGod sent a great storm on the sea while Jonah was fast asleep, showing a lack of spiritual sensitivity to his disobedience and the danger around him.
Swallowed by a great fishThe Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, where he spent three dark and miserable days and nights reflecting on his rebellion.
Learning to yield to GodJust like an ox kicking against a goad, Jonah resisted God's direction until the depths of the ocean finally broke his stubbornness and he surrendered.Acts 26:14
Jonah's anger at God's compassionWhen Nineveh repented, God spared them from judgment, which deeply displeased Jonah because he wanted harm to come to his enemies rather than mercy.
Faith like Joshua and CalebOut of the twelve spies sent into the land, only Joshua and Caleb brought back a faithful report, trusting God to deliver the victory despite the giants.
The blessing for us in ChristJust as historical blessings passed down through generations, believers today receive the blessing of Abraham and the promise of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.
Celebrating victory before the walls fallTrue faith means trusting God's future promises and celebrating the victory before we even see how He is going to work out our circumstances.
