Through The Bible - English - 31 (Jonah & Micah) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon uses the Book of Jonah to illustrate God's immense love for all people, even enemies, and the limitations placed on God's work when human messengers are unwilling or prejudiced. Key lessons include that one's service can be limited by personal prejudices and that having the means (like money) to go somewhere does not equate to it being God's will. Ultimately, Jonah's experience teaches that when human efforts fail, we must turn to prayer.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jonah's missed opportunity and God's large-heartednessJonah was the prophet called to go to Nineveh, but his disobedience shows the danger of missing one's crown and highlights God's love for all nations.
Fleeing to Tarshish and the storm at seaWhen told to go east to Nineveh, Jonah fled west to Tarshish using his own money, leading God to send a great storm and have him thrown overboard.
In the belly of the fish and the power of praiseAfter three days in the fish, Jonah prayed and shifted from complaining to praising God, which opened the way for his deliverance.
The God of another chance and the revival in NinevehGod gives Jonah another chance, and his single message brings about a massive spontaneous revival throughout Nineveh.
Jonah's displeasure and God's compassion for lost soulsJonah is angry that Nineveh is spared, but God uses a plant to teach him about His deep compassion and care for multitudes of lost people.
Micah's ministry to the corrupt leaders of Israel and JudahMicah prophesied alongside Isaiah, directing his message against religious leaders who misused their privileges and exploited the poor.
Exploiting the poor and the principle of financial integrityLeaders devised wicked schemes to seize property and take money from those poorer than themselves, violating true righteousness.
False prophets who tickle ears versus the godly remnantPeople preferred false prophets who preached soothing lies, but God always preserves a faithful remnant among the backsliding.
Preachers working for money and the right view of supportMicah rebukes prophets who prophesy only for pay, contrasting the unrighteous pursuit of money with proper support for full-time ministry.
The future rise of Babylon and the birth of the Messiah in BethlehemMicah prophesies that Jerusalem will be sent into exile to Babylon, and that the next true king will be born in Bethlehem.
God's controversy with His people and what He truly requiresIn a courtroom scene, God asks what He has done to cause their turning away, and states that He requires justice, mercy, and humble walking with Him.
Widespread dishonesty and looking to the Lord for helpAmid widespread corruption, bribery, and broken relationships, Micah declares that he will look to the Lord and wait confidently for His salvation.
Concluding with pardon, mercy, and hopeThe prophecy concludes with words of encouragement, celebrating a God who delights in showing mercy, pardoning sin, and standing on His people's side.
