Thoughts on Jonah 4

A prophet is only as good as the fulfillment of the prophecies he has made.

When God relented, Jonah lost his credibility as a prophet. It was supposed to be his identity – the mouthpiece of God to men. Jonah was disgraced, and he felt humiliated.

The Bible says that Jonah was exceedingly displeased, and he was angry. He would rather die (Emphasis mine).

Two things: One, I should be careful about my emotional reactions, especially when things don’t go as I planned or as I want it. Chill. Or at least try, because..

Two, it’s okay (I guess) to get angry and be frustrated with God. Jonah prayed (ranted) to God while he was feeling all these negative emotions, and yet God still spoke to Jonah.

But the biggest lesson for me is, again, it’s not about you. Recurring theme? Yes. 

It’s not about your reputation, it’s about God’s reputation. It’s not about your plan, it’s about God’s plan. As you obey God, be sensitive to His movements. Seek not just the what, but also the why, and the what next.

How vain is it for us to think we have the answers. Vain that we think we’ve accomplished things just on our own strength and abilities. That we deserve applause, that we deserve credit for things and events in our lives.

We cannot see and we cannot control the big picture. We cannot see and we cannot control all the small details.

Plants, Animals, People, Businesses, Nations – all of these rise and fall according to God’s command.

Know your place. 

And as someone forgiven, adopted as a son, as family – it’s an awesome place to be.

Thoughts on Deuteronomy 4

Moses was a great servant leader. He was obedient to God and, by the way he speaks, I can sense that he has a genuine concern for the people he is called to lead.

When times got rough, even impossible, did he give up on God? Did he give up on people? Once – a seemingly trivial and understandable emotional reaction – but one that affected him until his death. But for the many other trials and troubles he faced while leading the nation of Israel to the promised land, he was obedient and had remarkable patience and perseverance. 

“Your eyes have seen what the Lord did…”

Moses was leading the people not to himself, but to God. This takes off a lot of pressure on the reluctant leader. It’s not about you. 

“.. as the Lord my God commanded me..”

Two things : Do you know what the Lord is commanding? Is that what you are teaching?

“Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:6-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/deu.4.6-8.esv

A great encouragement and timely reminder as we begin the 10 commandments series at TBC.

““Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/deu.4.9.esv

Take care not to forget the things your eyes have seen. Make them known to your children and your grandchildren. You are responsible for your own faith. Though other people may come and encourage, ultimately the decision and effort is personal. Then, you are also responsible for passing on your faith to your family. Not only because it is commanded, but because you know that this is what is best for them.

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/deu.4.29.esv

Will you fail? Yes, there will be times of stubborness, stupidity, and bad decisions. You will reap the consequences of those actions. It will be painful. But it’s not, and shouldn’t be, the end. 

Thoughts on Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom cries out in the markets, at the head of noisy city streets, at the entrance of city gates. These are not the calm, quiet confines of one’s home or of one’s church. Wisdom is crying out at places of commerce and society.

Who is Wisdom crying out to?

• Simple ones that love being simple
• Scoffers that delight in scoffing
• Fools that hate knowledge

What does it mean to be “simple”? To be a “scoffer”? To be a “fool”?

Being simple might mean being complacent. Given the opportunity gain wisdom (that begins with the fear of the Lord), the simple shrugs and says “I don’t need that, I’m alright on my own”. Because it takes effort, and because one will be responsible to act upon the wisdom he gains.

Being a scoffer might be a more rude version of the simple – not only is he complacent, he mocks. And enjoys mocking wisdom from God.

Then the fool, could be the hostile one of bunch. He would have none of it, and it’s not enough to make fun of wisdom from God, he hates it.

Why is Wisdom reaching out to them?

Because she’s frustrated! Here is the chance to “dwell secure and [be] at ease, without dread of disaster.” Why won’t they take it? Wisdom is reaching out – for crying out loud.

In the end, we reap what we sow. If we remain as simple, as scoffers, as fools, we will get what’s coming. And Wisdom, well, she will do the equivalent of “I told you so.”

In the busyness of work and social responsibilities, make time for God. 

Don’t let the noise drown out Wisdom’s cries.

Thoughts on 2 Timothy 2

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.2.1.esv

What an encouraging phrase – short, simple, but powerful. Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. We may be weak, or feel weak sometimes, but being reminded that we are recipients of grace through Jesus – how it strengthens us!

“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.2.2.esv

The essence of discipleship. It’s been a while…

“if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.2.13.esv

I alluded to this in my post last week – all I can say is “thank you”..

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.2.15.esv

Irreverent babble, quarrel on words, foolish, ignorant controversies.. still happens now. And what does a young leader of the church do? It’s easy to get discouraged – especially when you’re not as eloquent or as critical of a thinker as others. Will God give wisdom? Yes. Will God give courage? Yes. Will God give compassion? Yes. 

What’s your part? Do your best. Plan time with God and God’s Word. Stick to it. Study. Pray. Your motivation? To present yourself – not to people – but to God.

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:24-25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.2.24-25.esv

As you gain wisdom, as you gain courage, make sure you also gain compassion – kindness, patience, and gentleness – as well.

Thoughts on Jonah 3

“And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/jon.3.5-6.esv

In the case of Nineveh – repentance began with the people first, then with the king.

We cannot wait for human leaders to give instruction with regards to our relationship with God. Ultimately we are personally responsible for our own spiritual condition.

But what a blessing it is when leaders, too, recognize God’s authority. It’s a great encouragement.

Whether leader or member, may we recognize God’s voice and humble ourselves when we are confronted with our sin.