Jonah 1:1-4 – The Word of God Comes to Jonah – Part One
God comes and speaks to Jonah. God always speaks first. He spoke first in the Creation (Genesis 1:1). God spoke first to Adam and gave him the command not to eat of the fruit of the tree that was forbidden to him (Genesis 2:16). God spoke first to Cain, informing him of the danger that his anger towards his brother Abel posed to him (Genesis 4:16). God spoke first to Noah and told him what He was going to do, because every inclination of man’s heart was only evil all the time (Genesis 6:13). God spoke first to Abram and told him to leave the Ur of the Chaldees to the land He would show him (Genesis 12:1). And we could go on and on and on. God always comes and speaks first. Let’s be careful not to forget this when we feel sorry for ourselves and wonder where God is.
The words that tell us that “the word of the Lord came to Jonah” are not unique. This is a phrase that is used over 100 times in the Old Testament and informs us that the Word of God came directly to men who, in turn, declared them as such. Many attacks have been and are being made on both the historicity and authority of God’s Word; it is really important that we remember and repeatedly teach our children that whatever so-called ‘new evidence’ is found that questions the truth and integrity of God’s Word, it will never change the fact that God has spoken and that He has done so in His Word. Let the world laugh and scoff at our so-called ‘blind’ faith. We will hold the truth of God’s Word in our hearts and use its light to guide our path through life.
Questions
- Who speaks first, God or Jonah?
- How do we know the Bible is true?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s Word.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.