Sermon Starters: Our Annoying God

Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp

July 9, 2023

Scripture: Jonah 3:6-4:2

Introduction

• Children's church: I feel like I only got the first two, maybe three chapters of Jonah
• Overview the story

Body

I. Jonah is not really the good guy.

• Popular preacher, no doubt
• crowd pleaser
• Nineveh was really bad -- Assyria (destroyed northern kingdom) -- THE AUDIENCE KNOWS THIS FACT!
• It's a warning to us.

2. God found the one thing.

• What’s your one thing? Following God requires total allegiance. Used to be getting called to Africa as a missionary.
• President Lewis talked about cracks in the foundation.
• If Jesus isn’t Lord of all, then he’s not Lord at all.

3. He’s both sons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son

• You know the story (recap)
• He’s the Prodigal that the Father welcomes back.
• He’s also the elder brother who hates that God forgives.

II. The bad guys are really the good guys.
a. The sailors

• They don’t know much. They just know that some God is upset. They are seekers. They want to honor God. 
• Who do you think God was more pleased with?

b. The Ninevites

• Their repentance seems more genuine than Jonah’s. 
• Who do you think God was more pleased with?

III. God is the best "guy."

• (Not literally, of course)
• Jonah 4:2 – the creed of the OT
• What a parent! Gives him shade for a bit. Then pushes him to move on. Plant and cattle
• He does not want anyone to perish. We only perish at our own choosing.

Conclusion
Where are you in the story?

• Are you running from God?
• Are you withholding something from God?
• Are you a seeker?
• Are you throwing a tantrum?
• God is gracious and compassionate