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"The word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time"

Text: Jonah 3:1

THE SECOND TIME AROUND

Once again God spoke to Jonah as He did the first time around. He was not angry. He had an assignment that He wanted Jonah to do.

“Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah
the second time, saying,
‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city,
and preach to it the message that I tell you.'”
Jonah 3:1-2

1. “Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time”

a) The first time the word came to Jonah, he balked and ran away.

b) This was the second time the word of the Lord came to Jonah.

2. Why was this text written? What is the significance?

a) Much may be learned about the ministry of the prophets.

i) Prophets are hand-picked by the Lord.

ii) They are carefully and personally trained by Him.

iii) They are skilled preachers and teachers of the Word of God.

iv) They are supposed to be examples to people with reference to obedience especially.

v) A prophet who can get away by rebellion without being chastised by God could adversely hurt the prophetic community.

b) Much may be learned about God too.

i) He is gracious.

ii) He is merciful.

iii) He gives His servants “a second chance” to make good.

iv) A chastened servant of God may reflect his Master better too.

v) The patience of the Lord is well-evidenced.

3. “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city”

a) Nineveh was described as a city of great wickedness (Jonah 1:2).

b) Nevertheless, it also deserved a chance to hear God’s word.

4. “And preach to it the message that I tell you”

a) God had a message to give to the Ninevites.

b) Jonah was the messenger God had chosen to speak to them.

What that message was would be revealed to Jonah at the appropriate time.