Jonah 2 – RUNNING BACK TO GOD
PROPHET ON THE RUN #2 of 4
In chapter 1 of this book, Jonah tried to run from God. After being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah runs back to God. He repents.
This passage shows us how we should repent, that is, return to God after we have run away from His directions and will for our lives.
Repentance is:
RUNNING BACK TO PRAYER Vss. 1-3, 7
Jonah’s prayer life had been in trouble (Psalm 66:18) because he ran from God. Now, Jonah cries out in prayer, returning to his God.
RUNNING BACK TO FAITH Vss. 4-6, 9
Jonah reaffirmed his faith in God, and was confident that God would deliver Him. In Vs. 9 he says, “Salvation is of the Lord.”
RUNNING BACK TO CONFESSION Vs. 8
Although the text does not specifically say so, I believe we can assume that Jonah confessed his sin to God (Psalm 32:5, 1 John 1:9). He acknowledges that those who do wrong have forsaken their own mercy (which is from God.).
RUNNING BACK TO PRAISE Vs. 9
But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving;
RUNNING BACK TO COMMITMENT Vs. 9
“I will pay that I have vowed.”
We don’t know what the vow was, but we do know that Jonah was now committed to obeying God, and going to Ninevah to preach.
The end result – God set Jonah free from his prison. Vs. 10