Jonah the Second Time

·34 min·3 clips

The book of Jonah's main character isn't the prophet or the fish—it's God Almighty.

The episode opens with a prayer and introduction to the book of Jonah, a minor prophet. The speaker asserts that the main character of the book is God Almighty, who demonstrates great sovereignty. God's message is for the entire world, and he uses people as his messengers, even when they are imperfect. The speaker explains that God communicates through his word and his spirit, referencing John 1 and 2 Timothy. Jonah is called to go to Nineveh, a large and wicked city described with historical details like 1,500 towers and walls 150 feet wide. Jonah instead flees to Tarshish, going 2,500 miles in the opposite direction. The speaker notes that God's plans are not canceled by human refusal, citing examples like Deborah, Esther, and Balaam's donkey. Jonah ends up in the sea, and the word 'down' appears five times in chapters 1-2, symbolizing descent. The sermon shifts to chapter 3, where God speaks to Jonah a second time, highlighting God as a God of second chances. The speaker discusses how Jonah likely had to travel 275 miles from the Mediterranean shore to Nineveh after being vomited by the fish, making the second call harder. Jonah preaches a simple five-word message in Nineveh, leading to the city's repentance. The sermon expands to other biblical figures who failed, such as Abraham failing in faith, Jacob in family relationships, Joseph's brothers selling him, Moses as a murderer, David with Bathsheba, and Peter denying Jesus. Each was given a second chance. The speaker encourages listeners not to let past failures prevent future service, using Jonah's physical state as an example. The episode closes with a prayer for listeners to respond to God's call.

As heard by us

A direct sermon on Jonah's descent, God's patience, and the call that comes again.

Jonah the Second Time reads Jonah's descent as a picture of resistance to God, while keeping the focus on God's initiative. The message follows Jonah as he runs and keeps moving downward, then widens to Balaam's donkey, an angel carrying the everlasting gospel, and the…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

When running from God has taken you downward, this sermon meets Jonah at the bottom and offers God's second chance as a way back.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from LCC: Sunday Messages