WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.960 Thank you, Lynn. If you can keep your Bibles open in chapter three there, that would be great. 00:00:08.179 --> 00:00:15.939 We're all very used to companies overselling their products, raising our expectations about 00:00:15.939 --> 00:00:22.859 what they can deliver. Whether it's the overly perfect photos of a holiday destination, 00:00:22.859 --> 00:00:32.579 or unrealistic advertised broadband speeds, whatever it is, we've seen it and sometimes 00:00:32.579 --> 00:00:38.340 we've fallen for it. We've allowed our expectations to be raised beyond what is reasonable. 00:00:39.859 --> 00:00:47.519 Tonight's passage, we see exactly the opposite. Rather, we see a prophet's message and a people's 00:00:47.520 --> 00:00:57.240 expectations that are far below reality. For those of you who like headings, we'll be looking at this 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:11.040 under three main points. An incomplete message in verses one to four, an uncertain hope in verses 00:01:11.040 --> 00:01:18.500 five to nine, and an unbounded grace in verse 10. And for those of you who like pictures, 00:01:19.580 --> 00:01:26.180 they are brought to you tonight courtesy of my sister. So back in chapter one, verse one, 00:01:26.840 --> 00:01:35.140 we were introduced to the prophet Jonah as God gave him a commission to go and to preach to the city 00:01:35.140 --> 00:01:42.939 of Nineveh. Then we've been through a sort of two chapter detour as Jonah decided that, well, 00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:46.939 actually he had other plans. He wasn't going to Nineveh. 00:01:49.319 --> 00:01:56.960 And so here, at the beginning of chapter three, we find that we're back at the beginning again. 00:01:56.959 --> 00:02:08.799 Once again, God tells Jonah, go to Nineveh. And this time he goes. Jonah's now a humbled and a chastened 00:02:08.799 --> 00:02:15.939 man. Before he arrogantly thought that he could get out of doing what God told him to do. But now he 00:02:15.939 --> 00:02:21.799 realizes he has no option. What God says he must do, he must do. 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:33.040 That doesn't mean he's completely on board with it, as we'll see next week. But he goes to Nineveh. 00:02:34.420 --> 00:02:42.100 Nineveh was a great city. Not exactly clear what this description about three days journey means. 00:02:42.720 --> 00:02:49.860 It could be the circumference of the greater city area. There's all sorts of explanations. But whatever, 00:02:49.860 --> 00:02:56.600 this is one of the largest cities in the world at the time, probably larger than Babylon. It's the 00:02:56.600 --> 00:03:04.000 capital of the great Assyrian Empire, one of the world powers of its day. It's a city of great art 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:11.740 and architecture, much of which is today in the British Museum. But it's also a city of great wickedness. 00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:18.420 Even their king acknowledges down in verse eight, their evil ways and violence. 00:03:18.419 --> 00:03:29.159 And so this is the city that Jonah goes to. And as he goes there, he preaches a simple message. 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:40.079 It's recorded here in verse four, in just eight words, 40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown. 00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:50.439 It's a stark message. It's a blunt message. It's clear and leaves no room for misunderstanding. 00:03:51.880 --> 00:04:00.560 40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown. It's a message of judgment and of destruction. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:07.000 Back in chapter one, we read that the wickedness of the city had come before God. 00:04:08.659 --> 00:04:15.300 Where we aren't told exactly what their wickedness was, but for whatever reason, God had decided 00:04:15.300 --> 00:04:22.019 that he was not going to put up with them any longer. And so Jonah preaches the message that 00:04:22.019 --> 00:04:32.419 their time is up. The city will be overthrown. It's a clear message, yes, but it's an incomplete message. 00:04:33.479 --> 00:04:41.779 It's a one-sided message. And Jonah knew that it was. Because he doesn't tell them of the full character 00:04:41.779 --> 00:04:48.159 of God. He doesn't tell them that he knows that God is a gracious and compassionate God, 00:04:48.160 --> 00:04:53.900 slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 00:04:56.080 --> 00:05:02.560 We know he knows that. And in chapter two, we saw how he experienced God's compassion firsthand. 00:05:04.400 --> 00:05:10.620 But Jonah is the Iron Age equivalent of a street preacher walking up and down the street, 00:05:11.100 --> 00:05:17.540 wearing a sandwich board that says on it, the wages of sin are death, and stops there. 00:05:18.160 --> 00:05:24.980 And forgets about the second half of the verse. But the gift of God is eternal life. 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:29.720 It's an incomplete message because it only tells part of the story. 00:05:31.340 --> 00:05:35.280 We have to make sure that we are communicating a full gospel. 00:05:36.540 --> 00:05:39.040 There's probably been a tendency over the years to 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:42.580 oscillate back and forwards between two extremes. 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:49.159 We need to preach the glory of God's eternal nature. 00:05:49.159 --> 00:05:53.180 And not really wanting to mention sin in case it offends anyone. 00:05:53.180 --> 00:06:02.340 We need to preach the glory of God's eternal nature. 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:05.340 We need to preach the perfection of his creation. 00:06:06.079 --> 00:06:08.680 We need to preach the tragedy of the fall. 00:06:09.840 --> 00:06:11.800 We need to preach the horror of judgment. 00:06:11.800 --> 00:06:19.920 We need to preach the scandal of the incarnation of God stepping into his own creation as a man. 00:06:20.980 --> 00:06:23.439 We need to preach the wonder of the cross. 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:26.920 Of Jesus dying for my sin and for yours. 00:06:28.080 --> 00:06:31.100 We need to preach the triumph of the resurrection. 00:06:31.100 --> 00:06:35.240 We need to preach the need for repentance. 00:06:36.700 --> 00:06:39.500 We need to preach the struggles of the Christian life. 00:06:40.360 --> 00:06:43.879 But we need to preach the security of our future hope. 00:06:45.080 --> 00:06:47.200 We need to make sure that we cover it all. 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:49.840 To make sure that we are communicating the truth. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:53.580 And not just the bits of the truth that we want to talk about. 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:58.680 If we shy away from some parts because we're uncomfortable. 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:01.319 Then we're not being faithful. 00:07:02.159 --> 00:07:03.479 We're not being honest. 00:07:04.219 --> 00:07:06.560 We risk giving people false hope. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:10.979 But we also need to be careful. 00:07:12.219 --> 00:07:16.439 I don't think that means that we need to say everything every time. 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:20.399 When we look at the sermons recorded in Acts. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:23.739 Very few of them cover the full gospel. 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:27.899 This morning we thought about Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:32.479 Paul's sermon there covers one point. 00:07:33.919 --> 00:07:37.939 God created the world and shows kindness by providing rain and food. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:40.779 He doesn't mention the cross. 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:42.879 In fact, he doesn't even mention Jesus. 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:45.279 He starts where they are. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:49.560 And he says just enough to challenge their view of the world. 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:54.279 And that was enough for some people to reject the message. 00:07:55.319 --> 00:07:57.719 And for others to want to know more. 00:07:59.419 --> 00:08:04.759 I remember once going to a dedication service for a colleague's baby. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:09.139 Because they knew there would be non-Christian friends there. 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:14.239 The preacher added a simple gospel summary onto the end of his sermon. 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:17.259 It covered the basics. 00:08:18.439 --> 00:08:19.259 We are sinners. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:20.860 God is holy. 00:08:22.040 --> 00:08:24.319 God sends his son to take the punishment. 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:26.199 We can be forgiven. 00:08:28.600 --> 00:08:31.460 One of my colleagues who was there as an atheist. 00:08:32.519 --> 00:08:34.460 As he commented to me afterwards. 00:08:35.320 --> 00:08:38.600 I'd forgotten how mathematical they make it all sound. 00:08:38.600 --> 00:08:43.259 And trying to cover everything that had left him cold. 00:08:45.259 --> 00:08:49.879 I wonder perhaps if they'd chosen to speak on one part of it. 00:08:50.540 --> 00:08:52.259 And let the wonder shine through. 00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:54.519 Would it have caught his attention? 00:08:55.700 --> 00:08:56.480 Who knows? 00:08:56.480 --> 00:08:57.480 But. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:02.659 Whether our message covers one point. 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:03.920 Or many. 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:08.340 Whether there are key things missing by accident. 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:10.139 Or on purpose. 00:09:10.920 --> 00:09:12.759 The important thing to remember. 00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:16.000 Is that it is the spirit that is at work here. 00:09:17.580 --> 00:09:19.560 Because all the Ninevites hear. 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:22.539 Is that this Israelite God is threatening judgment. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:26.959 They hear nothing about why they should believe this God. 00:09:27.419 --> 00:09:28.980 Rather than any of their other gods. 00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:33.139 They hear nothing about any alternative to judgment. 00:09:35.319 --> 00:09:36.599 And yet they believe. 00:09:38.319 --> 00:09:40.059 God's grace is active. 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:42.500 However incomplete the message. 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:46.839 And however poor and reluctant the messenger might be. 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:51.699 But just before we move on to the next point. 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:54.660 I should go back and look again at that message. 00:09:54.660 --> 00:09:55.960 That Jonah preached. 00:09:57.220 --> 00:10:00.879 Because I portrayed it as purely a message of judgment. 00:10:02.140 --> 00:10:03.680 And largely it is. 00:10:04.640 --> 00:10:06.080 But even in those words. 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:07.940 Hope shines through. 00:10:08.920 --> 00:10:11.020 Because firstly God is giving a warning. 00:10:12.160 --> 00:10:13.280 He didn't need to. 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:15.800 He would have had every right. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:17.940 To destroy the city without warning. 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:20.080 But instead he tells them. 00:10:20.400 --> 00:10:21.780 Exactly what he's going to do. 00:10:23.300 --> 00:10:25.000 But secondly he gives them time. 00:10:26.120 --> 00:10:27.880 He gives them 40 days. 00:10:30.160 --> 00:10:32.980 That's such a symbolic period of waiting. 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:34.100 And of preparation. 00:10:35.780 --> 00:10:37.340 Likewise in our time. 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:40.100 God is patiently waiting. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:45.519 When speaking about why Jesus was taking so long to come back. 00:10:46.379 --> 00:10:47.100 Peter wrote. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:50.659 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise. 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:53.259 As some understand slowness. 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:55.920 He is patient with you. 00:10:56.560 --> 00:10:58.779 Not wanting anyone to perish. 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:02.200 But everyone to come to repentance. 00:11:02.200 --> 00:11:05.280 God is merciful. 00:11:06.340 --> 00:11:07.620 And so he gives them time. 00:11:08.520 --> 00:11:09.740 He gives us time. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:13.900 He gives our friends and family time to repent. 00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:17.379 And so. 00:11:18.660 --> 00:11:22.540 How did the Ninevites respond to this message. 00:11:23.060 --> 00:11:24.000 When they heard it. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.320 And believed it. 00:11:27.320 --> 00:11:30.440 They responded in quite a dramatic way. 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:34.920 Because the king leads everyone in humbling himself. 00:11:35.880 --> 00:11:37.360 He gets down off his throne. 00:11:38.260 --> 00:11:39.980 He takes off his royal robes. 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:41.980 And dresses in sackcloth. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:46.460 A harsh, rough, black cloth made of goat hair. 00:11:47.460 --> 00:11:48.800 And he sits in the dust. 00:11:50.260 --> 00:11:52.100 He commands that everyone in the city. 00:11:52.760 --> 00:11:54.260 From the greatest to the least. 00:11:54.580 --> 00:11:55.820 And all the animals. 00:11:56.760 --> 00:11:57.320 Do the same. 00:11:57.320 --> 00:12:00.740 And he commands a total fast. 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.840 From all food and drink. 00:12:04.280 --> 00:12:06.860 But also he commands them to stop. 00:12:07.120 --> 00:12:08.240 Their evil ways. 00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:09.340 And violence. 00:12:11.420 --> 00:12:12.740 They are to stop doing. 00:12:13.040 --> 00:12:14.220 The wrong that they've been doing. 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:18.280 And they are to ritually humiliate themselves. 00:12:18.920 --> 00:12:19.620 Before God. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:21.940 Why? 00:12:23.100 --> 00:12:24.400 Why would they do this? 00:12:24.440 --> 00:12:26.400 It seems rather strange behaviour. 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:30.220 I think the answer comes down in verse 9. 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:32.259 Who knows? 00:12:33.299 --> 00:12:34.779 God may yet relent. 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:39.860 We don't know what the Ninevites knew. 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:41.439 About the God of Israel. 00:12:42.679 --> 00:12:45.899 It's quite likely that they'd at least heard some rumours. 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:50.399 Because we saw the terrified reaction of the sailors in chapter 1. 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:53.439 When they heard who Jonah was fleeing from. 00:12:53.440 --> 00:12:58.040 But whatever they previously knew of God. 00:12:59.460 --> 00:13:02.860 When they heard Jonah's message of coming judgment. 00:13:03.800 --> 00:13:07.000 They immediately were aware of their guilt before God. 00:13:08.040 --> 00:13:10.880 And they decided to throw themselves on his mercy. 00:13:11.540 --> 00:13:13.580 In the hope that he might relent. 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:17.500 But we see how uncertain that hope was. 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:19.240 Who knows? 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:21.780 God may yet relent. 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:25.559 They didn't know if God would be merciful. 00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:29.799 But they considered it sensible to stake everything. 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:31.919 On the chance that he might be. 00:13:33.439 --> 00:13:35.259 They believed the message of judgment. 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:38.079 And they had no other options available. 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:42.340 They knew very little of God. 00:13:43.340 --> 00:13:45.120 And so they threw themselves on him. 00:13:45.520 --> 00:13:48.080 In the hope that he might be merciful. 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:53.800 We see something rather different in Psalm 51. 00:13:54.940 --> 00:13:57.560 Where David asks God to have mercy on him. 00:13:58.060 --> 00:14:01.020 According to his unfailing love and great mercy. 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:05.000 David's plea for mercy is based on what he does know. 00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:08.759 On what God has revealed to him about his character. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:14.200 The Ninevites uncertain hope was based on their lack of knowledge of God. 00:14:14.200 --> 00:14:17.620 David's hope had a much greater certainty. 00:14:18.220 --> 00:14:21.320 Because it was based on his knowledge of God. 00:14:21.320 --> 00:14:25.360 But even David's knowledge of God. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.100 And of his mercy. 00:14:27.760 --> 00:14:31.080 Are limited compared with what has been revealed to us now. 00:14:32.820 --> 00:14:34.180 Because we have Christ. 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:38.940 And in him all of God's character has been revealed. 00:14:38.940 --> 00:14:42.820 And we see him hanging on the cross. 00:14:43.680 --> 00:14:45.960 We see the lengths that God went to. 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:47.640 So that we might be forgiven. 00:14:48.420 --> 00:14:52.120 And therefore we can have confidence in his mercy. 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:55.780 And we have Paul's epistles. 00:14:56.400 --> 00:14:59.240 And the other apostles writing. 00:14:59.720 --> 00:15:02.080 Teaching us of the theology of God's mercy. 00:15:02.800 --> 00:15:05.040 Of what it means to have no condemnation. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:07.540 Of what it means to have peace with God. 00:15:07.539 --> 00:15:10.839 We have more reason than even David. 00:15:11.299 --> 00:15:14.000 To hope and trust in God's mercy. 00:15:16.279 --> 00:15:17.339 But saying that. 00:15:18.379 --> 00:15:20.500 We mustn't think that we need to know. 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:22.959 And understand everything about God. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.620 Before we can turn to him. 00:15:26.219 --> 00:15:28.179 Increasing our knowledge of God is good. 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:32.419 But what we need to do is cast ourselves on his mercy. 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:34.339 Based on what we do know now. 00:15:34.340 --> 00:15:37.700 In the words of the old hymn. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:39.720 Just as I am. 00:15:40.800 --> 00:15:41.899 Without one plea. 00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:44.580 But that thy blood was shed for me. 00:15:45.080 --> 00:15:47.600 And that thou bidst me come to thee. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:49.460 O Lamb of God. 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:50.600 I come. 00:15:52.040 --> 00:15:53.920 We can learn more later. 00:15:54.540 --> 00:15:56.360 We should seek to learn more later. 00:15:57.040 --> 00:15:59.019 But we should not wait until then. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:03.159 There are probably many of us here. 00:16:03.639 --> 00:16:06.299 Who would say we became Christians as young children. 00:16:07.939 --> 00:16:11.539 For me I believe it was somewhere around four. 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:16.559 I have no idea what I knew or understood at that age. 00:16:18.319 --> 00:16:22.960 But there was something that made me believe that I needed Jesus. 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:26.460 And we are called to come to him. 00:16:26.900 --> 00:16:28.120 Whatever age we are. 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:30.440 Like a little child. 00:16:33.320 --> 00:16:34.879 But then for some of us. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:37.600 We may have been following him for many years. 00:16:38.780 --> 00:16:39.860 But at times. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:41.920 Our hope becomes less certain. 00:16:43.200 --> 00:16:45.759 Whether it's the cynicism of age. 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:48.879 The challenges of what we've been through. 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:53.580 Or the constant knowledge of our sin that never seems to go away. 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:58.480 In the words of a song by Andrew Peterson. 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:03.539 It's the fear that I'll fall one too many times. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:07.740 It's the fear that his love is no better than mine. 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:11.240 But he tells me that just as I am. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.140 Just as I was. 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:14.759 Just as I will be. 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:15.619 He loves me. 00:17:15.900 --> 00:17:16.519 He does. 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:19.960 He showed me the day that he shed his own blood. 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:21.500 He loves me. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:23.160 Oh he loves me. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.200 He does. 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:29.500 And in the words of that father who came to Jesus in Mark's gospel. 00:17:29.879 --> 00:17:31.059 We can cry out. 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:32.639 Lord I believe. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:35.539 Help now my unbelief. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:39.180 And so we come to. 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:41.759 Our final point. 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:43.639 And our final verse. 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:45.160 In verse 10. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.920 What does God do. 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.460 When the people. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.980 Having heard an incomplete message. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:55.160 Respond to it with uncertain hope. 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:58.579 Like the father. 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:00.960 In the parable of the prodigal son. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:03.359 Who sees his son in the distance. 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.400 And runs to him. 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.879 With arms open wide. 00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:09.019 So God responds to the feeble pleas. 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.279 Of the Ninevites. 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:12.500 By not bringing about the judgment. 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:14.339 And destruction of their city. 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:17.039 And next week. 00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:18.419 We'll see how God expresses. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.659 His love. 00:18:20.159 --> 00:18:21.379 For the people of Nineveh. 00:18:23.379 --> 00:18:24.679 We have to be careful. 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:27.039 And not draw too many parallels. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:29.399 Between the repentance of a city. 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:31.099 And that of an individual. 00:18:32.859 --> 00:18:35.079 But Jesus will later hold out. 00:18:35.179 --> 00:18:36.459 The repentance of Nineveh. 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.899 As an example. 00:18:38.399 --> 00:18:39.679 To the people of his day. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:42.500 Because he says to them. 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:44.440 The men of Nineveh. 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:46.259 Will stand up at the judgment. 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.360 With this generation. 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:48.779 And condemn it. 00:18:50.100 --> 00:18:51.440 For they repented. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:52.519 At the preaching of Jonah. 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:56.140 And now someone greater than Jonah. 00:18:56.600 --> 00:18:57.100 Is here. 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.940 They knew very little. 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:03.039 But they turned from their sin. 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:05.160 They turned to God. 00:19:05.820 --> 00:19:06.799 And he relented. 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:08.180 In bringing judgment. 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:08.920 On the city. 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:11.600 The people of Jesus' day. 00:19:12.560 --> 00:19:13.880 They knew far more. 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:16.480 And he was standing right there. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.279 In front of them. 00:19:18.180 --> 00:19:19.880 And yet they rejected him. 00:19:22.060 --> 00:19:24.080 But to those who do turn to him. 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.140 In repentance. 00:19:25.340 --> 00:19:25.840 He says. 00:19:26.320 --> 00:19:27.600 Whoever comes to me. 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:29.900 I will never drive away. 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:32.780 Because he offers full. 00:19:32.780 --> 00:19:33.860 And complete forgiveness. 00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:35.320 For our sin. 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.740 Past. 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:37.560 Present. 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:38.400 Future. 00:19:39.600 --> 00:19:40.280 Big sins. 00:19:40.540 --> 00:19:41.360 Small sins. 00:19:42.080 --> 00:19:42.880 Public sins. 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:43.960 Secret sins. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:46.280 He offers reconciliation. 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:47.759 With God. 00:19:48.820 --> 00:19:50.300 He offers life. 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.540 In all its fullness. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:51.740 Forgiveness. 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:54.339 He offers adoption. 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:55.940 Into his own family. 00:19:57.139 --> 00:19:58.700 He offers purpose. 00:19:59.139 --> 00:19:59.819 And meaning. 00:20:00.420 --> 00:20:01.099 And hope. 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:04.819 Have you come to him. 00:20:04.879 --> 00:20:05.440 And accepted. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:06.680 That forgiveness. 00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:08.180 Or are you still. 00:20:08.339 --> 00:20:08.960 Ignoring him. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:12.619 As we saw with Nineveh. 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.460 He's given a warning. 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.740 And he's given time. 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:18.620 But that time. 00:20:18.660 --> 00:20:19.599 Will not go on forever. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.740 But it's not just Nineveh. 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:26.359 We see in this passage. 00:20:26.579 --> 00:20:28.200 That needs God's grace. 00:20:28.680 --> 00:20:30.140 And that receives God's grace. 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:31.880 So does Jonah. 00:20:33.859 --> 00:20:35.599 Back at the end of chapter 2. 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:37.900 We saw God's mercy towards Jonah. 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.700 As he was saved from drowning. 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:41.900 And vomited up in the dry land. 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.859 It would have been reasonable. 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.339 For Jonah's story to stop there. 00:20:47.640 --> 00:20:49.120 A rather embarrassed. 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:49.980 And wet man. 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:51.839 Makes his way back to Jerusalem. 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:54.599 And quietly lives out his days in peace. 00:20:55.380 --> 00:20:56.579 Away from the public eye. 00:20:58.259 --> 00:21:00.480 That would seem a perfectly reasonable ending. 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:03.039 But God doesn't stop there. 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:05.700 Instead he entrusts to Jonah. 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:07.220 The very task that he gave him. 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.000 In the first place. 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:11.380 Like so many of the characters. 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.339 Throughout the Bible. 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:14.740 Jonah had failed God. 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:17.380 In our eyes. 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:19.880 That would surely be the end of his ministry. 00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:23.700 But God still had plans for him. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:28.099 How many Christians. 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:31.160 Are held back from a life of service to God. 00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:33.640 Because they know that they failed God. 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:36.740 And believe they can't be used by him again. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:40.460 Or even how often as churches. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:43.759 Do we write off those who have failed publicly. 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:46.319 As unsuitable for public service. 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:49.839 Now I'm not saying we shouldn't be very careful. 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:51.200 And discerning. 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:55.700 But Jesus built his church. 00:21:56.220 --> 00:21:57.860 And foundation of failures. 00:21:59.220 --> 00:22:00.799 Of people who had run away. 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:02.940 Of people who had denied him. 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:06.660 Even of people who had sought to kill his followers. 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:11.120 John Piper writes that. 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:12.379 The tragedy. 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:12.399 The tragedy. 00:22:12.399 --> 00:22:15.399 Is that Satan uses the guilt of these failures. 00:22:15.399 --> 00:22:19.119 To strip you of every radical dream you ever had. 00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:20.339 Or might have. 00:22:21.459 --> 00:22:22.779 And in its place. 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:23.659 Give you a happy. 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:24.399 Safe. 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:25.139 Secure. 00:22:25.439 --> 00:22:25.959 American. 00:22:26.479 --> 00:22:27.099 Or Scottish. 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.219 Life. 00:22:28.459 --> 00:22:29.779 Of superficial pleasures. 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:33.159 Until you die in your lakeside rocking chair. 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:34.599 Wrinkled. 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:35.459 And useless. 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:37.940 Leaving a big fat inheritance. 00:22:38.460 --> 00:22:39.840 To your middle aged children. 00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:41.440 To confirm them. 00:22:41.660 --> 00:22:42.779 And their worldliness. 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:45.079 That's the main tragedy. 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:49.740 How many of us are reluctant to do. 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:52.279 What we believe God is calling us to do. 00:22:52.840 --> 00:22:54.840 Because of the guilt of past failures. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:58.240 Or are standing on this platform. 00:22:58.380 --> 00:22:59.279 Feeling completely. 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:01.900 Unworthy of communicating this message. 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:07.140 We should not for a moment think we can just ignore our sin. 00:23:07.840 --> 00:23:09.220 Just sweep it under the carpet. 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:11.660 And hope that God doesn't notice. 00:23:13.860 --> 00:23:15.620 But if we have come to God. 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:16.759 In repentance. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:19.180 And confessed our sin to him. 00:23:19.360 --> 00:23:21.460 Then we do not need to live with our guilt. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:24.100 And we can go out. 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:25.400 And serve him. 00:23:25.840 --> 00:23:27.660 In whatever way he calls us to. 00:23:29.100 --> 00:23:30.040 It may be. 00:23:30.280 --> 00:23:30.800 Like Jonah. 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:33.799 That he calls you to pick up where you left off. 00:23:35.139 --> 00:23:36.159 Or it may be. 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:38.680 That he has a new task for you. 00:23:39.399 --> 00:23:40.379 A different one. 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:43.759 And so. 00:23:45.359 --> 00:23:46.759 As we draw to an end. 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:50.879 Have we been underselling God's grace? 00:23:52.639 --> 00:23:54.079 Have we by our words. 00:23:54.659 --> 00:23:55.579 Or our actions. 00:23:56.379 --> 00:23:58.359 Communicated an incomplete message? 00:23:58.359 --> 00:24:02.159 Have we suggested to people that they're alright. 00:24:02.699 --> 00:24:04.199 When they aren't. 00:24:05.619 --> 00:24:08.000 Or have we implied that they're beyond saving? 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:14.399 Have we been not fully grasping what God's grace means for ourselves? 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:17.580 Is our hope uncertain? 00:24:17.580 --> 00:24:17.600 Is our hope uncertain? 00:24:18.600 --> 00:24:22.100 And have we failed to realize just what he has done for us? 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:27.040 Have we never turned to him in repentance. 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.720 Seeking forgiveness? 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:33.500 Or are we burdened by failures and regrets? 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:36.480 And need to turn to him again and again. 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:39.860 And let him recommission us for the task ahead. 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:47.099 Let's finish with the words of song that we're going to sing later in service. 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:53.579 What love could remember no wrongs we have done? 00:24:54.939 --> 00:24:58.799 Omniscient, all-knowing, he counts not their sum. 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:05.740 Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore, our sins, they are many. 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:08.799 His mercy is more. 00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:31.839 If you forget anything else that I've said, 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:36.440 let's go into the week with that thought filling our hearts. 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:41.700 Wherever we are, wherever we're coming from, 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:44.820 whoever we're going to come in contact with this week, 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:47.500 whatever situation we'll be in, 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:50.539 his mercy is more.