Summary of my sermon, based on Jonah 3:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 15, 2023.
Today, we delve into a story of faith, obedience, and doubt that reminds us of the importance of sharing God’s love, even when we doubt our abilities. As we examine the book of Jonah, a tale of divine commission and human reluctance, we’ll find valuable lessons for our own journeys of faith. Just as the missionary Hudson Taylor answered God’s call, Jonah was tasked with a mission he initially rejected.
We commence our exploration of Jonah by recalling Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Missions. Taylor’s remarkable mission to China is a testimony to the transformative power of God’s love. Born in 1832, Taylor was inspired to become a missionary after reading about Robert Morrison, the first Protestant missionary to China. This daring young man sailed to China at the tender age of 21, living among and dressing like the Chinese, a practice uncommon in the 19th century when Western culture was often regarded as superior.
The legacy of Hudson Taylor, along with other missionaries who adopted culturally sensitive approaches to sharing the Gospel, remains profound. Taylor’s work in China resulted in the conversion of millions, even in the face of government persecution. This success story demonstrates the power of God’s love and the transformative impact it can have on entire nations.
Now, let’s turn to the story of Jonah, who was anything but enthusiastic about God’s command to call people to repentance. In Jonah 1:1–3, we see his initial reaction when God instructed him to go to Nineveh, a great city tainted by sin. Jonah’s response was not one of faith and obedience; instead, he attempted to flee from God’s presence by journeying to Tarshish, a place far removed from God’s call. Jonah’s rebellion exemplifies our doubts when tasked with sharing the Gospel.
Jonah’s escape plan led him to a ship, setting sail for Tarshish. However, God sent a fierce storm that terrified the crew. After discovering Jonah’s role in this calamity, they threw him overboard, and he was swallowed by a great fish. In the belly of the fish, Jonah repented, and God caused the fish to spit him out. Jonah’s miraculous survival reveals God’s relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from His path.
Upon his release, Jonah finally obeyed God’s command and went to Nineveh to proclaim a message of repentance. The result was remarkable. In Jonah 3:5, we learn that the people of Nineveh believed God, called for a fast, and put on sackcloth, signifying their mourning. The king of Nineveh declared a fast and urged his subjects to turn from their evil ways. This mass repentance led to God’s mercy, as He spared the city from destruction.
Surprisingly, Jonah was not overjoyed by Nineveh’s salvation. His anger stemmed from a desire to see the city’s demise rather than its redemption. His reluctance to share God’s love reveals a significant aspect of our own doubt – the fear that we lack the ability to save others. While Jonah’s doubts were rooted in his reluctance to see God’s mercy extended, many of us question our ability to effectively share the Gospel.
Our God Saves
An essential lesson to remember is that our God is the ultimate Savior. The act of salvation is the work of the Lord, both for our own lives and for those to whom we are called to share the Gospel. Our doubts often stem from the misconception that we must save someone through our abilities and eloquence, a paralyzing fear that can lead to inaction.
However, our role is not to save but to convey God’s message. The initiative for salvation lies with the Lord, and we are instruments in His divine plan. Our own salvation story can be a powerful tool, sharing how God has worked in our lives. We must recognize that it is God who draws people to Himself, and our duty is to be obedient and share His message.
God Equips Us
Another important lesson from Jonah’s story is that God equips us for the task. He does not only call us but provides us with the necessary abilities. You do not need specialized methods or formal theological training to share the Gospel. God can use you, even with your limitations, to share His love.
Jonah’s remarkable journey began with no formal training or preparation. Likewise, Hudson Taylor lacked a theological education but trusted in the Lord’s power. We must overcome our doubts and trust that God will equip us for the task at hand. As God called Hudson Taylor and Jonah, He calls each of us to fulfill His divine purposes, trusting that His power will work through us.
In conclusion, the story of Jonah reminds us of the transformative power of sharing God’s love, even when we doubt our abilities. Just as Hudson Taylor’s faith transformed China, we too can impact the lives of others by sharing the Gospel. Remember that our God is the ultimate Savior, and we are His instruments in this divine work. He equips us for the task at hand, and through His power, we can overcome our doubts and be effective bearers of His message.
As you go about your life, be encouraged to share God’s love, knowing that you are not alone – God works through you and with you. Just as Jonah ultimately learned the importance of extending God’s mercy, may we too embrace our calling to share His love, casting aside our doubts and embracing the transformative power of the Gospel.
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