Session 2: Saved in the Storm (1:4-16)
Opening Prayer
Gracious Lord, throughout your Word, you reveal yourself as a good and gracious God. Your love extends not only to the pagan Ninevites, but also to the stubborn prophet Jonah, and even to us. Help us to see your grace more fully as we continue our study of Jonah, so that when the storms of life come our way, we might seek refuge in you alone. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Synopsis of Theme
It is easy for American Christians living in 21st century to confine faith to what happens on Sunday morning and for it to have little bearing on how we live our lives the rest of the week. Like Jonah, who slept during the storm in the innermost recesses of the ship, we sometimes need to be awakened from our spiritual slumber. God sends "storms" to awaken our faith so that we might confess with Jonah, "I worship Yahweh, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land," (1:9).
Topic for Sharing/Ice Breaker
Have you ever been caught in a terrible storm while travelling? Describe it.
Questions: Text
Read Jonah 1:4-16
Throughout chapter 1, a lot of things are being "thrown around." Look at the following verses and identify what is being "hurled" or "thrown"
How does the response of the sailors and the captain contrast with that of Jonah's?
Notice that 1:9 is the firsat time Jonah speaks in this book. What does he say and why is this surprising, given his course of action so far?
Questions: Context
Jonah's confession in 1:9 that Yahweh is the Creator is an important theme in the book. Read the following passages and describe how God's activity in creation is portrayed and the purpose of his activity.
Questions: Discussion/Application
Have you ever tried to run away from something that you felt God was calling you to do?
What "storms" has God sent into your life? How have they affected your relationship with Him? Were you angry with God or did you turn to God in faith?
Do you think God miraculously intervenes in daily life today?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, when you gave your only begotten Son into death so that we might have life you demonstrated your boundless love for us in remarkable and life-changing ways. But just like Jonah, all too often we experience spiritual shortsightedness, wanting your grace for ourselves, but failing to see that it extends to all people and even to all creation. By the presence and power of your Holy Spirit open our eyes to clearly see that your love does not have borders or boundaries, and in so doing, enable us to share your mercy and grace more fully with everyone around us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Assignment
Re-read Jonah 1