"Turning" in Jonah

Have you ever wondered what Jonah said in his message that convinced the residents of Nineveh to repent? It is not until 3.4 that we see the actual message Jonah that preached: “In forty days, Nineveh will be overturned!”

What does this message mean? Is it a prophecy or a warning? Let us examine the word “overturned” to better understand Jonah’s message. First, God has overturned cities in the past and it was not a positive experience. The most notable is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah when God “overturned” all the cities of the plain (Gen. 19.25). This seems to be how Jonah understood the message. When God relented from punishing Nineveh, Jonah became very angry because he wanted Nineveh to be destroyed (4.1-2). His reaction would make a lot of sense if he understood the message to be warning Nineveh of coming destruction. It could also be argued that the residents of Nineveh understood Jonah’s message as a warning. They understood that they were in danger of perishing (3.9).

Is this the only way to interpret “overturned?” Consulting a good lexicon will reveal that the word can also indicate a change, even a spiritual turning. When Saul was informed that he would be the new king of Israel, he was told that the Spirit of God would come upon him and he would be “turned” into another man (1 Sam. 10.6). With this is mind, let us ask: what if Jonah’s message was a prophecy? What if Jonah was proclaiming that the people of Nineveh would be “changed or turned from within” in forty days? Perhaps the residents of Nineveh understood Jonah’s message this way. This would explain why they went to great effort to repent and put on sackcloth (3.5-8). They saw the opportunity to be turned from within. Also, Jonah does not tell the Ninevites why they will be overthrown. If Jonah is pronouncing a prophecy, the absence of a reason for their destruction makes sense.

Perhaps both interpretations are acceptable. It is worth mentioning that Jonah understood the message as an “overturning” even though it resulted in a “turning from within.” Ironically, Jonah did not allow his attitude to be turned. We might even say everyone in the narrative turned (Ninevites and God 3.10) except Jonah. I gleaned a couple of valuable insights from this study. First, is it possible that I am like Jonah and don’t understand the message the same way as those listening? Second, this is a perfect example of why preachers need to be clear communicators. If Jonah was preaching a destructive message, he was vague in his presentation. The Ninevites chose to hear this message as an opportunity. Perhaps we could say that they took Jonah’s message and “overturned” its meaning.

How Do I Know My God is Real?

Perhaps this is a question we have all pondered at some time or another. Isaiah has a very interesting section that helps assure Israel the answer to this question. Isaiah 41-48 is a court setting where God has called the entire pantheon of earthly gods together to present their respective case for deity. This section contains 3 fundamental principles that are necessary for deity. God's first challenge implies that a true God can reveal (41.21-24). He demands that the "other gods" reveal the course of human history. Tell the court about the future, tell us about the past, how about you tell us anything. Obviously, they are silent. Not only are they nothing, but it is an abomination to serve such a farce existence (41.24).

The second principle: a true God can create. 44.12-40 contains a detailed account of idol making and worship. I recommend reading it in the Complete Jewish Bible if you have access to that translation. This section describes the labor of a carpenter and a blacksmith as they work with great detail and care to create an idol. Half of the wood used to carve the idol must also be used for heat and cooking. The other half is fashioned and worshipped. The sad disillusionment of this practice is brought out in the CJB: "Not one thinks to himself or has the knowledge or the discernment to say, "I burned half of it in the fire, baked bread on its coals, roasted meat and ate it. Should I now make the rest an abomination? Should I prostrate myself to a tree trunk?" He is relying on ashes! A deceived heart has led him astray; so that now he won't save himself, just won't say, "This thing in my hand is a fraud!" How can that which is made by the hand of man, be the creator of man? A true God is not created, he creates!

The final principle comes from 45.1-4. As the children of Judah were being forewarned about the impending Babylonian exile, Isaiah goes a step further and tells them that God has already planned to deliver them; he even names the person who will deliver them (Cyrus). Not only is this pure predictive prophecy, here lies the last truth that proves YHWH is God. A true God can save. When Isaiah reveals the future exile that Babylonians will go into, he tells how the Babylonians loaded their gods onto beasts in order to save them. These gods do not save, they need saving (46.1-2)! How could a human possibly save deity?

We may not have the same temptation for idol worship as the Ancient Near Eastern world struggled with, but we do face the temptation of placing things above God. How do I know if my God is real? There are 3 fundamental truths that define the nature and ability of an infinite being: What does he reveal? What has he created? Can he save?

The Word of God Shines in All Times

Is it possible to grow up in a godly home and not know God? Is it possible to be part of the Lord's community and not know God? The answer would be Yes! That was just the case in the life of the young Samuel. Samuel grew up in a good home. His parents periodically worshipped the Lord. They met the necessary requirements to purge their sins. They even dedicated Samuel to temple service. Samuel even grew up in the Tabernacle in the service of the priest Eli.

But, in 1 Samuel. 3.7 we are told that Samuel did not yet know the work or person of the Lord. Samuel lived in a time when divine revelation was rare. It was a time of poor spiritual leadership. The Elide dynasty was corrupt and immoral. But the lamp of God had not gone out, both literally and spiritually (3.3). The Lord had great things in mind, through Samuel. Samuel did not need a better family, tabernacle, or teacher, he needed the word of the Lord.

Notice how Samuel progresses as time passes in this narrative. At first, the Lord's word was rare in those days (3.1). However, in one night Samuel came to know the Lord as God spoke to him. The next morning Samuel had something he never had at that point. He had divine knowledge. Yet, he was reluctant to share with Eli because it's message convicted Eli. Even though this message contained judgment, Samuel shared it with Eli. Samuel kept growing in the subsequent days because he kept a relationship with God through his word.

Is it possible to grow up in a Christian home and be a part of the Lord's Church and not know God? Yes! Is it possible to live in a "evangelical society" and have a deficiency in spiritual leadership? Yes. The Samuel narrative teaches us that God remedied Israel's spiritual deficiency and Samuel's relational deficiency with his Word.

Tybee Island Last Supper

Today was blazing hot. The sun scorched our flesh, a tsunami soaked our towels and tent but our woes quickly vanished after steak and shrimp at Spanky's restaurant. Perhaps there is an underlying theme of corporal punishment between Tybee's two best restaurants; Spanky's and Fannie's. I was proud to be seen with Steph, she looked mighty good tonight (disclaimer to prevent future implications and argumentations; as she always does).

It is hard to imagine that a week has already passed. Just this time last week, we were staying with my sister after eating out with Landon and Teresa. Let us have a week in review. There was shrimp, shrimp, and more shrimp. I ate it sauteed, fried, steamed, grilled...I guess that's about it. There was plenty of sun and waves. Boogie boarding and Batman.

perhaps the worst part of a vacation is cleaning up and unpacking. I am not looking forward to that. Nor am I looking forward to our trek across the Peach state. No offense but the drive between Macon and Savannah just made my top 3 in worst travels routes (next only to any drive in Arkansas and Mississippi). And the worst travel routes are my all time most hated rankings that I keep up with.

Time has flown by, fun has been abundant, and exhaustion is prevalent. I hope you have enjoyed my first ever vacation blog from good ole Tybee Island, Ga. It has been a memorable week. What location awaits next year is yet to be seen. I will resume normal textual gems sometime in the near future. Ironically, the counter indicates that more people care about my random experience on vacation rather than the textual gems. Perhaps there is something to think about for yours truly. Adios and God bless.

Vacation Day Tango Roger

The clouds were out pretty thick this morning, so Ryan and I decided to go to the movies and watch Dark Knight. I have been an avid Batman fan since childhood. After a couple hours of reflection, this might be the best movie I have ever seen. It has all the marks of a legendary film. It has subtle humor and wit, a terrific soundtrack, one tough character, great lines, a very intelligent and thrilling story, great fights scenes, and non-stop action. Heath Ledger blew me away as the Joker. His character was filled with a twisted intellectual perspective of everything that is terrifyingly evil. The movie was also very deep, full of psychology, philosophy, and ideology. It was one of those movies that you can't stop thinking about.

After we got home the sun was out and we went to the beach. I only stayed for a little while. I have grown a little bored with the beach, so I decided I would actually try to work on a sermon since I do have to return to work Sunday (the work of the Lord is never done). I knocked down 8 chapters of Isaiahic text (deutero-Isaiah as those dirty liberal scholars would call it) in just a few hours. This is the first day that I have had coffee since, well college. The caffine really had the neurons pumping.

We ate at Fannie's again. This time the ladies and children accompanied us. I had, you guessed it, shrimp, this time fried. The best ever, not too much breading and the perfect seasoning. There was also a live band. The kids loved the music. Defintely made my top 5 restaurants after tonight. It was my turn to pay. For an instant, I thought about pulling a Loyd Christmas and telling the waitress that another person would pick up my bill, then I would leave. I even had the person picked out. Then they announced that it was her 89th birthday and I felt it might be inappropriate. Well my mind is tired from exegesis and a great movie. My skin has soaked up plenty of vitamin D. Now it is time for the body to get some rest. It is hard to believe that the week is almost gone. From Tybee Island, Ga; over and out.

Vacation Wednesday

Today was a fun day. Robbie flew back home today because he has to speak at a summer youth series. The girls took him to the airport so the guys hit the beach. Ryan and I spent the morning riding the waves. We swam with the dolphins and avoided the sting rays. At first, I thought I would scoop a stingray onto my boogie board until Chris reminded me that it was a stingray that brought down the 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin. The thought of death is probably the one thing that has kept so many people alive in the face of a dare.

The girls left us alone so we went to eat. Today I found a restaurant that easily made my top 5. It is called Fannie's. It is located on the strip in Tybee Island right in front of the pier. We ate on the 2nd story open porch. It was great to view the Atlantic while eating shrimp and crab legs. Today I tried steamed shrimp. Not bad.

This is the first time that my tan line has extended beyond the boundary of my shirt sleeve (commonly known as a 'farmers tan'). I haven't had this kind of sun since I was a lifeguard. This afternoon it was really windy. We had trouble setting up our tent. If it is that windy tomorrow, I am going to make a parachute with the tent fabric and try a new invention; wind boogie boarding. In theory it works, we'll have to see how it does in trials. I think I will depart because the Cards are going to be on ESPN. Naps were scarce for the young'uns so maybe we will all get some sleep tonight. Until tomorrow, good day.

Vacation Tuesday

After two splendid feasts, I have decided that the best decision God ever made came on the 5th day, when God made shrimp. No wonder God said, "It was good." I see why Forrest Gump's friend Bubba was obsessed with them, they are delicious. I had them for lunch, fried and for supper, sauteed. Since we are in Savannah and Steph has become a cult follower of Paula Deen, we decided to eat at her restaurant. Unfortunately, we could not get reservations so we ate at the next closest thing, Paula' s brother's place, Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. If you ever go there I recommend the shrimp dinner with your choice of fried, sauteed, blackened, or grilled shrimp. I also recommend Paula's recipe, Shore is Good Seafood Dip. Robbie and I drew attention to ourselves eating it. Luckily, I have the metabolism of a hummingbird or I would have gained 20 lbs. today.

I have realized how much of a priority that people have placed on tanning. I thought that since it was so popular I would give it a try. Robbie (Ed) and I put our i-pods on, stretched out the beach chairs, put on the sunglasses and immediately the sky grew cloudy. It is a good thing. I am pretty sure we have ADHD and would never be able to just lay there while growing ever hotter. Boogie boarding was a washout today. The tide was too high and the current was really strong, but I did manage to swim with a couple of dolphins for a bit. I am amazed at how much the tide goes out in 2-3 hours. The beach level must drop at least 50 ft. in that period of time.

Addie is a water dog. That little girl absolutely loves the water. We made a sand castle today. It's life span was not long because Addie decided to eat it. A few mouthfuls of sand quickly stopped that train wreck. Steph's tan really makes her glow. She is absolutely gorgeous. All this food has left me exhausted. As the sun sets over the Atlantic, I bid thee farewell. Today's verdict: vacations are not half-bad, hot sand is!