Pastor Marshall ochs | April 27, 2025
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Jonah 1-2. Jonah runs from God’s command to preach to Nineveh, showing how inner rebellion creates outward turmoil. Even surrounded by praying pagans, Jonah refuses to pray until he hits rock bottom inside a fish—where he finally surrenders in prayer, leading to restoration and a second chance. The central theme is clear: no matter how far you run, the way back is always through honest, surrendered prayer.
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Read Jonah 1:1-6. According to the scripture, God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and deliver a message of judgment. Assyria was known for its extremely evil practices. However, instead of complying with God's command, Jonah fled approximately 2,000 miles to Tarshish. He was attempting to escape from God in hopes of avoiding the challenging task he had been given. Jonah's rebellion led him into a downward spiral, and there is NO escape from God! His choice to rebel and run brought consequences of his actions to the sailors. They pleaded with him to pray to God and ask for mercy.
Has there ever been a time when you knew God was leading you in a direction you didn’t want to go?
What did you do? Did you answer His call or run from His calling? If you ran – why?
Rebellion only causes chaos! The consequences of sin not only affect you, but often affect those around you. How has your disobedience or obedience affected you and others? How?
Read Jonah 1:7-16. The sailors urged Jonah to cry out to God and plead for deliverance. Instead, Jonah tells them to throw him overboard. The sailors prayed and then did as Jonah asked. The storm ceased and the sailors believed in God. It is interesting to note that the sailors prayed, but Jonah didn’t. He was willing to die for running from God, but not willing to repent and pray! Why? Because praying is an act of surrender! It is the exact opposite of pride!
How active is your prayer life?
Are you full of pride or willing to ask God for the help you need – each and every day?
If you are running from God for ANY reason – the only way home is through prayer. Are you willing to turn back to God today? Go back to the last thing God told you to do and DO IT! He will be with you!
Read Jonah 1:17-2:10. Jonah had spiraled down as low as he could go! Finally at rock bottom, he prays. He cries out to God and takes responsibility for his sin, describes the consequences and acknowledges God’s mercy. When Jonah prayed, God gave Jonah a second chance. Our God is the God of second chances! Your story isn’t over if you find yourself living in sin/rebellion! HUMBLE YOURSELF! PRAY and COME HOME!
This week take the time to read Jonah’s prayer and put your name in it. Make it your place to start in actively seeking God through prayer!