(Audio and Text)
Title: 7 Beautiful Steps
Today, we will look at the second and third reactions of the sailors after they threw Jonah into the sea. We, of course remember that the first reaction is Fear.
The FEAR led to the sacrifice and vows.
Matthew Henry:
As an evidence of their fear of him, they offered sacrifice to him when they came ashore again in the land of Israel, and for the present made vows that they would do so, in thankfulness for their deliverance, and to make atonement for their souls.
Or, perhaps, they had something yet on board which might be for a sacrifice to God immediately.
Or it may be meant of the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, with which God is better pleased than with that of an ox or bullock that has horns and hoofs. We must make vows, not only when we are in the pursuit of mercy, but, which is much more generous, when we have received mercy, as those that are still studying what we shall render.
My First Question:
Was the sacrifice necessary? Wasn’t Jonah (the Christ figure) already the sacrifice require to bring God’s peace (and didn’t the still waters note that?)
Possible Answers:
-The men are doing what all religions practice. As far as the sailors know, all religions, Judaism included, made regular sacrifices to the God that they served.
-Without the offering of a sacrifice, the vows may seem somewhat hollow. This symbol of the sacrifice demonstrates their devotion, by making a public statement, the vows demonstrate the intent of continued devotion.
My Second Question:
Which of these two (sacrifice, vows) do you think was more important to God?
Matthew 9:6
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Does anyone know what Jesus is quoting here? Hint: It’s another OT minor prophet, and I believe Robert brought the book up last week.
Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
POINT:
In this time period, the ceremony and pomp of sacrifices had taken precedence over the COMMITMENT of vows (setting your mind on the knowledge of God.) This effect all religions, even the Jews as they lost sight of the fact that point of the Law drives one to mercy, not sacrifice.
What are some parallels today in the modern church to this error?
The Big Picture: 7 Beautiful Steps
- These men did not know God.
- They had a supernatural experience with God. (Storm).
- A prophet gave them a message. (Throw me into the sea to save yourselves.)
- They obeyed, and the result was IMMEDIATE.
- This led to fear of the one true God.
- This fear led to sacrifice (symbol) and vows (statement of intended devotion.)
- These men know God.
POINT:
No presentation of the Gospel (no matter how “perfect”) can EVER be a replacement for a direct experience with God.
This is why our Gospel presentations MUST include OUR testimonies (an account of our experience with God) and must also drive them to prayer and confrontation with God…not just a regurgitation of the sinner’s prayer.
(Story of Cole: “Let’s talk about me getting right with God.”)
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