Transcript Bro. John Pople, January 16/17, 2010: “Sign
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
a study in Jonah
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
1
Flight of the Dove
Key Character: Jonah Jonah (Yonah) =
Dove
Jonah is son of Amittai
Jonah 1:1
Jonah is from Gath Hepher
2 Kings 14:25
Gath Hepher is in Zebulun
Joshua 19:10,13
=> Jonah is of the tribe of Zebulun Why are we told this?
Timeline of Minor Prophets
United Israel Hosea Jonah Amos CAPTIVITY BC 900 800 700 600 Obadiah Joel Judah 500 Nahum Haggai Micah Habakkuk Zechariah Zephaniah Malachi Jerusalem
Jonah: A Precedental Prophet
Samuel Nathan Elijah Elisha Amos Jonah Hosea
]
Micah Zephaniah Jeremiah Nahum Habakkuk Isaiah Ezekiel Daniel Obadiah Haggai Zechariah Joel Malachi Key: Prophet to United Israel Prophet to 10-tribe Israel Prophet to 2-tribe Judah PROPHET TO THE GENTILES
Key Events
J ASSYRIA Nineveh Jerusalem H ISRAEL E A Damascus SYRIA
Prophets: Message:
Elisha Jonah Nineveh destroyed unless they repent
Key Place: Nineveh
Nineveh
• • • •
Most rapid Assyrian expansion: 824-625 BC Jonah’s prophecy is during this time Assyria fighting Israel and winning Nineveh capital city of Assyria THE HEART OF ENEMY TERRITORY!
The Book of Jonah: A Charge to Preach
The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:
“Go
to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. Jonah 1:1-3
Jonah evades the mission to Nineveh: 1. Because he’ll be killed 2. Because they’re the ENEMY
Can One Flee the Lord’s Presence?
Not one will get away, none will escape. Though they dig [Heb: chathar] down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent [Heb: nachash] to bite them. Amos 9:1-3
Conundrum: Beyond the Lord’s Presence?
The presence of the Lord seems to be the place where the Lord is active
E.g. Eden:
So Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Gen 4:16
E.g. Israel:
So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. 2 Kgs 17:18
Who Will Save Whom?
Israeli to Gentiles
“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.
Jonah 1:2-3
Gentiles to Israeli
“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” [Jonah] replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Instead, the men did their best to row [Heb: chathar] back to land.
Jonah 1:12-13
•
Gentiles will work (dig) for Jonah’s life
•
Jonah is indifferent to Gentile peril Sin: No SYMPATHY for those outside God’s love
The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So [the sailors] asked [Jonah], “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:11-12
Conundrum: Was Jonah right to offer himself?
Where can we find an answer?
On Stormy Seas
the Lord sent a great wind on the sea the ship threatened to break up. Jonah had gone below …fell into a deep sleep. “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god… and we will not perish.” “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” [Jonah] replied, “and it will become calm.” Jonah 1:4-12 A furious squall came up the boat… was nearly swamped.
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.
The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” [Jesus] said… “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:37-39
So Jonah has made a poor choice So what principle has he overlooked?
Mercy, not Sacrifice
The Principle
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hos 6:6
Jonah
“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and
Judas
seized with remorse… “I have sinned,” it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:12 he said... Then he went away and hanged himself.
Mt 27:3-5
Sin: Lost sight of God’s Mercy
Stay in the Boat
1 Revelation to Paul
…a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. Paul stood up before them and said: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel… said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’” Acts 27:14-24
2a Passover Law
Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. Ex 12:22
2b Passover Violation
As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
Jn 13:30
3 Today Don’t bail out of the ecclesial vessel on your co-sailors
Revisit Conundrum: Beyond the Lord’s Presence?
We have reasoned Jonah was:
• •
Wrong to sacrifice himself Failed to perceive God’s mercy Conclusion:
•
Jonah places himself beyond God’s reach by failing to see God’s mercy
•
Jonah is therefore “Beyond the Presence of the Lord”: the place he initially tried to go Lesson: Don’t run away from God
• •
Because you can’t Because you can
Guided to Safe Haven…
Remember Jonah’s effect on the sailors
At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Jonah 1:16
…by the Prophet of Zebulun
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Ps 107:28-30
Jacob’s Blessing
“Zebulun will… become a haven for ships” Gen 49:13
How?!
It’s Landlocked!!
Conclusion: “Flight of the Dove”
•
God extends salvation to the Gentiles
•
Jonah precedental prophet to Gentiles: precedentally called to save the enemy
•
Jonah’s 1 st sin: no SYMPATHY for Gentiles outside of God’s mercy, even though Gentiles were sympathetic to his plight!
•
Jonah’s 2 nd sin: wrong to sacrifice himself, lost sight of God’s MERCY
•
Sailors brought to safe spiritual haven by prophet of Zebulun; fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
The Education of the Psalms
2
Threads: “Flight of the Dove”
•
Jonah precedental prophet to Gentiles: precedentally called to save the enemy
•
Jonah’s 1 st sin: no SYMPATHY for Gentiles outside of God’s mercy, even though Gentiles were sympathetic to his plight!
•
Jonah’s 2 nd sin: wrong to sacrifice himself, lost sight of God’s MERCY
Jonah’s Prayer: Order of Service
Old Testament Israel 1 Gentile sailors pray to their gods
Jonah 1:4
2 Sailors instruct Jonah to call on his God
Jonah 1:6
3 Gentile sailors pray to Israel’s God
Jonah 1:14
4 Jonah prays to Israel’s God
Jonah 2:1
New Testament Israel
“the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you… and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did.” Mt 21:32
Challenge: Contemporary (spiritual) Israel…?
Are we the first to engender spiritual discussion?
Jonah’s Prayer: The Big Picture
A stunning revelation, through two obvious facts 1. Jonah’s prayer offers God thanks for being saved 2. Jonah has not been saved ‘Presumptuous’ Prayer Jonah is not giving thanks for the salvation he has received, but for the salvation he trusts he will receive.
Usual sequence: Trial; Prayer; Deliverance; Thanksgiving Lesson: We can – should! – presume upon God’s goodness!
Do we thank God for bringing His kingdom?
Jonah’s Prayer: Fine Detail
9 statements Every one a quote from the Psalms!
So what?
3 Days’ effort Knew his Bible Can Discover a Hidden Prayer in subtext!
Jonah 2:2 2:3 2:4 2:5 2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:9 Psalm 18:6 88:7 42:7 5:7 116:3 69:2 68:22 30:3 18:6 116:4 31:6 116:13-14 37:39 Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14 5:3-4 116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19 116:8-9 31:5-8 116:12-19 37:7-11,29
Education of the Psalms
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:2 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice.
Psa 18:6
Psalm 18 Fascinatingly relevant context David writes
Ps 18
when literally ‘exhausted’
2 Sam 21:15
Jonah recognizes his culpability
“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.” Psa 18:25-27
Education of the Psalms
You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. Jonah 2:3 Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves... all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
Psa 88:7; 42:7
Psalm 88
“my life draws near the grave… I am set apart with the dead” Psa 88:3-5
Jonah cannot see any response from God to his prayer
“But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?” Psa 88:13-14
Education of the Psalms
I said, “I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.” Jonah 2:4 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Psa 5:7
Psalm 5 But Jonah waits hopefully for an answer…
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psa 5:3
…because he knows the character of his God
“You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil” Psa 5:4
Education of the Psalms
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. Jonah 2:5 I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me… The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me. Psa 69:2; 116:3
Finally, Jonah Sees Mercy!...
Psalms 116, 69
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy . Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psa 116:1-2
…& Calls God to Act from His Mercy
“Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.” Psa 69:15-16
Education of the Psalms
To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. Jonah 2:6 The Lord says… I will bring them from the depths of the sea… O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.
Psa 68:22; 30:3
Psalms 68, 30 Mercy: The Dove Sheathed with Gold
“the wings of my dove [Heb: Jonah] are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.” Psa 68:13
• • •
Jonah sees that he is sheathed with gold The Temple was sheathed with gold
Psalm 30 1 Kin 6-7
is the Dedication of the Temple!
Jonah sees HE is the Temple; declares he is open for business!!
Education of the Psalms
When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Jonah 2:7 I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice… I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” Psa 18:6; 116:4
Psalms 18, 116 Mercy – Jonah sees he will be restored to life…
“For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” Psa 116:8-9
…by being pulled out of deep waters
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters... He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psa 18:16,19
Education of the Psalms
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jonah 2:8 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord. Psa 31:6
Psalm 31
“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” Psa 31:7-8
Jonah’s Own Contribution - Recognises MERCY for himself!
- Displays SYMPATHY for others!
Jonah has reversed his behaviour: his sins are now completely forgiven, because he has left them
Education of the Psalms
But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Jonah 2:9 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people… Psa 116:13-14
Psalm 116 Jonah knows that he must ‘walk the walk’
“How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?... O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord” Psa 116:12,16-19
Education of the Psalms
Salvation comes from the Lord. Jonah 2:9 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord. Psa 37:39
At last: Salvation. Both in the moment…
safe pasture.” Psa 37:3
Psalm 37
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy
…and forever!
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace …the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” Psa 37:7-11,29
Revealing the Hidden Prayer
Quote’s Context 1
Psa 18:25-27
2
Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-14
3
Psa 5:3 Psa 5:4
4
Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-16
5
Psa 68:13 Psa 30
6
Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-9
7
Psa 31:5-7
Jonah’s Addition 8
Psa 116:12-19
9
Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29
The ‘Hidden’ Prayer God brings the haughty low, thus I lie with the dead.
My morning prayer is unanswered, so I must wait - expectantly!
God is good, so He hears my cry for mercy and His mercy will act to save me!
I [the dove] am sheathed with gold, dedicated to be a Temple!
So I am drawn out of deep waters and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord, whose mercy must be grasped.
I will fulfill my vows before Him because the Lord saves: His people will live in the land forever!
Conclusion: “The Education of the Psalms”
•
Jonah reversed both sins: prayer revealed perception of God’s MERCY and SYMPATHY for those outside it
•
Jonah demonstrated immense faith in thanking God for a blessing that had not even arrived!
•
If Jonah can learn from the Psalms, so should we!
•
Jonah learned his calling was to BE God’s Temple
•
Bible study is brilliantly rewarding: it is fascinating to see sub-textual messages
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
3
A Vine and A Worm
Threads: “Flight of the Dove”
•
Jonah precedental prophet to Gentiles: precedentally called to save the enemy
•
Jonah’s 1 st sin: no SYMPATHY for Gentiles outside of God’s mercy, even though Gentiles were sympathetic to his plight!
•
Jonah’s 2 nd sin: wrong to sacrifice himself, lost sight of God’s MERCY
Threads: “The Education of the Psalms”
•
Jonah reversed both sins: prayer revealed perception of God’s MERCY and SYMPATHY for those outside it
•
Jonah demonstrated immense faith in thanking God for a blessing that had not even arrived!
•
Jonah learned his calling was to BE God’s Temple
The Unique Baptism of Jonah [Dove]
The man who went into the water opposed God His conversion took place under water The man who emerged was dedicated to serving God Quote’s Context 1
Psa 18:25-27
2
Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-14
3
Psa 5:3 Psa 5:4
4
Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-16
5
Psa 68:13 Psa 30
6
Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-9
7
Psa 31:5-7
Jonah’s Addition 8
Psa 116:12-19
9
Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29
The ‘Hidden’ Prayer God brings the haughty low, thus I lie with the dead.
My prayer is unanswered, so I must wait - expectantly!
God is good, so He hears my cry for mercy and His mercy will act to save me!
I [the dove] am sheathed with gold, dedicated as a Temple!
So I am drawn out of deep waters and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord, whose mercy must be grasped.
I will fulfill my vows before Him because the Lord saves: His people will live forever!
Jonah [the Dove] becomes the perfect symbol of baptism
A Study in Repentance
[Jonah] proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:4-5
Why is Nineveh forgiven so quickly? Jonah wasn’t!
A Bleached Prophet?
James Bartley, on board British whaling vessel
Star of the East
, was swallowed by a sperm whale off the Falkland Islands. Rescued the next day he suffered from bleached skin but survived.
Yarmouth ‘Mercury,’ 22 Aug 1891
Points corroborating
•
Star of the East
had made such a voyage
•
Sperm whales could swallow humans whole - documented case of a 400 lb squid found whole in a sperm whale in 1955 Points contradicting
•
Star of the East
whaling vessel was not a
•
Star of the East
had no James Bartley on the crew list
•
Captain J.B. Killam’s wife testified in 1906 that no-one had ever gone overboard
The Perception of Mercy
To see? (Nineveh)
“Let everyone call urgently on God... Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” Jonah 3:8-9
…or not to see? (Jonah)
“Pick me up and throw me into the sea… I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:12
Mercy is immediate
When God saw what they did… he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10
Mercy is delayed
Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard… and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:15-17
“Mercy Comes to Him who Mercy Sees”
A Study in Leadership
[Jonah] proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. Jonah 3:4 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 3:10
God proclaimed destruction that never came What is an outside observer to make of this?
• • •
Almighty God has no ego He does not need to explain Himself He allows the full power of free will
A Vine and a Worm: What’s Going On?
Jonah 4:4,9
A Vine and a Worm: The Lesson
wrath wrath Jonah’s Enactment of God’s Plan God’s Plan for Nineveh
•
What does this living parable teach us?
Jonah’s sin of lack of sympathy had recurred - All sins recur, so remedies must be persistent
Jonah: A Vine, or a Worm?
Vine and Worm mutually exclusive
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” John 15:1 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Mt 23:37-38
Which are we, with spiritual Gentiles?
Elitist and superior? Or sympathetic?
After the Third Day: Mercy
3
Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 1:17 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
Jonah 2:10
3
Now Nineveh was a very important city-a visit required three days.
Jonah 3:3 When God saw… how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion Jonah 3:10
3
“[The vine] sprang up overnight and died overnight.” Jonah 4:10 “But Nineveh has more than 120 thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left… Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:11
After the Third Day: Mercy
Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Hos 6:1-2
Conclusions: “A Vine and a Worm”
•
Mercy comes to him who mercy sees
•
The One who forgives is not concerned with appearances to outsiders
•
The Scriptural pattern shows mercy after three days
•
We can be a vine or a worm to the Ninevites: but not both
•
The greater the perception of mercy for ourselves, the more likely we are to desire to shield another
Themes in Jonah
Jonah (Dove) precedental Gentile Prophet Didn’t initially sympathize with Gentiles Racism detrimental to his preaching Racism frustrated God’s plans of mercy - Are we spiritually racist?
God’s Mercy Evidenced after 3 days
•
Jonah in the fish (3 days)
•
Preaching to Nineveh (3 days)
•
The Vine and the Worm (3 days) Mercy seen when Looking to the Temple
Jonah 2:4,7
Breadth of Mercy in the Book of Jonah
Two Mercy Missions Opposing camps: God saves BOTH camps BOTH times 1 st mission to Nineveh
Ch 1-2
Sailors saved Jonah saved 2 nd mission to Nineveh
Ch 3-4
Nineveh saved Jonah saved
How Did It All End…?
God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” Jonah 4:9
Was Jonah forgiven again?
Or was he ‘angry enough to die’?
“They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves [Jonahs] from Assyria .” Hos 11:10-11
Suggest the Lion roared & the Dove came home trembling
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
4
Seeing the Sign
The Sign of the Dove
What does the dove represent?
When the dove returned to [Noah] in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Gen 8:11
Commonly held; but not Biblically defensible
The Sign of the Dove
What does the dove represent?
The Holy Spirit?
At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on [Jesus]. Mt 3:16
Scripturally Spirit generally is ‘fire’
[The disciples] saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Acts 2:3 also: Ex 3:2; 13:21; 24:17; 1 Kgs 18:38; Isa 4:4; Dan 3:25
The Sign of the Dove
But we can also find negative connotations
Ephraim is like a dove [Jonah] , easily deceived and senseless now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. Hos 7:11 The word of the LORD came to Jonah [Dove] son of Amittai… But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.
Jon 1:1-3
The only prophet who disobeyed God’s direct command
The Sign of the Dove [Jonah]
Renewal
1 Jonah [Dove] was the only man who lived a literal baptism 2 The dove appears at the baptism of the whole physical creation
When the [ Jonah ] returned to [Noah] in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Gen 8:11
(implying the Flood was global, not local) 3 … and the baptism of the whole spiritual creation
At that moment [baptism] heaven was opened, and [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like [ Jonah ] and lighting on [Jesus]. Mt 3:16
The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Baptism
As soon as Jesus was baptized… he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [Jonah] and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Mt 3:13-17
Yes, but why?
Sign of the Dove is Renewal Christ opens a New Covenant: salvation to the Gentiles
10:1-17, Rom 11:13-25 John
Hence God’s pleasure, with the One who realizes His plan to bring salvation to ALL
Seeing the Sign
Where do allusions to Jonah appear in the New Testament?
• • • • •
Jesus’ Baptism Jesus’ Teaching Jesus’ Miracles Jesus’ Crucifixion The Work of the Early Church Why? What do we learn from seeing this sign?
The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Teaching Yes, but why?
“Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.” [Jesus] answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah [the dove] . For as Jonah [the dove] was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Mt 12:39-40
•
Context is Pharisees persecution
•
Jesus DOES give them a sign: his baptism! (where people saw the dove)
•
Salvation through baptism - Christ’s resurrection - not heritage
•
It’s the only thing that can save them – a type of death; renewal
Question: Did Jonah Die?
Arguments for:
1 Yes: Logic: He was 72 hrs in a hostile environment 2 Yes: NT Comparison with Jesus in the tomb
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Mt 12:40 “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.” Lk 11:29-30
Question: Did Jonah Die?
Arguments against:
1 No: Logic: Don’t base an argument on a missing fact, the Bible does not say Jonah died 2 No:
Mt 12:40
specifies the comparison between Jesus and Jonah was timescale oriented; the scriptures specify Jesus died but do not mention Jonah’s death 3 No: Evidence of Jonah’s carefully constructed prayer – if not over 72 hrs, then how long?
4 No: Fits with scriptural pattern: God asks of Himself (His Son) one more step than all others: Abraham offering Isaac; Jephthah’s daughter; Jonah 5 No: Because of the message concerning baptism to follow…
Conclusion? Jonah did not die
The Sign of the Dove: New Start not Death
Death that destroys Death that gives life 1 Earthquake & Darkness At Sinai Covenant of death
Ex 19:16-19
2 At Jesus’ crucifixion Jesus physically died
Mt 27:45,51
3 At Jesus’ return Many physically die
Zech 14:4,6; Joel 3:15
1 The Sign of the Dove At Jesus’ baptism Jesus didn’t physically die
Mt 3:16
( => Jonah didn’t die) 2 Teaching: Be baptized to live
Matt 12:39
3 We must participate
Rom 6:1-4
The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Miracles
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” … “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:41-44
Thanks before salvation seen, as Jonah’s prayer in the fish.
Jonah’s faith saved himself Jesus’ faith saved Lazarus
Yes, but why?
To teach us prayers of faith make a difference!
The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Sacrifice
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mt 27:45 from Psa 22:1
Education of the Psalms!
Fulfilled Prophecy
All would mock Pierced hands & feet Divided clothing v7 v16 v18
Future Prophecy
HE IS NOT FORSAKEN!
All nations bow down He is Messiah v24 v27 v31
The Sign of the Dove: After the Third Day: Mercy
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After the Feast… Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of it… Then they began looking for him… After three days they found him in the temple courts...
Lk 2:43-46
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[Jesus] replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ ” Lk 13:32
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…the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Mt 12:40
Seeing the Sign
Sign of the Dove appears in NT:
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Jesus’ Baptism
• • • •
Jesus’ Teaching Jesus’ Miracles Jesus’ Crucifixion The Work of the Early Church Why is Jonah so prolific in NT?
The principle of global baptism (Noah’s day) explodes in the NT
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ Lk 7:32
Conclusions: “Seeing the Sign”
Jesus’ Baptism The Dove indicates God’s intention to save all- preach!
Jesus’ Teaching Baptism is the miracle of life – we don’t have to die!
Mercy clearly seen after 3 days Jesus’ Miracles ‘Presumptuous’ Prayer can save others Thank God for His Kingdom Jesus’ Sacrifice Education of the Psalms Hidden Prayer in non-quoted context Digging in the Bible is always rewarded
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
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A View to Mercy
The Temple: A View to Mercy
Mercy seen when looking towards the Temple
“I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple … When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:4-8
The Crucifixion View
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jn 19:30
How does one see a merciful God in the crucifixion?
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom… The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. Mt 27:51-52
The Torn Veil: Communion with God
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith… for he who promised is faithful.
Heb 10:19-23
Enter: “Son of Jonah”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah Mt 16:17 ” When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Jn 21:15
Aside: Son of Jonah or Son of John?
Jonah John Not the same name!
Heb: ‘Yonah’: ‘Dove’ <= Ger: Johann; <= Gk: Johanan Constructed from Heb: ‘Jah Hanan’ ‘God makes room’; ‘is gracious’
Suggest Jesus said “Son of Jonah” for a specific reason…
Enter: “Son of Jonah”
Jonah ‘Dove’ Man of God who refused to accept Gentile salvation
Jonah 1:3;10
Selected by God to be precedental saviour to Gentiles
Jonah 1:1; 3:1
Arrives in Joppa desiring to not preach to Gentiles
Jonah 1:3
Simon Peter: Son of ‘Dove’
Acts 10:14 Acts 10:5 Acts 9:43
Joppa: City of Beauty
Nineveh J Joppa
• • •
Hiram (Gentile) builds Temple thru Joppa
2 Chron 2
Cyrus (Gentile) rebuilds Temple thru Joppa
Ezra 3:7
Jonah goes to Joppa to avoid preaching to Gentiles Jonah spoils God’s Beauty of Gentile Inclusion
“Son of Jonah”: A Vine or a Worm?
In Joppa (City of Beauty) A Vine
“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35
Thus God repairs the ‘City Beautiful’ But later in Antioch, A Worm
When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong... he used to eat with the Gentiles. But [then] began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles… The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, and by this hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. Gal 2:11-13
After the Third Day: Mercy
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The angel answered [Cornelius], “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”… About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray… [The sheet lowered] three times… While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you… Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”... The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea… “God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen”… Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 10:4-48
Convergence of Patterns in Acts 10
1 Dove, Son of Dove Jonah was reluctant Prophet to Gentiles Peter now reluctant Prophet to Gentiles
v14
2 Joppa: The City Beautiful Gentiles (re)build Temple through Joppa Peter learns Gentile inclusion in Joppa
v9-16
God’s historic trend is repaired 3 Mercy evidenced after 3 days Cornelius has vision
v1-8
Next Day: Peter receives instruction
v9-16
Next Day: Peter goes to Caesarea
v23
Next Day: Peter is Cornelius’ Temple
v24-48
A View to Mercy
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.
1 ‘Son of Dove’ 2:5
Duty of the Priest
Represent God to the people
For the lips of a priest are to preserve knowledge… because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty Mal 2:7
Carry the people’s burdens
[The Israelite] must present [his sacrifice] at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting… Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, including the head and the fat, on the burning wood that is on the altar.
Lev 1:3,7-8
The priest carries the burden of the commoner
THE SIGN OF THE DOVE
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Jonah’s Hidden Prayer
Statement 1 2 Jonah 2:2 2:3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2:4 2:5 2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:9
Psalm 18:6 88:7 42:7 5:7 116:3 69:2 68:22 30:3 18:6 116:4 31:6 116:13-14 37:39 Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14 5:3-4 116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19 116:8-9 31:5-8 116:12-19 37:7-11,29
Jonah’s Hidden Prayer
Statement 1 2 Jonah 2:2 2:3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2:4 2:5 2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:9
Psalm 18:6 88:7 42:7 5:7 116:3 69:2 68:22 30:3 18:6 116:4 31:6 116:13-14 37:39 Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14 5:3-4 116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19 116:8-9 31:5-8 116:12-19 37:7-11,29
Jonah’s Hidden Prayer
Statement 1 2 Jonah 2:2 2:3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2:4 2:5 2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:9
Psalm 18:6 88:7 42:7 5:7 116:3 69:2 68:22 30:3 18:6 116:4 31:6 116:13-14 37:39 Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14 5:3-4 116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19 116:8-9 31:5-8 116:12-19 37:7-11,29
Jonah’s Hidden Prayer
Statement 1 2 Jonah 2:2 2:3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2:4 2:5 2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:9
Psalm 18:6 88:7 42:7 5:7 116:3 69:2 68:22 30:3 18:6 116:4 31:6 116:13-14 37:39 Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14 5:3-4 116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19 116:8-9 31:5-8 116:12-19 37:7-11,29
Quote’s Context 1
Psa 18:25-27
2
Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-14
3
Psa 5:3 Psa 5:4
4
Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-16
5
Psa 68:13 Psa 30
6
Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-9
7
Psa 31:5-7
Jonah’s Addition 8
Psa 116:12-19
9
Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29
The ‘Hidden’ Prayer God brings the haughty low, thus I lie with the dead.
My prayer is unanswered, so I must wait - expectantly!
God is good, so He hears my cry for mercy and His mercy will act to save me!
I [the dove] am sheathed with gold, dedicated as a Temple!
So I am drawn out of deep waters and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord, whose mercy must be grasped.
I will fulfill my vows before Him because the Lord saves: His people will live forever!
Quote’s Context 1
Psa 18:25-27
2
Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-14
3
Psa 5:3 Psa 5:4
4
Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-16
5
Psa 68:13 Psa 30
6
Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-9
7
Psa 31:5-7
Jonah’s Addition 8
Psa 116:12-19
9
Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29
The ‘Hidden’ Prayer God brings the haughty low, thus I lie with the dead.
My prayer is unanswered, so I must wait - expectantly!
God is good, so He hears my cry for mercy and His mercy will act to save me!
I [the dove] am sheathed with gold, dedicated as a Temple!
So I am drawn out of deep waters and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord, whose mercy must be grasped.
I will fulfill my vows before Him because the Lord saves: His people will live forever!
Quote’s Context 1
Psa 18:25-27
2
Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-14
3
Psa 5:3 Psa 5:4
4
Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-16
5
Psa 68:13 Psa 30
6
Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-9
7
Psa 31:5-7
Jonah’s Addition 8
Psa 116:12-19
9
Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29
The ‘Hidden’ Prayer God brings the haughty low, thus I lie with the dead.
My prayer is unanswered, so I must wait - expectantly!
God is good, so He hears my cry for mercy and His mercy will act to save me!
I [the dove] am sheathed with gold, dedicated as a Temple!
So I am drawn out of deep waters and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord, whose mercy must be grasped.
I will fulfill my vows before Him because the Lord saves: His people will live forever!
Quote’s Context 1
Psa 18:25-27
2
Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-14
3
Psa 5:3 Psa 5:4
4
Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-16
5
Psa 68:13 Psa 30
6
Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-9
7
Psa 31:5-7
Jonah’s Addition 8
Psa 116:12-19
9
Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29
The ‘Hidden’ Prayer God brings the haughty low, thus I lie with the dead.
My prayer is unanswered, so I must wait - expectantly!
God is good, so He hears my cry for mercy and His mercy will act to save me!
I [the dove] am sheathed with gold, dedicated as a Temple!
So I am drawn out of deep waters and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord, whose mercy must be grasped.
I will fulfill my vows before Him because the Lord saves: His people will live forever!
The Lamb: Greater than the Dove
“The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah [dove] , and now one greater than Jonah [dove] is here.” Mt 12:41
How was the Lamb greater than the Dove?
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The Dove provided a geographically limited Gentile salvation (Nineveh, Assyria)
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The Dove provided a chronologically limited Gentile salvation (~ 150 years)
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The Dove provided an ‘agape limited’ message: he didn’t love the Gentiles all that much
The Power of Free Will
Easier for King of Nineveh than Jonah simply because he saw God’s mercy Smoothness of the Path to Redemption in our hands Obstacles causing sin are not from God
2 Sam 11:1-3
Jonah’s Prayer: Vicarious Learning
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Jonah learns God’s mercy both from his trauma & from the Psalmists
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Note how well Jonah knew his Bible, but how poorly Jonah ‘lived’ his Bible
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Jonah saw he was called to be the Temple an active duty
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Knowledge of the Bible essential in times of trouble, but the knowledge is not itself a virtue until it is lived
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We are God’s Temple: an active duty