Cross+Gen Recap: Jonah #2
On Sunday, May 22nd, the Cross+Gen Bible Study continued with week two of our study in the book of Jonah.
We reviewed the big idea for last week:
When we find ourselves in trouble, God is there for us.
We learned the BIG IDEA for this week:
No worries – God is working out things on our behalf
We reflected on Romans 8:28 (CEV):
We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose.
We read this weeks story from Jonah 2:1-10 (CEV):
From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God:
When I was in trouble, LORD, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer.
You threw me down to the bottom of the sea. The water was churning all around; I was completely covered by your mighty waves.
I thought I was swept away from your sight, never again to see your holy temple.
I was almost drowned by the swirling waters that surrounded me. Seaweed had wrapped around my head.
I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, LORD God, rescued me from that pit.
When my life was slipping away, I remembered you– and in your holy temple you heard my prayer.
All who worship worthless idols turn from the God who offers them mercy. But with shouts of praise, I will offer a sacrifice to you, my LORD. I will keep my promise, because you are the one with power to save.
The LORD commanded the fish to vomit up Jonah on the shore. And it did.
We broke into small groups to discuss questions like:
Why do you think Jonah took time to pray when he was in the fish? When do you take time to pray?
Jonah praised God for rescuing him from the pit. When have you been in the pits lately? How did you finally feel God’s presence again? How do you know God is working in your life for his purpose to be accomplished?
Why was Jonah so happy when he was the one getting rescued but wasn’t willing to be God’s instrument to save Nineveh? Why do you think we want God to work out things for us but not always for others?
We played a rousing game of balloon soccer, followed by balloon volleyball, and then closed in prayer.
As you go about the tasks of this week, remember: Jonah was able to trust God for his rescue. We can trust God, without worrying, knowing that God is working on our behalf.
Material Copyright 2011 by David and Kathy Lynn.