The Cloud of Witnesses

Former title Lessons From the People of the Bible

Set 1

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PDF These lessons are also available as PDFs (with the number of lessons in brackets).

Abraham (5) — David (5) — Esther (4) — Gideon (5) — Isaac (6) — Jacob (7) — Job (6) — John the Baptist (6) — Jonah (4) — Jonathan (6) — Joseph (10) — Joseph of Nazareth (6) — Mary (4) — Mary Magdalene (4) — Mary of Bethany (3) — Moses (5) — Nehemiah (8) — Nicodemus (4) — Noah (6) — Paul the Apostle (5) — Peter (5) — Philip (4) — Ruth (7) — King Saul (6) — Stephen (6) — Thomas (4)

Download the complete set 1 as PDFs (2.46 MB).

The lessons of set 1 are also available as individual online lessons below.

Set 2

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PDF These lessons are available as PDFs (with the number of lessons in brackets). These PDFs have not yet been updated to the new name.

Andrew (7) — Caleb (7) — Daniel (7) — Elijah (6) — Elisha (5) — Isaiah (21) — John (22) — Joshua (16) — Leah (2) — Luke (22) — Mary Magdalene (3) — Matthew (9) — Miriam (4) — Nahum (2) — Rachel (6) — Rebekah (5) — Samson (5)

Download the complete set 2 as PDFs (1.85 MB).

Jonah

Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 4 | Back to The Cloud of Witnesses menu

Lesson 3: Jonah – Experienced God’s Miracles And Revival First Hand

Reading

Jonah 3.

Repent

As we have seen so many times already, God is more interested in character than convenience. He also honours obedience, however reluctant or hesitant.

Just imagine the scene. A man appears. More than an ‘old salt’, more than an ‘old sea dog’ – this guy is stinking of fish. Ever smelt the breath of a fur seal? You are getting the picture if you have. If not – never stand down wind. Jonah has had, if not still had, seaweed wrapped around his head. He was more than likely slimy and green. (The theory of evolution is still wrong – it may be slimy and green but it is still a man.)

This ‘man’ came into the city and cried, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” Be honest – what would you do? Something about Jonah caught their attention. “The Ninevites believed God”(v 5).

And that was for the first time. From the King down they repented, held a fast and put on sackcloth and ashes – a sign of self-imposed humility.

I love what follows: (They said, not Jonah) “Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish” (v 9).

Who told them God was like that? Or did they see Jonah? Jonah, the one disobedient to God, saved from death and walking their streets because of God’s grace?

Whatever the case, a miracle followed Jonah’s obedience. He faithfully brought God’s message to the people of Nineveh as God had asked him, and guess what? The hearts of the people turned to God. That took a miracle. But it happened.

Even the wicked city of Nineveh could turn around at the prompting of one dishevelled, smelly man.

Tell me, what stops you giving out the ‘Good News’?

Arrogance and pride or a callous uncaring heart?

Do you want to see a miracle? Do you want to see a revival?

Then try being obedient like Jonah – Go and share the Good News with someone today.

Jonah would say to us today...

Miracles always follow our obedience to God’s will. We have to take the first step – then God will overwhelm us with what follows.

Prayer

Father, You are an amazing God. I am overwhelmed that You are prepared to use someone like me to accomplish Your plans. Please keep me always ready to follow and serve you so that You can see Your purposes on earth fulfilled in and through me. Amen.

Additional readings

Exodus 14:10-31; Joshua 3:1-17; 1 Samuel 15:1-23.

Questions

Why do miracles follow obedience?

What miracles have you seen in your life?

What miracle are you seeking God for right now? Do you need to be obedient before it will be released?