Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 2, 2022

A Severe Mercy

Jonah 1:17-2:10

This morning we begin a two-week study of Jonah, the prodigal prophet of the Old Testament. In his experience of being swallowed by a great fish, he becomes a stellar example of the Lord’s merciful dealings with His children. Also, we will observe that prayer takes on a new level of intensity when it is offered from inside the belly of a fish!

1. Observe (again) the arresting providence of the LORD

• an appointed fish
• vehicle for deliverance
• sign of supremacy

2. Discern the deeper work

• not the belly of a fish but the heart of a prophet
• departure from God’s presence and word
• summary: “I called…You heard…”

3. Trace the path from rebellion to restoration

• flee to God’s presence
• pray God’s word: Jonah uses the Psalms.
• praise God’s character: Jonah does it from the gut of a fish.
• connection to Christ

4. So what?

• The Lord demonstrates His mercy to His servants so that they may magnify it personally and extend it indiscriminately.
• The One who extends mercy is the One to whom salvation belongs!
• “Thy mercy, in Jesus, exempts me from hell; Its glories I’ll sing, and its wonders I’ll tell; ‘Twas Jesus, my Friend, when He hung on the tree, who opened the channel of mercy for me.” (J. Stocker)
• Go “under the Mercy”