Chuck Smith discusses Jonah's reluctance to obey God's call to go to Nineveh, highlighting Jonah's mistaken belief that he could escape God's presence and calling. Jonah's desire for the destruction of Nineveh stemmed from his fear of their potential repentance and God's mercy. The sermon emphasizes that those who pursue their own desires over God's will ultimately forsake their own mercy, leading to unnecessary suffering. Smith illustrates how Jonah's attempts to evade God's command resulted in dire consequences, teaching that true peace comes from obedience to God.

"LEARNING AN EASY LESSON THE HARD WAY" I. THE CALL OF GOD, "ARISE, GO TO NINEVEH." A. Nineveh, the capitol of Assyria. 1. The Assyrians were becoming a powerful empire. a. They were a threat to Israel. b. They were very cruel. B. Jonah thought if God destroyed Nineveh, nothing would please him more. 1. He reasoned, "God is so merciful." a. If I go preach they might repent. b. If they repent, God might be merciful and forgive. c. Then they are still a threat to our national security. d. "I'm heading for Tarshish." 1. Tarshish thought to be England in those days, the end of the world. II. THE MISTAKES JONAH MADE. A. That he could hide from the presence of God. 1. It is a mistake to localize God. a. That is to think of Him as closer to one place as opposed to another. 1. God fills every corner of the universe. 2. "If I ascend into heaven..., If I make my bed in hell..., If I take wings..." 3. So often you'll hear ministers pray in the church, "We are thankful for this opportunity to come into Thy presence." 4. Had you gone to the bar, you would still be just as much in the presence of God. Just not as aware. 5. The enemies of Israel made a mistake, "He is the God of the hills." He is the God of the Universe! B. That He could escape the call of God. 1. God said, "Go to Nineveh," Jonah headed in opposite direction toward Tarshish. 2. "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance." 3. I believe when Jonah suggested to the sailors that they throw him overboard, he was still thinking of escaping the call of God. a. Better dead than go to Nineveh. 4. I believe when the great fish swallowed him, he thought it will soon be over, this is like hell, but I prefer it to Nineveh. C. He thought he could wait God out. 1. The miserable conditions he brought upon himself. a. The floods compassed me, the waves sloshing over me. b. Seaweed wrapped around my head. c. Hot and humid. D. He thought he knew better than God. III. THE EASY LESSON, "THEY THAT OBSERVE LYING VANITIES FORSAKE THEIR OWN MERCY." A. Some people think they know better than God what is good for them. 1. They make such a mess of their lives. 2. They bring to themselves such misery.