Lists and Reflections

What you need: Jonah 1 with "Lord" and "Jonah" marked in distinctive colors and/or ways, paper.

There, doesn't your observation sheet or Bible page look much more colorful now? Yes, but that's not the main purpose for marking. It's time to list what you learned from marking. Write "Lord" at the top of one sheet of paper and "Jonah" at the top of another sheet of paper.

What do we learn from Jonah 1:1? We learn that the Word of the Lord came to Jonah, and we learn that Jonah is the son of Amittai. Should you place the first piece of information on your Lord list or your Jonah list? That's up to you. In this case, I think I'd put it on both lists since it's the pivotal point around which this whole narrative is based. If God hadn't said it, Jonah wouldn't have had to deal with this situation. In other cases, look for the more active participant. If you wanted to put it on just one list, you might choose the Lord list, seeing as it's the Lord who is more active.

Once you finish your lists, reflect on them by asking questions:
What do you learn about Jonah?
What do you learn about his relationship to the Lord?
Have you ever behaved in a similar way?
What has God taught us about Himself?
Do you believe everything you listed about God--what God said, did, wanted?
If you don't believe something, why not?
If you do, what does this knowledge mean to your relationship to God?