Sermon Notes for January 22

Third Sunday in Epiphany

“My Way or the Highway”

 Text: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

First Thoughts: In this season of Epiphany, we dwell on the mystery of how the infinite God is revealed here on earth.  The Old Testament lessons dwell on the mystery of how God is revealed in the Word.  Today’s Word from Jonah is proclaimed by a man who went the wrong way.  He is sent to a people who were going the wrong way.  How do any of us find the right way, and where does that road take us?  The account of Jonah is about grace and new obedience as God guides us in the right direction.

"Jonah Repining at God's Mercy" - one of Holbein's Woodcuts (16th century)

Outline:

I.          Stories from the Wrong Way Café

II.         “My Ways Are Not Your Ways”