The title Out of Darkness is inspired by the events from the book of Jonah but comes from the scripture found in 1 Peter chapter two verse nine. It states, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” The Lord wanted to motivate His people during Peter’s time to change and become what He desired. God had a high standard of living in mind for Peter’s audience whom He called chosen, royal, and holy. Although this was the case for Peter, a similar call to action was given during Jonah’s time. God wanted the Assyrians in Nineveh to transform their behavior and mindset. Nineveh had an assortment of bad behavior, violence, and crimes committed to their own people and other countries. Due to these acts, God was willing to destroy them much like Sodom and Gomorrah [Genesis 19]. Despite this, God gave them a chance to repent and change. To invoke this modification, the Lord sent one of His prophets, Jonah, and instructed him to go and preach to Nineveh. Jonah had his own plans.
This Bible study goes through a brief portion of Jonah’s life and ministry as he decided to alter God’s plans with his own. Despite Jonah’s actions God used him to save thousands, even though, the prophet was not up to the mission. When reading and studying Out of Darkness think about God’s goals to save the world. This not only includes those who worship and proclaim His name but many who defame Him and believe that He does not exist. There are millions if not billions living now in whom God wants to give an opportunity for a better life. His compassion towards modern day society is no different from the love shown to the Israelites and Assyrians. This book is to help encourage all those studying it to become the person that God desires and fulfill the responsibility He has given you.
