Image by biblecartoons.co.uk
We see a lot of bitterness and anger in the story of Jonah. We see it in Jonah’s countenance, his actions, and his heart. He has contempt for the Ninevites; he is angry toward God; and he is even angry toward a plant and a worm.
(Jonah 4:4) The Lord asked, “Is it right for you to be angry?’
(Jonah 4:9) “Then God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“Yes, it’s right,” Jonah replied, “I’m angry enough to die!”
Jonah’s Response:
When God showed compassion to the ones Jonah hated – Rage. When the Ninevites repented – Anger. Jonah’s response – The man of God became angry. Was he so concerned with his reputation as a prophet? Did he believe that only God’s people should receive the kindness of God?
God’s Response: Compassion.
God’s response to repentance – He turned from His anger; he relented.
Believers should celebrate God’s Grace being extended to ALL People.
“If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (I Cor. 13: 1-3)