Jonah 4:1 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.
At the end of Jonah 3, the people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways. Praise God. But in Jonah 4, Jonah is angry that God gives them a second chance. He doesn’t feel like they deserve it. Ironic, isn’t it?
Jonah 4:2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.
Lord, Thank You that I can so easily see myself, my own actions in Your word. Thank You that when I try to get self-righteous about the behaviors I see, You remind me that I’m not so different. In many ways, Jonah’s self-righteous attitude is my own. Forgive me.
Jonah 4:3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
Lord, On this Easter Sunday, help me to have nothing but joy for Your grace and compassion, for your slow anger and abounding love. I am the recipient, the benefactor of that love and grace. I don’t deserve it. Help me to lay aside my judgement and just be thankful. You are risen, Lord. I praise You for that gift, that hope. Amen.
Jonah 4:4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Have a blessed day. I love you.