“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. And God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them—and He did it not. But, it displeased Jonah exceedingly and he was very angry.”
Jonah 3:10-4:1
God, in His Mercy and Longsuffering, will still use us in spite us; however, we should never presume on this, but still give thanks and surrender all to Him.
“Do you well to be angry?”
That’s the question God asked Jonah that day when he got angry over Nineveh’s repentance. Interestingly, Jonah reminded the Lord that he wanted this evil Assyrian city to “get what was coming to them.” And, in the process of explaining why he was angry, Jonah also revealed much about his own attitude toward the Lord: “For I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness and repent of the evil. Therefore, now, O Lord, take, I beseech You, my life from me—for it is better for me to die than to live!” (vv.2-3).
Simply put, Jonah had rather die than see the Ninevites receive Mercy from God! Unbelievable!
But, dear Pilgrim, bitterness has a way of defiling our relationships with others and God (Heb. 12:15). Cain’s anger over Abel’s offering being accepted, when his was rejected (Gen. 4:3-5), revealed more about his relationship with God than it did his brother. And, even though God asked him “Why are you angry? And why is your countenance fallen?” (v.6) and told him his problem was “sin lying at his heart’s door” (v.7), he still viciously murdered his brother in cold-blood and later mocked him when God asked him what he’d done (vv.8-10).
No wonder he was cursed by God (vv.11-15). Again, a bitter heart soon reveals itself by bitter words and deeds. A bitter, unforgiving person is one whose karma-mantra is “What goes around comes around”—forgetting this boomerang effect also applies to him/her. Truly, the one who’s always enforcing “the letter of the Law” will soon discover “the letter of the Law kills” (II Cor. 3:6b) and “he who shows no mercy will receive no mercy” (James 2:13).
Yes, Jonah hated the Ninevites and even tried to justify His anger before the Lord (4:9).
Interestingly, as the book ends God showed great restraint with this bitter prophet, even reasoning with him over why he, too, should show mercy toward them (vv.10-11). What a merciful God we serve! Even from the Cross, Jesus prayed “Father, forgive them—for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34)—which also includes every one of us.
If you’re going through a particularly difficult time right now, Pilgrim. . .and if there’s someone in your life who’s your “thorn in the flesh, a messenger of satan, who’s constantly sucker-punching you and kicking you while you’re down” (II Cor. 12:7). . .continue “giving thanks in ALL things (and for everyone in your life)—for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thess. 5:18).
Bitter people are miserable people—and usually end up making those around them miserable. And, they certainly can’t enjoy what God’s doing in others’ lives because the black bile of their critical heart and mind taints everything. May such never be found in our own lives; if it is, let us not rest until we repent and receive a fresh touch of cleansing from Christ.
January 26, 2012
