Today’s Reading: Jonah 4; Luke 15:11-32
As Jonah promised, he obediently went to Nineveh and preached a message of judgment on the city. The people, including their king, started fasting and putting on burlap to show how sorry they were for their sins. God again changed the plan on Jonah. He forgave the people of Nineveh and chose to not destroy the city.
WHY DO WE WHINE, COMPLAIN & ARGUE WITH GOD IN OUR ANGER?
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” – Jonah 4:1-4
Once again, Jonah whined and complained and even argued with God, because he was not happy with God’s plan. He was more consumed with how this change in plans made him look and more disappointed that the people would not be punished than he was thankful for God’s redemption. He went outside of the city and waited to see what would happen to Nineveh.
What happened next tells us a lot about our Lord. He caused a leafy plant to grow and spread its broad leaves over Jonah, shading him from the sun. Jonah had already created a shelter of sorts, but God showed up for Jonah by providing this extra level of comfort and protection from the elements. Instead of responding in appreciation for all God was doing for him, Jonah chose to sit under God’s provision and pout. So God got Jonah’s attention by sending a worm, causing the plant to die, which angered Jonah. Then God sent a scorching hot wind to blow on Jonah while he sulked, until Jonah began to wish that he would die. God asked Jonah a question we should all consider:
Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” – Jonah 4:9-11
WHILE WE ARE FEELING SORRY FOR OURSELVES, GOD’S HEART IS RESPONDING TO THE LOST.
It is so easy to be fatigued by the sin of this world. Our frustrations with the words and actions of unbelievers cause our hearts to harden towards them, and we forget that we were once sinners in need of a Savior. What a great reminder this morning that God loves the lost, that God cares about those who have bought into the lies of today’s culture.
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” – Luke 15:20-24
Oh the heart of a God who loves His creation! Oh the love of a God who would send His Son to die for us! Lord, fill us with this same kind of love for others. Bring us to our knees in prayer for those who are lost. Fill our hearts with your mercy. Get our attention. Forgive us when we whine and complain over your plan because we like our plan better. You are Lord and we have no right to be angry with you when we don’t get our way. Bring our hearts to a point of submission – your will, your way, in your time! We love you, Lord. Amen.