Look at how defensive Jonah gets when God forgives Nineveh “I knew you are gracious and compassionate…that is why I was so quick to flee” (v 2). “I’m angry enough to die”. The intensity of his self-centeredness has so corroded his heart he cannot appreciate God's compassion at providing him with shade and better still, saving Nineveh. He is so focused on his own comfort and well being—the vine that provided him with shade—but cannot think of the thousands of lives at stake were Nineveh to be destroyed.
At the heart of the Jonah’s anger a sense of insecurity as an Israelite. He reckons that if God loves such a wicked people, then the special place of Israel as a chosen and privileged people is threatened. Look at God’s contrasting response to Jonah’s self-absorption “God provided a vine and made it to grow over Jonah to give him shade” God does cares very specially for his children. They are his beloved. Indeed he says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with loving kindness” Jeremiah 31:3. So being concerned for the wicked does not mean he has abandoned his chosen people. His great, benevolent heart contains more than enough love—and goodies—for all of his creation.
As we end this study, let us keep in mind that we have received undeserved, unconditional and unending love. That applies also for his care, provision and protection; God's blessings like are always available to us, like the elder son in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15). He had no reason to be jelous at the celebration of his rebellious brother's return. If we are affirmed and secure in God’s love for us, then we will be free from the kind of dark emotions, passions and feelings that Jonah harbored against the Ninevites. And we will gladly share the good news of Gods kingdom with all around us.
I began this devotional on Jonah by telling you about the books of the Minor Prophets. They are accounts of God’s struggle with his intense love for a wayward people. Jonah is a version of that struggle. His issues are a reflection of us Christians. Nineveh is typical of the unbelieving world around us. May the Lord help us to surrender all our issues to his transforming hand (Romans 12: 1-2) long enough to feel his passion and pain for a wayward humanity. May he equip us with zeal to reach to all those are living in Nineveh and may we be quick to respond when he calls, that we may become the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved (2Cor 2:14-16), the fragrance of life to all the world.
As you think about what you need to do, would you meditate on these words of a familiar song by Steve Green, "People Need The Lord".
Everyday they pass me by, I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care, headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain, living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries, only Jesus hears.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light, to a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost, for sharing Life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel, all the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life, only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For peo-ple need the Lord.
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