Lesson from Jonah. Part Three

"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. 2So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.  3Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”

                                                                             Jonah 4:1-3   NKJV

Our final lesson:

NO 4   HARD HEART - UNFORGIVING - JUDGEMENTAL - WRONG PRIORITIES

Whereas many preachers would have been ecstatic that there had been such a response from their ministry, Jonah was not at all. In fact he was displeased and very angry. Unbelievably, Jonah was angry because God's grace had fallen on 'wicked people.' It doesn't seem to make sense; Jonah must have realised that God, being loving and full of grace, would want these people to repent and give themselves to Him. If Jonah knew this, why go in the first place.

Let me ask you some questions, if people with a bad reputation that you knew or had heard about, came to know Jesus and came to your church, would you become angry or judgemental about them? What would God think about you if you were? Is it right to be acting this way?

When Jonah heard this, he went out to the outskirts of the city and sat down in a grump, waiting to see if God would change His mind about Nineveh, he may have been wanting a Sodom and Gomorrah example, who knows. It was very hot where Jonah sat so, God prepared a plant that would shelter him. This is grace in action, we don't deserve it but, we receive it. Jonah was very pleased. Later on, God prepared a worm that ate the plant, leaving it crumbled. He then sent a strong east wind that brought the sun directly upon Jonah and he wished death on himself. Was God being nasty towards Jonah by doing this? Not at all; He was teaching Jonah a few lessons.

'Is it right for you to angry about the plant?' God asked. Jonah replied that it was right to be angry about the plant, even to death. God went on to talk about Jonah's wrong priorities - he cared more for a plant than a whole city who could have gone to hell. 

God tests us from time to time to assess how we are doing. Jonah was judging the people of the city and felt they should not have become part of God's family. He had no right to do this. Yes, in a way, we can find ourselves doing similar things. Take for instance that person who you do not like, coming to know Jesus. Your feelings could be so bad that God could test you by making it possible that this person comes to live next door to you and may ask you round for a meal. How would you feel about this?

A lesson here is that, we are not God. He does what He chooses and doesn't have to ask us first. If He wants to save a certain person, He will. You may not like this and feel bitter but think for a moment, there may have been someone who didn't want you to be saved and has felt bitter towards you ever since. 

None of us are perfect and yet God loves us. You may not like someone in your church and may try to avoid them. But, they may feel the same way about you. If you both give God the space, He can change this in His own lovely way.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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