“For I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster” (Jonah 4:2).
The book of Jonah is different from most prophets. Usually prophets receive a word from the Lord to share with God’s people. The books named after them share that message. But the book of Jonah is mostly about Jonah. He receives a message to warn the evil city of Nineveh (and enemy of Israel) about impending judgement. But instead of following through he flees, thinking he can hide from our all-knowing God.
Jonah takes off on a boat heading the other direction. When a terrible storm threatens their ship, the sailors are panicking, praying, and tossing cargo overboard, but Jonah is sound asleep. He confesses that he is fleeing from the Lord who made the sea that is currently raging because of him. At his request, they reluctantly toss him overboard. The storm subsides, they pray and make vows to the Lord but Jonah is swallowed by a great fish. After being vomited out on shore, Jonah preaches to Nineveh. The entire city repents, but Jonah is angry and doesn’t think Nineveh deserves God’s mercy. As he waits to see what will happen, God provides a plant for shade, but Jonah is upset when the plant withers away. The book of Jonah ends abruptly and we’re left wondering if Jonah ever repents of his attitude of entitlement.
God’s mercy is a free gift that can’t be earned. Feeling that someone else is undeserving of it, but somehow we are, reveals an attitude of entitlement in our own hearts.
Gracious Lord, reveal our wrong attitudes and lead us to repentance.
