READ JONAH 1
GO DEEPER
We are all probably familiar with the story of Jonah running from God and being swallowed up by the large fish before being spit out in the land where God originally told him to go. We are also likely familiar with the lessons about God carrying out His purposes and fulfilling His plans despite our willingness to obey. However, another important lesson weaves its way through this book.
We see Jonah’s anger and frustration with God as a thread throughout this story. And why is Jonah mad? Because God loves those Jonah considers his enemies. Jonah is a biblical example of us on the days we ask God, “Why does it feel like the bad guys always win?”
In this chapter, we are not informed of the reason why Jonah flees in the opposite direction of Nineveh, but it is noted that he falls asleep on the ship. When God sends a storm to awaken Jonah, even the non-believing sailors recognize that this is not an ordinary storm. They inquire about Jonah's actions, and he somewhat hypocritically claims to worship the God who created the sea. Given what we know about Jonah from 2 Kings, there is reason to doubt the sincerity of Jonah's proclamation. If he truly worships the God who made the sea, why is he avoiding Him? Additionally, Jonah's plea for the sailors to throw him overboard can also be viewed with skepticism. While it may appear initially selfless, it could be seen as another attempt to evade God's instructions. Perhaps it is a way for Jonah to escape from what he perceives as unjust and unfair circumstances.
When the large fish appears in the narrative, God thwarts his schemes. As Ephesians 2 conveys, God has predestined good deeds for each of us to accomplish. Jonah is no exception. The subsequent part of the book will demonstrate how Jonah's animosity towards God persists, despite God’s unwavering and merciful pursuit of him—the same compassionate pursuit that angered Jonah when directed at his foes.
We can interpret this book as posing a question to all of us: are we content with God loving our adversaries? The book of Jonah acts as a mirror reflecting the worst aspects of our character. God tolerates the Jonah in each of us. The positive news is that God's immense mercy encompasses all of us.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you experience anger when it appears that the "bad guys" are triumphing? If so, how do you handle those sentiments?
2. Study Matthew 5:43–48. These verses serve as a reminder that it is straightforward to love those who reciprocate our love, but as Christians, we are called to a higher standard.
3. If you can pinpoint anyone as an "enemy," dedicate today's time to praying for that person instead of allowing feelings of anger and resentment to fester in your heart.