Jonah was really upset and angry.
“Jonah was really upset and angry. So he prayed: Our LORD, I knew from the very beginning that you wouldn’t destroy Nineveh. That’s why I left my own country and headed for Spain. You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don’t like to punish anyone, not even foreigners. Now let me die! I’d be better off dead. The LORD replied, “What right do you have to be angry?”
Jonah 4:1-4 (CEV)
Are you like Jonah today?
Yes, Angry and upset?
Distraught and agitated.
Against who?
With God.
Why?
Because God has decided to show mercy to a repentant person.
How many times have you been:
Greatly displeased.
The change in plans made you very angry.
“Knew This Was Going to Happen!”
This seemed very wrong!.
Many times we want to dictate to God how the outcome of an event should be.
There is still that trace of vindictiveness in the heart of a man like Jonah had.
The older brother in the story of the prodigal son felt that way too.
Why should the father rejoice over the brother that had lived a corrupt life?
Often we look at that man and the other woman and based on all their wicked ways. You want them condemned and put to shame.
When God in His Infinite mercy pardons them, you don’t.
The backslider has been restored but you playing the righteous ostrich believer is not happy.
God says:
“I will be merciful to whomever I choose, and I will show compassion to whomever I wish” Romans 9:15(TPT)
As in the parable of the prodigal son, the brother had unlimited access to the father’s wealth, too (Luke 15:11-32)
The Gospel is about bringing lost sinners to the kingdom.
To you, who has been ostracized, and you feel out of place.
God loves you, unconditionally.
Brethren.
Don’t form the “righteous and holy club” in the body of Christ.
Emulate our Lord and Savior, who interacted with all to bring them into the kingdom.
Apostle Paul also did.
“I became “weak” to the weak to win the weak. I have adapted to the culture of every place I’ve gone so that I could more easily win people to Christ.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 (TPT)
Remember, The Parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37)
Get off your high horse and reach out like the Samaritan to help.
Please don’t pass by the injured in your lofty holier than thou attitude.