Day 4: Jonah’s Anger

If you’ve ever read through a good novel, you know that authors often use a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter so that you’ll want to turn the page and keep reading. There’s this thought of, “I’ve just got to find out what happens!” Oddly, the book of Jonah ends in a similar manner. It isn’t a cliffhanger per se, but it ends with God asking a question that is left unresolved.

Jonah is the only prophet in the Old Testament whom God commanded to provide a message to people who were not the people of Israel. In his displeasure with God’s request, Jonah runs, and runs, and runs some more. He eventually answers God’s call and goes to Nineveh, only for these ungodly, unholy people to agree to turn from their wicked ways. It’s strange to think about: Jonah speaks God’s message; the people of Nineveh hear this message; turn to God; and Jonah is angry with God about it! He’s angry that God offered mercy to the Ninevites. Even after everything he had experienced, he still wanted a God of his own making.

As you read today, consider this: Think back through all of the readings from this week:

How did Jonah respond to the challenges he experienced? Would you respond any differently today?

READING:

    JONAH 4

Think back through all of the readings from this week:

How did Jonah respond to the challenges he experienced?

Would you have responded any differently a year ago? 5 years ago? 10 years ago?

Would you respond any differently today?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Judges 2 & 3

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, having read through the story of Jonah, while I would like to say that I would never respond in the same way Jonah responded, I know the opposite to be true. There are times when I question Your grace or mercy for others. But the story of Jonah is an excellent reminder that the grace and mercy You showed the Ninevites is the same grace and mercy You have shown me. It’s also the same grace and mercy You invite me to show others. Today, I simply pray for wisdom in how I can better reveal Your love, grace, and mercy to others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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