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Jonah: a merciful God, unlike him 

Jonah is unusual not just for being swallowed by a great sea creature, but also for understanding God’s laws, and yet not liking the truth he adhered to. Jonah knew that God is merciful, gracious, and loving. The problem is that Jonah wasn't! 

Jonah's task to share God's Word with the most prominent terrorists of his day inspired his attempt to run away, halted by the great sea creature so famous from Sunday School stories. When Jonah finally obeyed God's call, he was still pretty unenthusiastic about it, especially when the Ninevites actually repented at his preaching, and God relented from His punishment of them! If C.S. Lewis described himself as the most reluctant convert in all of England, Jonah could describe himself as the most reluctant preacher in all of Israel! 

Jonah didn't so much flee his calling because he hated the Ninevites, but because he disagreed that God should love them. He suspected that God was going to showcase His love, and like a miser, Jonah didn't want to share that with the pagan Ninevites. Before we judge him, we should search our own heart attitudes towards the lost. 

I love God's response to Jonah's miserable attitude. God's response is so characteristic of His love, mercy, and grace, even to His undeserving servant. 'Do you do well to be angry?' If we're ever tempted to see red, we would do well to ask ourselves that question! What right did Jonah have to place his judgment above God’s?

'Loving Heavenly Father, please forgive us for how unlike You we often are. Please help us to question our wrong attitudes, and to be prepared to change. For Your glory, we pray, amen.' 

Do you get easily angry? Do you always do well to be angry?