“Jonah’s Animosity” Pt 2 of 2:
The story of Jonah reminds us that consequences will eventually be paid when we usurp God’s will (plan) for our lives for our own. Rather than going to Nineveh as instructed, Jonah boarded a ship for Tarshish. When one chooses to walk away from God, unfortunately, there will many cheering them on, because they too are not following the Lord’s plan for their lives. Amazing isn’t it, how contagious sin is and so many believe their ideas are better than God’s.
After Jonah’s cruise in the belly of a big fish, “God came to him a second time” (Jonah 3:1). This time, Jonah obeyed and went to Nineveh, albeit reluctantly. Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh because the people there were evil. They worshipped false gods and worthless idols. But, as God commanded, he went and preached the Word of God and resulted into one of the greatest revivals ever. You’d think Jonah would be thrilled but he became even more angry. God had brought peace and wellbeing to a pagan land. Jonah was upset because the Lord was patient and offered grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He gave evil and wicked people a fresh start. You may be in the condition of one of these Ninevites, God’s patience, grace, mercy, and forgiveness is available for you also.
Has there ever been someone you prayed for over and over to become a Christian, and when they did it was upsetting to you? I know of such a case where a wife begged the church to pray for her non-Christian husband. Shortly after getting saved, she divorced him. The man’s involvement in the church and personal testimony was more than she could stand. Hard to imagine, but jealousy got the best of her.
Upset with God, Jonah went east of the city and found a resting place. While waiting to see what would happen in the city, God provided a vine to grow over Jonah giving him shade. This was pleasing and gave Jonah comfort. But early the next morning the Lord provided a worm that chewed the vine and it withered away. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching wind and sun that blazed on Jonah’s head causing him to grow faint. Jonah wanted to die! God asked, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” Jonah responded. Then God said, “You have been concerned about the vine, yet you didn’t tend it or make it grow.” Basically, the Lord illustrated to Jonah, he was more concerned about the vine, than a city of 120,000 people needing God (Jonah 4). Warning: do we desire personal comfort over the salvation of people needing Jesus as their Savior? Does Satan ever cause us to be jealous of other believers?
Pastor Carnes
