The Jonah Lesson - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 12, 2023
Today, we take another look at Jonah's story. He was a servant of God who - and I wouldn't advise this - refused to do God's bidding. The result was that he was thrown off a ship and ended up in the mouth of a whale. However, when he repented for his stubbornness and praised God, the whale vomited him out. On the shoreline of the city he'd refused to go to, no less.
Although Jonah is a case study in God's patience and mercy for His servants, there is more to learn from His experience. He'd been sent to give the Kingdom of Nineveh a dire warning from the Lord - “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” (Jonah 3:4). Thankfully, the people of Nineveh took this message seriously. Their king instituted a fast with no food or water for every individual and all animals so as to stave off God's threatened wrath. God, in kind, acknowledged the kingdom's effort to honor Him and destruction did not come to Nineveh for at least another 150 years. All good, right?
Not as far as Jonah was concerned. He was upset that God hadn't wiped them off the map. In fact, he complained (and explained) that he hadn't wanted to come to Nineveh in the first place because he'd known God might forgive them (Jonah 4:2). Keep in mind that the Kingdom of Nineveh was his nation's archenemy.
And what was God's reaction to Jonah? He asked him this simple question in “Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4).
Ask yourself the same question, is it right to be angry when God extends mercy to your enemies? Those people who've done you wrong and seemingly without remorse?
God didn't think so. And he didn't think He should deprive kindness from the Ninevites especially after they sought His grace. And this is an important lesson to keep in mind - God can show mercy to anyone, especially if they seek His forgiveness, something others may never witness or hear about. As a matter of fact, you should be grateful God shows mercy to those who aren't at their best, after all, you are equally imperfect. Besides, if not for the Lord's grace and kindness toward us, where would you be?
The fact that God would show mercy to those you deem wicked shouldn't be a surprise because Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44 - But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Be honest. That's a tough pill to swallow, correct? How do you love someone who's shown you nothing but misery and pain? How do you take the additional step of praying for them? The answer to this is to remember the example of Jesus Christ. He was spat on, insulted, and eventually crucified by people who hated him. Yet, what did He say as he hung on the cross dying? Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. For His selflessness, Jesus was elevated to sit at the right hand of God.
It isn't easy to forgive the wicked. It is even harder to love them and pray for their good. However, God wouldn't have told us to do these things if it wasn't something He expected. And God might expect you to do this someday, just as His Son had to.
Will you be ready?
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