“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!” Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?””
Jonah 4:1-4 NKJV
I dare say Jonah is one of the most famous stories in the Bible. Most people have heard of the man swallowed by a whale despite religious leanings. Some believe it is just an analogy – others believe it was an actual event. Either way- there are truths to be learned from his life.
As I read the story today I paused at the question the Lord posed to Jonah: is it right for you to be angry?
Is it? And why WAS Jonah angry to begin with?
Perhaps the anger came from judgment on Jonah’s part. He deemed them as unredeemable and not worth the effort. And- certainly Jonah judged G-d. The TLV phrases it this way: “But it greatly displeased Jonah and he resented it.”
Jonah resented the compassion that G-d chose to show to the people of Nineveh. Jonah whines about the goodness, the mercy, and the loving kindness of G-d. Johan was essentially accusing the Lord as he said in not too many words: “They don’t deserve Your kindness or forgiveness! It isn’t right!”
Then it hit me – how often have I thought that same thing or uttered those same words about another – questioning G-d about His motives?
Ouch.
When I question the nature and character of G-d, I sound an awful lot like the snake in the garden – the enemy of my soul – when he asked Eve, “but did G-d really say????”
Questioning and doubting the goodness of G-d is the most dangerous part of this story. Yet – I’m guilty of that very thing. It’s a sobering reminder that every thought, every action, every word has a consequence.
The enemy wants me to live in comparison, doubt, and judgment. He’s desperate to distract me. He’s the whiny “why” inside me. He’s a liar and a thief of the peace and joy within.
Is it right for me to be to be angry at the Lord? Unequivocally NO. Is it right for me to question Him? NO.
I don’t question my earthly father’s motives. I KNOW he is good and he loves me. I know he sees things I do not. Nor should I question my Heavenly Father. He is good. He keeps doing good. His leadership is perfect. He can be trusted – even when I need to be tossed overboard because I’m acting crazy.
Father – thank You for Your conviction. Forgive me for when I’ve raised my fist in anger – when I’ve shouted and I’ve doubted. You are exceedingly good and all You do is good. Your ways are perfect and You are worthy of my trust. Amen.
Daily Reading: Jonah 1-4
July 7, 2022