But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry.

Jonah 4:1

The last thing Jonah wanted was the quick about-face of those nasty Ninevites. After all, they were the enemy. No way did they deserve compassion! Can’t you just see him gritting his teeth, having a real pity party. Hmm, I’ve been there a time or two myself. And then he had the nerve to tell God I-told-you-so: “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish” (4:2).

 But when Jonah said he might as well be dead (4:3), God had had enough: “Have you any right to be angry?” (4:4).

 Ignoring God, Jonah built himself a shelter to wait for the Ninevites to revert to their old habits. Then the Lord could overturn the city. So God decided to take him out of his comfort zone. First (4:6), He “appointed” (CSB) a vine for shade and Jonah was very (“exceeding” KJV) happy. The next day (4:7) it was a worm to chew up that vine. Jonah plunged into despair again. He ought to have been surprised not at what’s been taken away, but at God’s patience. 

 If only Jonah cared as much about the souls of the hundred and twenty thousand Ninevites who cannot tell their right hand from their left (4:11), as he did about that vine. Personal comfort is lovely to have, but not at the top of God’s list. It’s not about you Jonah. It’s about God.

 Deep down God’s greatest desire was to again walk in the cool of the evening in Eden

with His redeemed. Up until now it had been all about Israel’s return. However, God had promised to Abraham: “All nations on earth will be blessed through (you)” (Genesis 18:18). Here was Jonah, God’s first missionary albeit a reluctant one.    

 Has God recently tried to get your attention in an unorthodox manner? It is up to you to keep an open mind when He takes you out of your comfort zone. He may have a word to give, through you, to your cantankerous neighbor or messed-up friend. Where we live is a mission field. How we live is intended to give glory to God. I love Jonah’s story for its raw transparency. Someone’s going to love your story too.  

 Nancy P

All Scripture quotations are from the NIV 1973, 1978, 1984, unless otherwise noted.