The Stubborn Evangelist: Part 4 Series

God says, “You’re mad about a vine but you’re angry about 120,000 people?” Maybe you would see the irony of Jonah’s anger better if you saw it in contrast to another prophet’s: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:34)! Jonah grieves when a city is spared; Jesus grieves when a city is judged. Are you more like Jonah or Jesus? Of all people, how could Jonah so quickly forget about God’s mercy?

The book comes full circle. In the beginning it was simply a story of two personalities: God and Jonah. Now, at the end, we focus again on God and Jonah. And you know the difference between Jonah and God? Or for that matter, God and me? While Jonah runs from his enemies, God runs to His enemies.

The book leaves us with a cliffhanger. But this unusual ending leaves a marked impression on us. We are not told how Jonah responded. By omitting this, it highlights the importance of how we respond. How Jonah responds doesn’t matter; how you respond does matter.

Are you eager that others enjoy God’s mercy? My desire is to stir inside you a strong motivation to extend God’s mercy and kindness to others.

In essence, don’t be like Jonah. Remember what Jonah is really about – first experiencing God’s mercy and then extending God’s mercy.