Articles
Important Questions - 12
“Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4)
True prophets are usually paragons of virtue and strength, but sometimes they have their weak moments. So it was with Jonah. Jonah was given a task he did not welcome, and he vainly tried to escape it. But God compelled his obedience by dangling him over the brink of mortality. Jonah complied and even succeeded in his mission. But he was not happy about it.
In fact, he was quite angry over the salvation of the Ninevites and explains that this outcome was the reason for his initial flight (Jon 4:1-2). So distraught is he that he wishes to die (Jon 4:3). This frame of mind provokes God’s question above.
Jonah is clearly at odds with God, Himself: “For I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm” (Jon 4:2b). God wanted the Ninevites spared; Jonah did not. Therefore, Jonah was angry. When God questioned him a second time, Jonah vehemently defends his anger (Jon 4:9-10).
But Jonah’s vision was too small and his nationalism too blinding. God’s judgments are greater than our partisan opinions and His purposes extend beyond our horizon. Jonah not only needed to obey but also embrace God’s desired result. As must we.
