Jonah Resents Gods Grace Toward Others

Prophets Faithfull to God's Covenant Courageous Prophets of Change Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)    Jonah, Fiery Harbinger of Doom Jonah 4:1-5 New International Version Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Compassion 4 But to Jonah, this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade, and waited to see what would happen to the city. For Reflection Jonah's culture of "eye for an eye" vengeance is shading his opinion of God's Grace. How often have you prayed for God to take vengeance on your enemies? There are many examples of such pleas in the scriptures. Are such acts of defiance considered today "unChristian?" Are they summarily dismissed as irrelevant? Necessary, but unrighteous?  Perhaps it is right that we sometimes express our negative feelings about the will of God when we are confronted by the confusion of apparent conflicts between culturally accepted attitudes, beliefs, and values and God's intentions. In our misunderstanding and confusion, we find an invitation to pray in contemplation during which we surrender retribution to God, deepen our understanding and seek refuge in God's divine sovereignty and grace. Pray Pray and confess your doubts to God.  Pray and discover that God will confirm your fears and turn your anger into the tasks of love, justice, and forgiveness. Pray and surrender your need for vengeance and retribution to God. Forward to a friend