Jonah tries to run away from God
The book of Jonah presents the story of “an anonymous individual”, who pretended to know better than God, and who decided to go his own way, instead of carrying out God’s command. When ordered to go to Nineveh, he got up and went in the opposite direction. God forced him back.
Indeed, we cannot run away from God, and waste our time defying him. God will find a way of dealing with us, so that we do his will.
All nations are God’s people
We can understand Jonah’s attitude. Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, which had destroyed the Kingdom of Israel (the Northern kingdom) and deported most of its population. How could God send him to the enemies of the people of Israel? And how could God care about them and decide to warn them of the impending disaster? Jonah had forgotten that all nations belong to God and that he cares for all of them. The prophet Isaiah had already written: “The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance." (Is 19:25).
Our God is a God of mercy
Hearing God’s warning through the mouth of Jonah, the people of Nineveh repented and changed their ways. Seeing their change of heart and their new behaviour, God relented and forgave them. Instead of rejoicing in God’s mercy, Jonah became disappointed and angry. He wanted revenge and punishment. However, our God is a God of mercy and compassion, who calls all and accepts all who turn back to him.
No comments:
Post a Comment