Have Some Compassion, Jonah!
Pastor Howey Stewart,
Oklahoma
The Assyrians were enemies of Israel. And when God told
Jonah to “cry out against it”, Jonah’s first impression may have been something
like this: “Alright, Lord! Let ‘em have
it!”. But Jonah soon began to consider the nature and character of God. He no
doubt called to mind that the Lord is full of compassion and loving-kindness,
quick to respond to the cry of a repentant heart.
Wanting to see the hated Assyrians taste the full force
of God’s firepower, Jonah tried to make sure the Ninevites
had no chance to turn from their wicked ways and receive compassion and
forgiveness. At least that was Jonah’s position. So he fled “…from the presence
of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:3)
Well, we know the rest of the story—how that God got
Jonah’s attention, how that the hated Ninevites
repented, and how that God “…relented from the disaster He had said He would
bring upon them.” (3:10). In short, the Lord had compassion on their
undeserving, repentant hearts.
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly and he became
angry.” (4:1) In fact, he spells out the motives of his heart: “I fled…for I know that You
are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in
loving-kindness.” (4:2)
Then comes the part about the “special plant” that God
prepared for Jonah, and how it was stricken and died, and the pity Jonah felt
for its plight. God then connects the dots. In essence He said this to Jonah:
Look,
son. I’ve placed a portion of My character within
you—the ability to feel compassion for the suffering and for those who cannot
help themselves. Just look at how you grieved for this plant. Why is it so hard
for you to see these Ninevites as I see them? I know
they’re a wicked lot, but they are on the road to destruction--people created
in My image—who are going to perish unless YOU ACT on
the compassion I have placed within you. You call yourself My
child...well, ACT like it! Let My compassion override
your prejudices and preconceived notions about how I operate…about who can be
the recipients of my grace. Don’t make Me prepare
another “great fish” to get your attention again. You and your little group are
not the center of the world. It’s only by My grace you
are who you are. You must learn how to love your enemies and to pray for those
who despitefully use you. Have some compassion, Jonah! See the lost through My eyes. I paid the price that ALL may enter in. How shall
they believe if they have not heard? How can they hear without a preacher?
Where (or who) is your Ninevah?
(For further study, see Lamentations 3:22, 23; Exodus
20:6; Romans 10:14; Matthew 5:44-46; Matthew 5:7, and John 20:21).
