“Angry at the Lord’s Mercy”
Today is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it! In some areas the sun will come up on the just and the unjust. In other areas the rain will come down on the just and the unjust alike. Why is this an important principle to remember. God is in-control and He will do what is right. We never see the whole picture, we only see a glimpse of what is truly happening.
Today we look at a man found in the scriptures. He actually has a whole book written about his experience with God. But remember the book is named after him but it is about God our Father. The man’s name is Jonah and unfortunately we really don’t talk about him much. I was sitting here this morning wondering why. As I thought about today’s devotion title I found the answer. We are all too much like Jonah! We want the Lord’s mercy for ourselves but we may not be quick to extend mercy to those who have hurt us. Therefore it is much easier to ignore Jonah and this powerful truth!
Jonah 4:1-2
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.
I took the liberty of adding verse one to our reading today. But unless you take the time and read this entire book you are not going to fully understand or appreciate the power of today’s word. It is only four chapters and some of you reading this today have never read this book. Take a moment and let the Spirit teach you a powerful and life transforming lesson!
God sent Jonah to Nineveh the home of the Assyrians. Understand these were ruthless killers and enemies with Israel. Rather than going Jonah ran in the opposite direction. He ran for two reasons, fear of dying and the possibility God would extend mercy and save them. Jonah wanted them judged and destroyed not saved. The one truth that you may remember about Jonah, he was the guy who was swallowed by a big fish. Three days later after crying out to the Lord for mercy the fish spit him out on the shore. God extended incredible mercy towards Jonah! Reluctantly Jonah went to Nineveh but during his whole journey he was complaining.
As we come to chapter 4 it begins “plans changed.” Did they really change or was this God’s plan all along? The truth is, Jonah’s plans were changed. Jonah went to declare judgment and destruction upon his enemies. God had different plans and this made Jonah angry. Notice Jonah’s words to the Lord, “I knew you would do this, I told you from the beginning.” What Jonah was saying to the Lord, “how dare you show mercy and compassion to people who have persecuted, hurt and killed us. We are your people, we deserve your mercy not them!”
In many places throughout scripture we can read, our God is merciful, full of compassion and unfailing love. It is not His desire or delight to judge and destroy people. His desire is for all people to come to repentance and be saved. My friends I know in this world there are people who have hurt you. But I want to encourage you, be willing to extend mercy, compassion and love to them. It is not your responsibility to judge or hold bitterness toward them. Our enemy is not flesh and blood it is evil and darkness. Pray and extend mercy for those who have hurt or disappointed you. When you do you will be set free from the bondage and chains of unforgiveness. Jesus assures us, I will show you mercy as you extend mercy to others!
We are told to have the same attitude as Jesus. Therefore let us be merciful, compassionate slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.
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