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But it greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry. Then he prayed to the Lord and said, “Please Lord , was this not what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore in anticipation of this I fled to Tarshish, since I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in mercy, and One who relents of disaster.
The friend of my enemy is my…. God?
When Jonah ran from God, the readers (us) aren’t initially given his reason. Looking back, it seems silly for a known prophet of God to do the opposite of what God commanded. What’s the deal with that?
Well, now we find out. Jonah wanted punishment for Ninevah. There is a context here that is lost without reading 2 Kings. The TLDR; is: the Assyrians were militarily larger, aggressive, and were extracting tribute from the Israelites in exchange for not eradicating them (Spoiler alert: they will soon). Jonah and the rest of the kingdom would have been served well if the Assyrians’ capital city was destroyed by God.
Yet, God relents. God allows the pagan enemy of half his chosen people to survive. Why?
God’s timing is not your own
This ☝🏼 is a theme in this story. God’s desire is not that we should have a comfortable life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.
God’s desire is not to exact justice on our enemies.
Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; In due time their foot will slip. For the day of their disaster is near, And the impending things are hurrying to them.
God’s desire is not to punish the wicked.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.
God’s ultimate desire is to welcome you into eternity with Him. He will sacrifice the comfort of now if it helps Him spend time with you forever.
But… all of those verses ☝🏼 say the exact opposite of what you just said
These verses, like others, are often used to paint God as some divine Punisher on our side of righteousness or some charismatic genie. Yes, He has wrath; His glorious judgment comes upon us all eventually. Yes, He can and does bless us. However, you’re missing the point if that’s all you take away. In all of these verses, they are much more like instructions to us, His followers, as they are absolute facts.
We must take the fear of our minds and vengeance out of our hearts and offer control to Him alone. Do not worry, for the Lord has your back. Do not strive in anger, for the Lord will take care of it.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
…for all come to repentance. Even thy enemies.
So, what?
Your integrity means more to Him than your successes.
Your family legacy means much more than your net worth.
Your faithfulness is God’s priority over blessing your business.
Surely, He will bless you, but more if you pursue Him with your whole heart; not by outrunning your competition and not cutting your staff for personal gain. Allow room in your heart, in love, for your competition to be equally successful. Show God you're serious in your faith. Show others you are serious about your faith. Remember, there are people and families in that other company, too.
So, if you have the choice between unethically stealing your competitor’s clients or not, what should you choose? If you must decide between an employee or a personal luxury SUV, which should you choose? If you need to cut off service for a client two days late on their invoice or front some service costs to give them more extended grace periods, which should you choose? God loves your enemies/competitors/clients just as much as He loves you.
Being savvy is a blessing. Being ruthless is a sin. The good thing is, though, that God has a history of saving sinners—even in Ninevah. Until Jesus returns, it’s never too late to turn back to Him.
Fast Fact
According to a recent Barna poll, 52% of US Adults think churches should be a safe place for hurting people. But, do our Sunday services really invite hurting people? Are we effective using our churches in this way? Reply with your thoughts!
Prayer
“Spirit, walk with me today. I need your patience and your compassion. Help me to see others as You do. You are glorious, and I am unworthy. Remind me of the many ways you have blessed me, and I pray similar blessings on those most difficult to me so that Your name will be glorified. Help me share Your good works as much as I have shared in them. Amen.”
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