God questions, "Is it right for you to be angry about this [saving Nineveh]?" Then a bit later, "Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?"
I ask this of Jonah's salvation based on our Sunday School study of Genesis 4, when God questioned Cain about his reactions. "Why are you so angry? Who do you look so despondent?" Then a bit later, "Where is your brother?" Where is Abel?"
If asking these questions of Cain were God's mercy towards Cain, representing his desire for Cain to repent, then do the questions posed to Jonah not represent that same desire for Jonah to repent of his anger also?
I realize that the stories are based on two responses:
- 1) Jonah ran but then did respond to God and go to Nineveh shouting God's message, to which the people did respond..which made Jonah angry!
- 2) Cain always seemed angry.
What is interesting in both of these lessons is that God intervenes, speaking to us, asking us to repent. He does that for each of us, also. As was pointed out in yesterday's lesson, before each sinful action comes the desire to do that action. For instance, before I dress inappropriately, I have the desire of wanting to be noticed. Before I gossip, I desire that feeling of power of know more than another. Before I react in anger, first my self-righteousness flares.
Between that desire and the action? Right there is God. Speaking to me. Asking me. Wanting that I should repent of the desire and never commit the action.
The take-away? God is merciful. Right there he is, always mindful of me...you.
Thoughts?
