Jonah is one of the most versatile stories in the Bible, and that’s saying a lot. Yet, it is very short. So short, that I’ll retell it briefly here.
Jonah is a prophet who is called by God to go to Nineveh, a city that is seen as an enemy to the Israelites. Instead of doing what he is called to do, Jonah decides to get on a ship headed away from Nineveh. The ship runs into violent seas that only become calmed once the sailors decide to throw Jonah overboard after he confesses his disobedience to the Lord. Jonah is swallowed by a whale, and inside prays to God begging for forgiveness. He is vomited onto land and heads for Nineveh. Once there, he gives warning that the city will be destroyed for the evil ways of its people. In response, the king orders his people to wear sackcloth and cover themselves in ashes in an effort to receive forgiveness from God. Jonah leaves the city and waits for it to be destroyed like God said. This does not occur, as God heard and responded to the prayers of the Ninevites. This leaves Jonah incredibly disappointed, crying that he would rather be dead.
The message here is deceivingly simple. We tell children in Sunday school that it means you should not be jealous when good things happen to others, because good things will also happen to you. Later on, however, this can be a difficult message to follow. Sharing a classroom with a kid who yells and does not get along with others is hard enough, but sharing a world with liars, cheaters, abusers, murderers, and despots is a much taller order.
Personally, I cannot stand certain individuals because of their moral corruption. I find it impossible to even comprehend how some people do the things they do. It makes me feel sick if I think about it too long. I feel sick that I am a sinner just like them. I feel sick that they have the ability to be forgiven just as I do. Just like Jonah, I’m sick to see injustice, even though God’s mercy has saved me from facing justice for my vices.
It is a misdirected caring. Everyone who cares a lot for others will face this dilemma at some point in their life. Someone you care about will get hurt by someone else. We should care about trying to get saved and to help others to do the same. We should not care about damning others who we believe deserve it, because in the end, we all deserve it. It is by God’s grace and mercy that we don’t face such an end.
Jonah is more than just a tale of jealousy. It’s a story about pride. It’s a story about believing that some people are above others based on their actions. That is not what God teaches. His forgiveness is applicable to everyone.
But don’t go believing that everyone is the same. That is a powerful demon. Ignore him.