11 October 2023

And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ And the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’ Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city.
From Jonah 4:1-11, NRSV

Although Jonah’s mission to the people of Nineveh was successful, he was not at all happy. In fact, he was angry that God seemed to have spared these people since he did not think that they deserved it. After all, they were enemies of his people. Such was his anger that he asked God to take his life. God, however, was not finished with Jonah and challenged his right to be angry. Jonah went off in a huff to watch what would happen to the city – presumably hoping that he would witness its downfall. He was provided with shade form the hot sun by the shelter of a large plant. However, when this plant withered and died, Jonah became angry again. God again challenged his right to be angry about the loss of something that he had not had to do anything to receive and pointed out the greater importance of being concerned with the plight of the many people in Nineveh who actually needed help. Jonah had yet to learn that his God was the God of all.

• • What do you think was the cause of Jonah’s anger?
  • Have you ever expressed your anger to God – what was the result of this?

Pray for those who are controlled by their feelings of anger.