Scripture Focus
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.’”
— Jonah 4:1–2 (ESV)
Devotional Thought
Jonah’s story is one of the most honest portrayals of the human heart in all of Scripture. It exposes not only the rebellion of running from God but also the pride that can remain even after obedience. By chapter 4, Jonah had preached God’s message, witnessed one of the greatest revivals in history, and yet he was furious. He didn’t rejoice that souls were saved—he resented it.
What was Jonah really angry about? Deep down, he was offended that God’s mercy extended to them—to people he viewed as beyond redemption. The Ninevites were violent, idolatrous, and cruel. Jonah wanted justice, not grace. He wanted a God who would punish sin, not pardon sinners. And when God showed compassion, Jonah’s theology of grace collided with his prejudice.
In that moment, Jonah forgot who he was. He forgot that he too was a recipient of mercy, rescued from the depths of the sea not because he deserved it, but because God was patient and loving toward him. His own story was one of rebellion met with redemption—yet he couldn’t bear to see others receive the same.
If we’re honest, Jonah’s reflection often stares back at us from the mirror. We might not run to Tarshish, but we sometimes run from showing grace to people we dislike, distrust, or deem unworthy. Maybe it’s someone who hurt us deeply, someone whose beliefs clash with ours, or someone whose sin seems too public, too offensive, too far gone. We might even dress it up as “righteous indignation,” but beneath it all lies pride—the same pride that fueled Jonah’s anger.
Jonah wanted to decide who deserved God’s compassion. Yet God gently asked, “Do you do well to be angry?” That question still pierces the heart. It reminds us that God’s mercy is not a reward for the righteous but a rescue for the rebellious. The same grace that covered your rebellion is available to the people you least expect—and that should fill us with humility, not hostility.
When we see someone repent, our response should mirror heaven’s: rejoicing, not resentment. Grace may offend our sense of fairness, but it always glorifies God’s goodness. Jonah missed that truth and sat pouting outside the city, while inside the city, sinners were singing in gratitude for mercy. Don’t sit in the shade of self-righteous anger when you could be standing in the light of grace, celebrating redemption.
If God has shown you mercy, He expects you to share it. The Gospel is not meant to be hoarded—it’s meant to be heralded. Someone once shared it with you when you didn’t deserve it; now it’s your turn to do the same.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever resented God’s mercy toward someone you thought didn’t deserve it?
- Who might God be calling you to reach out to—someone you’ve avoided or judged harshly?
- How can remembering God’s patience with you soften your heart toward others today?
- When you hear of someone repenting and finding grace, do you celebrate with joy—or struggle to accept it?
Closing Prayer
Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I’ve acted like Jonah—resenting Your grace when it reaches those I’ve labeled unworthy. Remind me that I, too, am a recipient of undeserved mercy. Soften my heart toward others, and teach me to rejoice whenever Your grace overflows, even to those I least expect. Help me to see people as You see them—lost souls worth rescuing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Revcort's Ramblings 
Leave a comment