Pastor David Koop

Jonah chapter 4

When we are angry because God’s ways don’t make sense, the best thing we can do is listen, for He is about to reveal what is in our heart and what is in His heart.

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What was in Jonah’s heart?

1. Jonah was angry because things didn’t turn out the way he had planned. Verse 1,2
2. Jonah felt like a failure and wanted to quit. Verse 3
1. 1 Corinthians 15:58
   So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
2. Galatians 6:9
   So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
3. Jonah was confused and tried to correct God. Verse 2
4. Jonah was stressed out and retreated in self-pity. Verse 5
1. It is in our pain that we hide under the shelter of addiction.
2. When God removed the shade it reveals a deeper character issue in Jonah - his lack of compassion and prejudice against the Assyrians.
5. Jonah was self-centred. He was more interested in his comfort than the souls of people in darkness. Verse 9-11

What was in God’s heart?

1. God was more interested in helping Jonah out of his prejudice than punishing him for his rebellion and arrogance. Verse 2-4
2. God was more interested in Jonah’s character than his comfort. He wanted him to see the big picture. Verses 6-11
3. God was interested in sustainability. He cared about the next generation and their livelihood. Verse 11
4. God was slow to anger and had great compassion for those who were in spiritual darkness. Verse 11
1. Ephesians 1:7,8
   He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

The book leaves us in the presence of God. We are face to face with God’s love and compassion. The narrative ends with a question that has no written answer. “Should I not be concerned about that great city?” But…an answer is expected by you and me!

John 14:12
The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it.