Compassion

v1.   The main reason we believe Jonah did not preach repentance. What is missing in Jonah? Love. He wanted them destroyed. He deemed their sin worse than his own. Isn’t that popular today as well? And are people not shocked that God would forgive murderers and rapists if only they turn to him?

v2.   Jonah didn’t want to preach to Nineveh because he knew God would spare them if the preaching was effective. He was more satisfied to think his prophecy should come true, then for his preaching to be a success. He didn’t want to me made a liar. Are some parts of the world, country or city not evangelized because Christians find them unworthy? (Luke 9:51-56)

v3.   He is shameful in his hatred. He should have rejoiced in Nineveh’s repentance and should have desired to preach repentance to the rest of Assyria.

v4.   What of God’s mercy and grace in the advancing of the Kingdom for the glory of God is due any anger?

v5.   Jonah was still hoping for destruction.

v7.   It is God who gives and takes away.

v8.   Jonah’s faith seems dependent on his circumstances. Despite his faith and attitude, God is patient and kind.

v9.   Like being angry at your car if you are broken down on the side of the road; kicking the tires or honking the horn won’t ever fix it. Like a plant that withers, we should expect a car to break down eventually. Even though our car is junk, God is good!

v10. He only cared about the plant because it affected him personally.

v11. Aren’t infants and cattle more valuable than the withered plant? God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God desires all men to be saved. That anyone would get in the way of that work displeases Him.

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