Jonah Chapter 3 verse 10 to Jonah Chapter 4 Verse 4 (NIV)
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Butto Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Finally, after digging in his heels, Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh, explaining their need to repent from their wicked ways, and return to God. And they listened to what he said and did what he said. Jonah should have been rejoicing with them. Instead, he threw a strop and went in the huff with God for showing the people His grace and forgiveness. He couldn’t accept that they’d been given a second chance. In His opinion they deserved the judgement that had been threatened. In truth they probably did, but God chose to show them His grace, as He had done to Jonah when he’d been disobedient.
God’s grace is open to all who come to Him for forgiveness. Can we rejoice with them when they do? Or are we like Jonah, unable to see past what they have done? Recently two well-loved, prominent UK celebrities have suffered a spectacular fall from public grace as a result of choices that they have made. Heavily criticised on all aspects of other and social media, many who would previously have associated themselves with them have expressed harsh judgement at their behaviour. But is it my place, as someone who has known and received the mercy and grace of God, to point the finger at anyone? If these celebrities seek God’s forgiveness, it would be freely given, and I would have to accept that.
If God can put behind what we have done, because at the cost of his own humiliation and sacrifice, Jesus made restitution for us, then I have no right to hold anyone’s past actions against them. I also need to remember that my past is also forgiveness and in that I can and should rejoice.
Dear Lord,
Help me to rejoice with the angels over any repentant heart. I thank You that my past is forgiven in Christ, and that same opportunity is open to all who would accept it. Help me never to point the finger at anyone else’s behaviour, and to be careful how I live my life before You. I am grateful for the grace that has been extended to me through Jesus. May I as a follower of His, show the same grace and mercy to others. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.