Last month when I started this topic my focus was on the humorous way the Lord addressed James and John which was in a sense a two edged sword, some very cutting humor indeed, having been on the receiving end of such a (truthful) sarcasm myself I can attest to it's economical yet effective result. It can really open your eyes to your true motives and mindset, cutting through any self righteousness or justification.
As I was searching for more examples of this I came across Jonah and while it did not provoke a laugh or chuckle on my part I did see that Jonah was actually of the same (carnal) mind that James and John were guilty of, it does not say that James and/or John were angry with Jesus for calling them on their lack of compassion but it would be safe to say at the least they were embarrassed maybe ashamed, check out this chapter from the Book of Jonah;
(For more background read Chapter 3 as well)
Jonah 4
Jonah's Anger at the Lord 's Compassion
1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee 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. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."
4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
5 Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live."
9 But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?"
"I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die."
10 But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
Once again we can relate this type of attitude to the proponents of an eternal hell and the anticipation even joy some "Christians" take in the thought of their enemies being tortured and destroyed, where is the compassion? Where is the concern for humanity?
Look at how Jonah makes a shelter for himself to have a comfortable place to watch the city be destroyed, God even makes it even more accommodating by this vine He grows to provide more shade, but as the day approaches this vine is attacked and overcome by a worm (serpent?) Jonah's comfort level is severely reduced to the point of wanting to die. Can we see any connection to what some believe awaits most of humanity? Even taking a morbid and perverted pleasure in the idea?
Perhaps we can even take this a step further and ask ourselves if we relish the idea of the Lake Of Fire as being the place where "God will get them." Would God find this sentiment pleasing to Him?
If we search the scriptures we find throughout His Word that He is indeed a merciful God desiring (and creating) merciful Sons and Daughters, He will not fail.
Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings
Micah 7:18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Zechariah 7:9 This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
James 2:12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Peace,
Joe
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Topic: Sons Of Thunder (Read 14040 times)