Is it ever right to be angry at the Lord’s mercy? Jonah thought so. Have a read. Be blessed.
Jonah 4: Jonah's Anger and the LORD's Compassion
1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.
2 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.
3 Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live."
4 And the LORD said, "Do you do well to be angry?"
5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city.
6 Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant.
7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.
8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, "It is better for me to die than to live."
9 But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die."
10 And the LORD said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labour, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night.
11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?"
Things to think about…
1. Look at Jonah’s point in Jon 4:2. The whole reason he didn’t want to go on this mission trip was because he knew the Lord would spare Nineveh. Wouldn’t it be great to preach to those in our city knowing that God would be merciful to them and they would repent? Do we have this confidence in our knowledge of our Lord’s character?
2. Jonah wants to die because the Ninevites received mercy. He believes he has betrayed his nation and himself as a Jew by telling the city of its impending destruction. Think about it. If the Assyrians had been destroyed at this time large parts of Judah and Israel would have been spared from Assyria’s eventual invasion of Israel which would happen after this time from 722 to 701BC. Do you rejoice when those you struggle with receive mercy from the Lord?
3. Jonah was clearly an emotional and reactive type of person. He even responds back to the Lord that it was right to be angry with Him for taking the plant away. Jonah responds by saying “angry enough to die”, Jon 4:9. Sounds like an insolent spoilt child doesn’t he. Do you have a tantrum when the Lord’s will seems to put you in a place of discomfort? No doubt the Lord is teaching you a valuable lesson.
4. God cares not only for the people of Nineveh, 120, 000 souls, but also the livestock, Jon 4:11. Why did God have pity on Nineveh but not upon Sodom and Gomorrah and their people and livestock? Is there inconsistency with God? While Lot was clearly a flawed character, Peter calls him “a preacher of righteousness”, 2Pet 2:5 and Sodom and Gomorrah had certainly heard of the Lord’s will, but they rejected it. The will of the Lord is just. Only faith makes sense of this reality in all seasons of life. Pray for our city who in like manner “do not know their right hand from their left”, when it comes to spiritual realities and their accountability before a holy God.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. Leaders’ meetings this week. Year planning services.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
3. New contacts remain engaged and connected into the church.
4. Our One for Israel ministry.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Ministry Leaders being set apart.
2. Thankyou to those who have supported the church and youth and young adults role - $49. 640 raised thus far.
3. New folk becoming members of CBC
4. Those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Special members meeting confirming Youth and Young Adults role engagement/employment tasks – 22nd Jan after the morning service.
2. Quarterly Members meeting 26th Feb after the service.
3. Sign up for a cell group or welcoming team.
4. Remember to check your duty rosters.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for January...
Q. 4. How can you glorify God? A. By loving Him and doing what He commands.
