Jonah 4 Commentary
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We can see how Jonah has struggled to be a blessing to the nations. And he is a prophet! What chance have we that Abraham’s children can be a blessing to us Gentiles?
It is this gap that one son of Abraham came to fill. Jonah’s imperfections serve a purpose. Through them, we can clearly see the generosity of the LORD. The Son didn’t have any qualms about imperfect people. He came specifically for them. It is they who need a doctor, not the religious.
But Jonah has no idea about the New Testament standards. He feels Nineveh must be punished. But he doesn’t have the heart of God. He has clearly misunderstood his God.
Jonah is unique in several ways. The pattern we have seen with ‘judgments’ against the nations is the same. Punishment is announced, but then the LORD promises restoration. Of course, restoration is a packaged message. Though it comes as a lone statement, Jonah is a message of judgment against Assyria. The hope for restoration is strongly emphasized through drama and real-life events.
Will the Creator God punish His creation? Yes, if wickedness persists. Will the Creator God relent and restore His favor? Yes, with repentance. We can all look to this book for evidence of God’s generosity. Yes, it is possible.
The book closes with a powerful illustration. Jonah is happy with the shade while it lasts. He becomes very upset and angry when the plant dies and there is no longer a shade over his head. The LORD brings us to a point where we think about the good old days of sweet fellowship in the Garden of God. The LORD is content and happy with His creation. Won’t the LORD be upset when things go wrong? And, won’t the same LORD just be very happy when things get back to normal upon repentance?
The prophet has used his own imperfections as a storyline for his volume. The scripture wants us to laugh at him, be shocked at his zero generosity, and wonder at the response of Nineveh. Can we see ourselves in this picture? From whichever point we decide to view the scene, can we see the generosity of the Creator God?
Then we know the purpose of what is written and what the LORD God wants, above everything else. Jonah ends here. The prophet Micah takes it up next.
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