I am just finishing a study on the book of Jonah. Jonah was always a favorite Bible story of mine as a child. Sunday school presented the basic facts in this story. As I studied, I was challenged to dig deep into the lessons that are held in this Old Testament book.
God calls Jonah to go speak to a people group he probably disliked. Jonah ignored God’s instructions, and hires a vessel to take him the opposite direction of Ninevah. His disobedience brings on a great storm that threatens his life and the lives of those on board the ship. Jonah’s sin is found out by the casting of lots. He encourages the sailors to throw him overboard, because he knows this will calm the storm.
He gets swallowed by a great big fish as an act of mercy. Jonah is thrown up onto land, and then he goes on his way. When he tells the people of Ninevah to repent, the whole city turns to God through fasting and praying.
Jonah is displeased with this outcome. He is angry with God for being slow to anger and compassionate. So he goes out of the city to pout. God sent a plant to provide shelter for Jonah. Jonah was very happy about the plant.
However the next day God provided a worm to chew up the plant, and the plant withered as a result. God also provides a scorching east wind and the blazing sun. Jonah is angry with God. So angry, he claims he would rather die.
God asks Jonah a question. “Do you have a right to be angry about the plant?”
It is sometimes funny to me how an all-knowing God asks us questions. He already knows the answer…I think he is trying to help us realize what is going on in our hearts.
Jonah was more concerned with his comfort, than the people of Ninevah. He had more compassion on a plant that he did not tend to or make grow.
When preparing to launch for the Race, a speaker said to us, “God is not concerned about your comfort. He is concerned about your growth.” Ouch. Being uncomfortable causes growth, if I am willing. When I am put in uncomfortable circumstances, my heart is squeezed. Whatever is inside my heart will come out.
In the past three days, we have ridden on a multiple buses for a total of forty plus hours. The first two buses were packed to at least twice the capacity. An arm rest in Nepal is another seat for two more people.
Lots of people + lots of stopping + lots of heat = Uncomfortable Heart Squeeze
On the first bus ride, I felt the Lord prompting me to give up my seat for a woman and her child. I told the Lord I would, but in a little bit. After all, I had paid for my seat. I had woken up at 3:45 am and was exhausted.
I slept instead of getting up immediately. A few hours later, I eventually give up my seat. But it was because I was so uncomfortable for sitting for hours, and standing was a cooler option. Giving up my seat may have seemed noble to those around me. However, it came from selfish motives.
The book of Jonah ends in a weird way. Jonah is greatly displeased with the plant dying and the people of Ninevah being spared. I see a lot of myself in Jonah. I am often more concerned about my comfort, than the needs of others.
Lord, I desire to become a person who strives for compassion, not comfort.
