For the past four weeks we have been looking at the book of Jonah in order to better understand God’s heart for those who are lost. This week we conclude our series by getting a very telling look into the heart of the reluctant prophet. After Jonah finally obeys the LORD by speaking out against Nineveh’s sin, the entire city repents of their evil ways and turns to worship God.

Seeing that this is certainly pleasing to the LORD and has brought Him tremendous glory, we would be right to think that a prophet of God would be excited to see this happen. However, we see in Jonah chapter four that this is not the case. The bitterness in Jonah’s heart has grown deep, and in many ways, it has blinded him to God’s ultimate plan as well as his own ultimate calling.

Have we unknowingly allowed these same roots to grow in our own hearts? Are we willing to ask ourselves what we desire more? That God's enemies are brought to judgement or that they would be miraculously saved (like we were), so that the Lord is glorified in their lives?

Jonah 4:1-4

“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. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the LORD said, “Do you do well to be angry?”