Jonah 4 Devotional

The Question God Leaves Open

“So should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?””Jonah 4:11 (BSB)

Nineveh is spared, and Jonah is furious. Now he explains why he ran. He knew God was kind and merciful, patient with sinners, full of steadfast love, and ready to hold back judgment (4:2). The very truth that rescued Jonah in the fish is the truth he resents when it reaches his enemies. He would rather die than watch it (4:3).

God's response is patient. He asks Jonah a question instead of striking him down. Then he appoints a vine to shade him, a worm to kill the vine, and a scorching wind (4:6-8). Jonah cares about a plant he did not plant or tend, and God draws the comparison: should he not care about a great city full of people, and many animals too (4:10-11)? The book ends there, with God's question unanswered. It is left open for every reader who has wanted mercy for themselves and judgment for others. God's compassion is wider than ours, and he is patient with us while we learn to share it.

To think about: Where do you find it hard to want God's mercy for someone else, and what would it take to share his compassion?