What do you have to be angry about?

Coming to the end of the Jonah study.  And finding I can relate more than I thought to good old Jonah.  Early on when Jonah is running from God, I thought, "Yeh, really haven't run so much from God ..." and now that we've gotten to the end and we find Jonah in the oh-so-NOT-flattering sulk pose.  Well, I look way too much like him!  Darn it!

Jonah made promises and repented from the belly of the whale.  Actually, interestingly, Jonah told God he's be glad to go up to Jerusalem and offer sacrifices for his running.  Jonah was working it.  Pretty sure I've done that before.  I really don't want to do what you want me to do ... so let me counteroffer.  God wasn't falling for it, though, he said, that's nice, I'd love for you to, AFTER you go to Nineveh like I asked in the first place.  YIKES!

So, off to Nineveh Jonah went ... probably quaking in his boots a bit, all the reasons he didn't want to go in the first place are STILL there ... but now, he also has the guilt of running.  I remember when I taught school and was back home in Little Rock, I came back to GA for a wedding.  When I got back home, all of the first and second year teachers in my district had been laid off for budget reasons.  Now, while I was in GA, I had actually had some conversations about getting back into campus ministry, but, well, they were just thoughts.  I could have comfortable stayed where I was ... well, with a little restlessness.  I recounted the lay offs to a friend whose immediate answer was, "You better figure things out with God so all those people can have their jobs back!"  WHAT???  Seriously???  I mean I was just dabbling with the thought of campus ministry.  Surely no one thought this was my fault.  I am pretty sure Jonah felt somewhat that way as well ... especially after causing the hubbub with the sailors.  Ironically, I got my job back 2 days before I moved to TX to do campus ministry ... Yeh.

But, back to the point.  Jonah went to Nineveh out of obedience, not out of a changed heart AT ALL.  And when he went, the people did just as he suspected, they repented.  And Jonah knew God ... KNEW Him with all His MIND.  He knew God would not destroy them.  And well, that made him mad!

So, chapter 4, we find Jonah on the outskirts of the city, in the burning heat, sitting, watching, and sulking.  Here's what Jonah had just said to God ...

 Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at God, "God! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That's why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

I'll be honest.  I feel that way some days.  I hate it.  I know its wrong, but some days I just grow weary of people succeeding who do wrong.  I hate it when the "bad" guy wins.  Some days I just get mad ... mad at God ... mad at people.  Sometimes I just wish people could do the "right" thing.  And it frustrates me when they don't ... and it frustrates me all the more when good things happen in spite of that.  I have a well developed sense of justice that sometimes outreaches my mercy and compassion.  Some days I sit and pout, just like Jonah.  And often God even reveals His kindness toward me in those times. 

This morning we were reviewing the fruit of the spirit.  Because let's be honest, the only way we have to not be angry or frustrated or jealous, etc. is to let the fruit of the spirit ooze out of our lives.  If I am walking with the spirit and letting Him control my heart and my actions then instead of this petty anger, you will see: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.  I need my head to remind my heart of these things.

But for now, off to the Georgia Baptist Convention ... with a stop at Kennedy Elementary School to drop off my Thanksgiving dinners!  WOOO HOOO!  Small steps ...