How strange this first verse is in light of the success Jonah’s message had upon the Ninevites. One would think that he would have been incredibly pumped up after 600,000 people got saved! Yet we read that Jonah was not glad, he was mad!
In fact, to say that Jonah was a “little bit” upset would be incorrect. He was extremely angry.
Folks, what do you value more, your reputation or your character?
Aren’t they the same thing? No, your reputation is what others think of you; your character is what God knows about you!
When what others think about you is more important than what God thinks about you, then you will end up like Jonah, “defending your prejudices” instead of obeying the Word of God.
It is interesting to note that the last time we heard Jonah pray, he had a broken heart; but now when he prays, he has an angry heart.
Jonah’s heart was broken over his situation, but he was angered when those that he hated were receiving the same mercy that he got! But why? Who is Jonah really mad at?
Here in verse 2 we are told the answer to the above question. Jonah is mad at God. What is it about God that makes him so angry? We don’t have to guess, for he tells us, “For I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.” Simply put, Jonah hates God’s grace! Now that does not seem to be something that you or I would normally protest about God. “Lord, I’m just so angry at you, and do you know why? Well, of course you do. You’re just too good, kind, caring, loving, patient, and forgiving. I want you to stop that!” Now this would make no sense to us at all if Jonah was saying that he did not want God to be so good, kind, caring, loving, patient, forgiving towards him. In fact, that is what Jonah praised about God when he was inside the fish, and near death; “Salvation is of the Lord.”
So why the anger towards these attributes now? Because now, these wonderful attributes are directed towards someone he hates. Oh Lord, search my heart that I might rejoice in your goodness towards all whom you bless.