Chapter 4:1 is strange verse 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. Why? Let me suggest to you two reasons:
•You will remember that Jonah hated the Ninevites; they were the most vicious people in the history of mankind, and no doubt Jonah had witnessed their brutality firsthand in his life as they came in with their raiding parties to his hometown first.
•You remember Jonah’s message was more of a prophecy than an opportunity to respond (Forty days and you die!). So when Jonah saw the reaction of the city, he knew that his reputation was going to go downhill.
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; 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? I mean, who is Jonah really mad at?
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