Jonah
- Ran away from God
- Knew what he needed to do after running away
- Admitted fault
- Accepted his consequences
- Prayed
- Obeyed God
- Became angry with God
- Complained to God and tried to rationalise his previous actions of running away
- Wanted to die
- Sulked
- Grateful for God’s provision of comfort
- Became angry with God
- Wanted to die
God
- Gave a simple message (Go to Ninevah)
- Sent a hard time (Sent a violent storm)
- Provided some comfort (in the form of a large fish)
- Was in command (had the fish vomit Jonah onto dry land)
- Gave the same simple message (Go to Ninevah)
- Changed his mind (about destroying the people of Ninevah)
- Was merciful and compassionate (did not carry out the destruction)
- Questioned Jonah (about his anger toward Him)
- Provided some comfort (in the form of a leafy plant)
- Sent a hard time (sent a worm and a scorching east wind)
- Questioned Jonah (about his anger of the plant dying)
- Gave an explanation (for his great mercy and compassion)
The differences between my summary of Jonah and God are extreme. Jonah doesn’t do what he has been asked, he does the exact opposite. After realising his mistake (credit to him) he prays and obeys but when it doesn’t go his way, he gets angry, complains, sulks, thinks he is hard done by and wants to die.
God on the other hand gives Jonah a simple instruction. When it is not followed, He disciplines but provides comfort and always remains in complete control. He is merciful and compassionate, gets Jonah to think about his actions and thoughts and ultimately gives an explanation for His actions.
I know which one I am very closely aligned with. I also know which one I need to be more like and what I need to do to be more like them. What about you?
Tania
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