October 28, 2021 | Jonah 4

Read Jonah 4

Scripture- Jonah 4:2-  He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

Observation- Jonah was angry because the Lord was compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. He was angry that his compassion and grace was given to the Ninevites. This type of anger stems from a work-righteous attitude. It is the belief that Jonah and the Israelites did something for God to be gracious and compassionate to them. 

Application- The Lord is gracious and compassionate not just for me but for all people. The forgiveness of sins that he won for me he also did for all people. However, his compassion and mercies are demonstrated differently to people. The only way that upsets me is if I believe I’ve done something to earn God’s favor. I know that’s ridiculous…until I don’t get something from God that I’ve asked for. Then I see his mercies to others and I’m tempted to get upset. But God’s grace is just that, grace. It is undeserved love. He knows what every single individual needs. I have not earned his love and compassion nor has anyone else. Yet he has granted me his grace because of Jesus. I will praise God for being gracious and compassionate because that is what I ultimately need for my life. 

Prayer- Father, thank you for being gracious and compassionate to me. I have not earned anything from you but you freely give me forgiveness for the sake of Jesus. Let me remember that grace is just that, grace. When I remember that it is by grace that I’m saved, I will rejoice when others receive your grace as well. Amen.