Jonah, though?
God was appalled by the sin of the city of Nineveh ( Jonah 1:2), and asked the prophet Jonah to warn them of impending destruction if they did not repent. Jonah refused the assignment and decided to run away from God (good luck!). After his get-away ship took on water, he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a big fish-all orchestrated by God. After Jonah repented of his disobedience, God caused the fish to vomit him out and on to Nineveh he went. He preached and the people repented so God relented from destroying the city!
You would think since Jonah was a prophet he would be happy that more than a thousand people were saved through him. Nope! He was mad, stark raving mad and even depressed that God had not destroyed them. “So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord ? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” Jonah 4:2 Since when was that a bad thing?
Jonah thought he deserved God’s grace, mercy, compassion and loving kindness, but the thousand plus people in Nineveh did not. Does that sound like you sometimes, ok, not you but maybe someone you know? (wink, wink). Do you secretly (or openly) feel or think that some people do not deserve God’s love, mercy and grace? Maybe you think they are too sinful, too annoying, too arrogant or you just do not like them and wish they perish in hell?
That neighbor, that co-worker, the wicked family member, the guy who cheated you or on you, the murderer, the rapist, the stranger who scammed you and a hundred others, yes those people!
Well, our heavenly father is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 1 Peter 3: 9. And God is relying on us as His mouthpieces to get His message of salvation to all people. So whatever our issues, feelings and idiosyncrasies, let us lay them aside and invite people in.
Jesus mingled with all manner of people while on earth and loved them out of their wretchedness into the kingdom. You are not perfect yourself so get off your high horse, repent and bring others into the club!! Blessings.
Love, Lady Monica❤