Apples of Gold

We have been studying Jonah on Wednesday evenings in our adult class at church. This is a very familiar tale that most of you likely know very well. God tells Jonah to head to Ninevah to warn them that they are on the brink of destruction. Jonah says not me, and basically heads in the opposite direction. He ends up in a big fish for 3 days and when God asks him again, he decides it might be best to go. When the Ninevites hear what is heading their way the whole city repents and God spares them from destruction. Everyone rejoices that God had been merciful, that is everyone except Jonah. 

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 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.Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen. Jonah 4:1-3

Jonah made no attempt to hide his true feelings. Where’s the fire and brimstone? His complaint list reads more like 5 things about God’s character that should cause his followers to rejoice:

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. (Vs 2)

But Jonah was not praising he was complaining. Complaining might be too light of a word. I like this word better, Jonah was bleating incessantly, like a disgruntled goat. 

We can run face first into the temptation to resent God when he doesn’t do what we think he should, in the way we expected him to do it. Many things become easier as we mature in the Lord. This isn’t one of them. In fact, this actually becomes more likely to trip us up as we grow closer to God. We can find ourselves presenting our list of all the things we have done for him as if it is a bargaining chip, or like we have earned Platinum Card status and someone just forgot to tell God.

If you have sacrificed much for the cause of Christ, you are likely to experience this trial. Listen to the words of Asaph:

Look at these wicked people-enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. Psalm 73:12-14

Ever feel that way? You serve God faithfully with all your heart and wonder why those that don’t, seem to get away with it. I can relate to Asaph. Sometimes it feels as if you are walking around with a raincloud over your head while the sun is shining on everyone else. 

Why are we surprised when difficulties come our way? It’s not like we haven’t been forewarned by none other than Jesus, himself:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Thankfully Asaph didn’t stay in this place and neither should we:

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. Psalm 73:16-18

Asaph’s visit to the sanctuary reminded him of what reality actually holds. Sure, there are some really tough times, but our future is safe and secure in the hands of a God who in the words of Jonah, is merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry, and filled with unfailing love.

When we think about how much God has done for us, not only in the sacrifice of Jesus, but in the day to day things as well we can set aside our resentment, pick up true trust, and say along with Asaph:

Then I realized that my heart was bitter and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant-I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in Heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:21-26