Jonah 4:1-3 - Just Deserts

Jonah, the Old Testament prophet, had the same basic outlook as the Prodigal Son's older brother.

God sent Jonah to warn the city of Ninevah that they would be destroyed for their wickedness. Since Ninevah was the capital of their enemies, Jonah wanted God to destroy them without warning, so he boarded a ship headed the opposite direction.

A storm ensued, threatening everyone on board. Admitting his fault, Jonah had the sailors throw him overboard. God mercifully sent a huge fish to swallow the somewhat repentant Jonah, giving him a submarine ride straight toward Ninevah.

When the people of Ninevah hear Jonah's warning from God, they put on garments of mourning and repentance, from the king down to the very livestock.

God relented and did not destroy Ninevah.

“This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 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. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.'” (Jonah 4:1–3, New Living Translation, 2015)

I can't see myself as the older brother of the prodigal, grousing that my little brother got an undeserved, welcome-home party. I've never complained that God forgave some people rather than sending them to hell. That's my self-righteousness talking: I've had exactly the same attitude!

When someone has wronged me, do I wish that they get what they deserve?" Do I hope that they experience God's unconditional mercy, or do I want them to hurt "just a little bit," experience some "natural consequences," or face the "legal fallout?" 

Lord,
Don't let me slip into revenge mode. That's Your department, to settle scores.
Show me how to give to the basic needs of those who've hurt me, and how to serve them with kindness. Don't let evil conquer me; may evil be conquered by Your goodness in and through my life. Amen. (KJC paraphrase of Romans 12:19–21)