Can you imagine the joy of the Ninevites? They were spared, rescued, pardoned, and forgiven. They had a new focus. They were alive when they could have been dead. Can you imagine the love for God and for their neighbors that began to flow through the streets? 1 John 3:14 states, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." Psalm 30:5 states, "…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." These Ninevites who were once on the road to destruction have found the road to glory! It was time to celebrate! It is like the father's heart in the story of the prodigal son. Let's kill the fatted calf and have a community gathering to celebrate! My son who was dead is alive again; he was lost, and is found (Luke 15:24). The city is full of celebration of God's mercy, grace, forgiveness, and peace.
However, the prophet of God is mad. He is disappointed that he didn't see something like Lot experienced when God reigned down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding areas. Instead, Jonah saw his enemies, the Ninevites, humble themselves by submitted to God, stripping off their garments for sackcloth, and sitting in ashes while crying out to God. His preaching was heard loud and clear. The five words he preached was backed by the power of God. The city was turned upside down immediately, and they became God-centered. Instead of rejoicing in the success of foreign missionary work, the salvation of sinners, we see the pouting prophet. The title will be "Shouters or Pouters." |
