While I'm reading yesterday I came to the book of Jonah. For those of you who may not know the story, Jonah is told by God to go to the city of Nineveh and preach to them a message of repentance. One problem, Jonah hated these people.

 

As you read through this little book you get a very clear picture of why Jonah became mad at God. To keep it simple, here goes:

 

Jonah is told to go and preach to a wicked city filled with people who had done a lot of harm to Jonah’s people.

 

Jonah runs. God turns him around.

 

Jonah goes and tells the people it time to “turn or burn.”

 

The people turn…much to Jonah’s disliking.

 

Now, mad at God, these are his words to God:

 

Jonah 4:1-2 (MSG)

Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at God, “God! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

 

It’s almost funny when you read how Jonah describes the Almighty. Even while he’s upset, the worst thing he can say about God is…

 

…sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

 

Even on our worst day, God is still amazing! Seriously amazing!!