Jonah’s Anger & God’s Compassion

Jonah’s Anger & God’s Compassion
(Jonah 4)
Rev. Brian Lee

 I. Jonah became angry at God
For not brining destruction on Ninevites (3:10)
Upset over God’s redemption and forgiveness? (v. 3)
Anger leads to foolish (irrational) judgments and decisions (vv. 3, 8- 9)
What was the root cause of his anger? (Romans 6:6)

 II. Jonah did not comprehend God’s compassion
Wrong perception of God’s justice (v. 1)
Made himself a shelter to see the Ninevites get destroyed by God (v. 5)
Concerned about his well being only. (vv. 8-9)
Unmerciful servant (Matt 18:21-35)

 III. God’s Response
Have you any right to be angry?
Do you have a right to be angry about the vine? (v. 9)
Should I not be concerned for that great city? (v. 11)

 IV. Application
What is your attitude toward those you “hate”? Do you wish that something bad will happen to them? Or do you wish that they could experience God’s mercy and forgiveness?
Share your own story of how “anger” negatively affected you and your loved ones. What have you done to recover and to bring changes in how you deal with anger? 
We must deal with the anger in our hearts that we have not yet expressed outwardly. Ask God to give you the strength and determination to rule over your anger with God’s love and compassion.