Jonah is the story of a man who resisted God’s call to prophesy to the capital city of Israel’s archenemy, Assyria. He was afraid that if he prophesied to the people of Nineveh, they would repent and God would avert the disaster that was due to come in 40 days. This book teaches us how resenting the grace of God when it is extended to people we think should not receive it is wrong.
Chapter 4
When the Ninevites respond with repentance and fasting, Jonah reacts with anger rather than rejoicing, because he resents God’s willingness to show mercy to his enemies. The Lord teaches Jonah a lesson on compassion by using a vine as an object lesson.