There are tons of commentaries and sermons we can find about Jonah running away from God and disobeying Him. But this time, let's try to reflect on the last part of the book where he showed vulnerability and extreme transparency with God and see why is he like that.
Reading Jonah's rants was hilarious the first time. Imagine speaking to God in that manner; telling Him you want to die even though He knows you don't. Making it clear to him that you are upset about something and literally crying out of frustration in front of Him. It's like throwing tantrums next to God, and in this case, He handled Jonah like a pro. Let us think about what kind of relationship Jonah had with God in order for him to be able to talk to God in that tone.
In the second verse of chapter four, Jonah says that he knew that God wouldn't destroy Nineveh. Not because he thinks like God or understands His plans, but because he has witnessed God's mercy and kindness. Jonah knows his God.
In the second chapter, Jonah prayed to God. In his distress and when his life was slipping away, he called on God. Jonah knows he is the only one who could ever save him. Jonah knows his God. And God knows him too. He knew Jonah was going to try to escape and knew what to do about it. He knew that Jonah was distressed and taught him calmly in a metaphorical manner.
When I look at Jonah's response more closely, it doesn't come out as disrespectful or rude, but instead more of transparency and openness. Isn't it good to strive to have that kind of relationship with God? Not in the sense of being able to yell at him or vent your rage on him, but in the sense of being able to express how you truly feel.
The situation of God and Jonah in the last chapter of the book reminds me so much of a relationship between a mentor and a mentee. When a mentee is in distress, and the mentor knows how to handle the mentee, It is only a result of love and a well-established relationship between them. Imagine how strong God and Jonah's relationship is. Jonah was able to talk to God that way because he was transparent and they have a good relationship. And we can be that open and unfiltered if we have a strong foundation in our relationship with our God and our leaders in church.
It all boils down to staying connected to the servant-leaders of the church and most importantly to God. Jonah knows his leader, Jonah knows his God. Do we?
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