Jonah 4

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry” (v1). Most prophetic books focus on the people needing to repent, but the book of Jonah focuses on the heart of the one carrying God’s Word. Jonah didn’t like the fact that God was merciful and gracious, that He loved the Ninevites and, when they repented, forgave their sins (v2). The Ninevites were Israel’s enemies and represented everything opposed to God, and while Jonah technically obeyed God’s call to preach repentance, he could not rejoice in their salvation.

“And should I not pity Nineveh …?” (4:11). God calls us not just to do what is right, but to let our hearts be conformed to His love for the world.