By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Jonah 4:1-2 "But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." - NIV
After Jonah preached to the city of Nineveh, the king and the residents quickly repented of their sins before God. And God, out of His love and compassion forgave them and didn’t bring the threatened judgment. But this angered Jonah to an extent that he wanted to die. He now gives this as a reason he was fleeing from God, knowing Him as a compassionate God Who would forgive. In summary, his desire was that the city is destroyed, and not saved.
Jonah was a prophet and preacher who didn’t really have the heart of God for the people he preached to. Whatever had prejudiced his mind against Nineveh, had sunk so deep in his heart. Hecwished the city destroyed! Even the miracles God performed couldn’t stop him from angrily arguing with God, his Creator!
This explains the danger of ministry, not with God’s heart, but influenced by other interests and biases. Some minister with evil intentions, wishing to see God punish their enemies. They express jealousy, envy, manipulation, tribalism, racism, etc in their service. Let God first heal your wounded prejudiced heart so that your ministry will be in love and compassion to truly heal, and not destroy.
Philippians 1:15 "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill."
Shalom children of God.