Ch3 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Ch4 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
I found it interesting in these chapters that initially it seemed Jonah had concern for the people of Nineveh. But yet when God changed his mind about Nineveh, Jonah actually appears disappointed, not so much because he wanted bad things to happen to them but it was more selfish because of what he had gone through for nothing. There is a hint of the prodigal son in this message too.
By our nature we are selfish, it seems to be a characteristic of humans that we need to guard against. Why should the good fortune of someone else have any impact on my feelings? I don't think I have this problem too often but if I'm completely honest with myself I know there are times in my heart am rooting against success for another (at work, in competition like racing, etc)...with no good reason but my own selfishness. Like some how their success reflects negatively on me. kind of childish.
knut
Its really funny how small minded we are, isn't it? Here's what I've noticed about myself lately. When talking about work, I manage up really well. I can make my leadership like me, no problem.......I manage down really well. I like serving as a mentor for the younger designers. When they have questions about their career or what they should do. But, I don't deal with people at my level very well. I have a hard time being happy for someone being promoted to a higher level. I feel bad about it. I recognize it......I just can't seem to stop it.
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to what Jonah is feeling. I'm not proud of it.
Bottom line, God is God and I am not. I need to remember that everyone is more important to him than me. I need to look at people through his eyes.
peace