Today Thomas Terry takes a look at the final act in the book of Jonah and examines what it means for Trinity Church in Portland today.
Transcript
Welcome to this week’s sermon from Trinity Church in Portland, Oregon. We hope this message inspires you, roots you down deep into the Lord, into His Word, and may His Spirit be your guide as you enjoy this teaching. Thanks for joining us. Here’s the message. The Lord said, Do you do well to be angry? Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade till he should see what would become of the city. Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant so that it withered.
When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Do you do well to be angry for the plant? And he said, Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die. And the Lord said, You pity the plant for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle? This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Well, this morning we come to the end of our sermon series in the book of Jonah.
Portland as Modern Nineveh
It’s like 48 verses in total, and it took us about nine weeks. As we come to the end of this book, it begs the question, why did we start this series to begin with? Why did we as pastors decide to go through this particular book at this particular time? Well, the answer is really quite simple, and for some of you the answer might be so incredibly obvious. The reason we decided to go through this book is because Portland is Nineveh, a city full of wicked, violent, pagan, and far-from-God people. Portland is in every way a modern-day Nineveh. And as pastors, our hope and our prayer for this church, and even for ourselves, is that as we’ve moved slowly through this series, that we as a church have begun to understand the Lord’s heart for this great city of Nineveh, because when we see the Lord’s heart for this city of Nineveh,
we can understand the Lord’s heart for Portland. Like Nineveh, God cares deeply for the lost people of Portland. And because God cares for the lost people in our city, we as a church must care for the lost people in this city. And listen, I understand that caring for these specific people in this particular city is extremely challenging. I feel the tension every day. It’s hard. Especially when we consider how filled our city is with anarchists. People who delight in the destruction of our city, whose nightly liturgy is to literally set the city on fire. It’s hard to care for people whose values and perspectives are in stark contrast to ours. What we would call evil, the people of Portland call it good. And not only do they call it good, but they celebrate what is evil. It’s hard to care for a city that claims love over hate, but at the same time hates us.
They hate our worldview. They hate our loyalty and submission to God and his word. They hate our morality. They hate our sexual ethic. They hate our surrender to God’s design for humanity and for human flourishing. They hate our resoluteness and absolute certainty concerning the truth. They hate our exclusive view of Jesus as the only way to salvation. Here’s the truth. They hate everything about us. Ultimately because they hate our God. Jesus tells us in the gospel of John chapter 15.
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, a servant is not greater than his master.
— John 15
(ESV)
Listen. It’s hard to love the people of Portland. Because they hate you. Precisely because they hate the God you love. Our world and most specifically our city wants so desperately to live as autonomous creatures. In a world that they curate and control where they make all the rules. But the ever-present reality that they themselves are created beings who live in God’s world. That binds their conscience to the pattern of God’s created order. They know deep down in their hearts that this is God’s world. And that they must live according to God’s rules. And this makes them all the more rebellious God-haters. And so what do they do? They suppress what they know to be true about God and his world and his rules. They push the truth of God deep down inside. To live how they want to live with no questions asked and no consequences.
So they profess God does not exist. And at the same time they hate the God they profess does not exist. It’s evil. And every day I see on my social timelines and in my news feeds just how far from God this city actually is. The people of Portland are exceedingly evil. In fact we live probably in the most irreligious pagan God-hating city in America. So hear me when I say it’s hard to love this great city. Because in every way they hate us. And they hate the God we love. And because it’s so hard most Christians in the city respond in either one of two ways. They either match the intensity of the city’s hate by dishing back an equal portion of hate. Or they move emotionally as far away as they can from the God-hating city. So it’s either indignation or isolation. And in the rare occasion it’s both and.
And this brothers and sisters is why I chose to preach this particular book at this particular time. Because in the book of Jonah I see my own heart of indignation towards the city. In the book of Jonah I see my own desires to isolate myself from the city. And if that’s going on in my heart as your pastor. Well then it’s highly likely that you’re going through the same emotional pull. That those same things are going on in your heart. And I need God to show me my own heart towards this city. And most importantly I need God to show me his heart for the city. So that I might move my heart into alignment with God’s heart. So that God might move your heart into perfect alignment with his heart. Because it seems to me that our days in Portland are only becoming more and more evil.
We need more and more clarity on how God deals with a great city that is overcome by great evil. And so as we come to the close of our series this morning. I want to end this series first by taking one final look at Jonah’s heart. To see his final response to this great city. And how it was both indignation and isolation. But secondly and most importantly I want to take one final look at the Lord’s heart. Of grace and mercy towards the great city of Nineveh. In hopes that as we peer into the Lord’s heart. That we might respond to our great city with the same grace and mercy that God has shown to the city of Nineveh. And so I’ve simplified the structure of our sermon this morning. By breaking up our passage into three simple sections. The adamant anger, the painful providence and the compassion comparison.
Jonah’s Adamant Anger
Now before we dive into the first section. I want to first start by setting a bit of context. If you remember a few weeks back at the beginning of chapter 3. We saw in Jonah chapter 3 verses 1 and 2. Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time. Saying arise. Go to Nineveh that great city. And call out against it the message that I tell you. So the Lord recommissioned this rebellious prophet. To go to the great city of Nineveh and deliver this announcement. 40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown. And so Jonah although reluctant. Finally obeys the Lord’s commission. And gives the wicked people of Nineveh the announcement. And surprisingly. The wicked people of Nineveh turn in repentance. Revival breaks out. Which should have caused great joy for Jonah. But instead of joy what we see is anger. In fact the text tells us at the beginning of chapter 4.
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly. And he was angry. Jonah was furious because God had decided to show mercy. To such a vile and wicked people. Jonah wanted justice. But God gave them mercy. And because Jonah does not get what he wants. He makes one last arrogant attempt to control God. By giving God this ultimatum. Either they die or I die. Which brings us to chapter 4 verse 4. With the adamant anger. And the Lord said. Do you do well to be angry? Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city. And made a booth for himself there. Until he should see what would become of the city. We saw a bit of this last week. But just to reiterate. God had again in his mercy and compassion. Come to Jonah. With this gentle and rhetorical question. Now why does the Lord ask Jonah this question?
Well there’s two reasons. We looked at the first reason last week. This question was asked by God. As a way to counsel Jonah out of his anger. I mentioned this last week. But the rhetorical question reflects God’s character. And heart for Jonah. That God is a wonderful counselor. But there’s another reason why God asks this question to Jonah. And that is to stimulate Jonah’s memory. You see the way God asks this question. Should have caused for Jonah to recall. Where he’s heard this kind of question before. Since Jonah is a prophet. And he’s well acquainted with the Old Testament scriptures. He would have remembered the first time God asked this type of question. It would have been in the very beginning of God’s word. In the book of Genesis. Turn with me in your Bibles to Genesis chapter 4. In Genesis chapter 4. We know this story.
Most of us know this story. It’s the story of the world’s first siblings. Cain and Abel. The sons of Adam and Eve. We’ll pick up at verse 3. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock. And of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering. But for Cain and his offering. He had no regard. So Cain was very angry. And his face fell. The Lord said to Cain. Why are you angry? And why is your face fallen? So what we see in this story is that Abel’s offering to God. And the Lord accepted his offering. Cain however made his offering to the Lord with the wrong motives. With an inauthentic posture of worship. And so the Lord refused his offering.
And this made Cain exceedingly angry. In fact the original language. It’s almost the exact same language that Jonah uses. But Cain’s anger. Because it was left unchecked. Eventually turned to rage. And in verse 8 we see. Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field. Cain rose up against his brother Abel. And killed him. Cain’s anger was so aroused because of jealousy. That he actually kills his brother. He spills his own brother’s blood. The story goes on to tell us that Cain. Ended up running from the presence of the Lord. Somewhere east of Eden. You see the question that the Lord asks to Jonah. Was a gentle reminder to him. Of what happens when unjustified. Unmitigated anger remains in the heart. It leads to rage. And ultimately leads to death. And Jonah would have known this story. But this gentle question of compassion.
And recall has no effect on Jonah. And so Jonah’s heart is. Simply reenacting the drama of Cain and Abel. Where Jonah’s anger is so aroused. That he wants the blood of the Ninevites spilled. And you see. This was at the core of Jonah’s ultimatum. Jonah’s anger turned to rage. And Jonah wanted the Ninevites dead. And because Jonah can’t possibly kill all the Ninevites. He tells God either you kill them. Or I kill me. So after Jonah has given the Lord this ultimatum. Jonah leaves the city. In Jonah’s mind he thinks. Let’s see who the Lord cares for more. Me. The prophet. A citizen of God’s chosen Israel. A keeper of the law. Sometimes. Or these lost and evil pagans. So Jonah leaves the city. And he waits to see what will happen. From his ultimatum. So leaving the city is not an insignificant thing. Remember Jonah had been called to the city.
But now Jonah wants nothing to do with this wicked city. So here Jonah quite literally. Isolates himself. Or better yet separates himself. From the evil people of Nineveh. The Lord sent him into the city to be with them. To be in their midst. But here Jonah is doing physically. What his heart has already done spiritually. Rather than being in their midst. He separated himself completely from the city. And listen this is important for us to hear. Don’t just pass over this little detail. You see the church can have no effect. In this lost city. If we are like Jonah. We can’t run from the wickedness of this city. And this if I’m honest. Is a consistent struggle for me. When I’m confronted with the realities. Of just how bad our city is. I feel the allure of leaving the city. But may God help us.
To have a heart for this city. To be in the midst of the city. Run from a city so as to separate ourselves from them. So that we have no influence over them. You see Jonah feels. As if his work is done. I’ve made my announcement of judgment. I’m done. He has no invested interest in them. Other than complete ruin. And so he’s given God this ultimatum. To see what will come of these Ninevites. And really Jonah is hoping for one of two things. Either. God will acquiesce to Jonah’s ultimatum. And pour out his wrath on the city. Or the Ninevites will prove Jonah’s assessment to be correct. By going back to their evil ways. Once the threat of judgment has been removed. Either way Jonah. Is expecting something to come of this whole situation. In fact he’s confident that at least one. Of these two scenarios will be their outcome.
So Jonah. At this point is just an embittered spectator. Waiting and watching. And Jonah isn’t quite sure how long this process is going to take. Which is why he makes himself a shelter outside of the city. Now this makeshift. Shelter that Jonah has made for himself. Is also not an insignificant detail. This shelter is another expression of Jonah’s control issues. We talked a little bit about this last week. Since Jonah can’t control the Lord. Since he can’t control the Ninevites or the world around him. This makeshift shelter made by his own hands. Is an attempt to create his own isolated world. Jonah just like Cain. Just like Cain has run east of Eden. Away from the presence of the Lord. Away from the Ninevites and everything else related to his commission. Essentially Jonah is saying. If you don’t play by my rules God. Then I’m going to go over there by myself.
The Painful Providence
I’m going to make my own kingdom with my own hands. Where I can live with my own rules. It’s interesting that in this particular scenario right here. Jonah looks a lot like a Portlander. So while Jonah sits in a shelter. Angry and defiant. Waiting to see if the Lord will rain down destruction on Nineveh. Again God does not do what Jonah wants. Jonah wanted for the Lord. To rain down this revenge. This rage. Jonah wanted from the Lord a violent act of wrath upon Nineveh. It was Cain all over again. But what Jonah receives from the Lord. Is an act of grace. And that act of grace comes to Jonah in the form of a plant. And it’s here where we see. The Lord teach Jonah through the painful providence. Verse 6. Now the Lord God appointed a plant. And made it come up over Jonah.
That it might be a shade over his head. To save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. So what we see here. Not explicitly but implicitly. Is that Jonah’s handmade isolation hut. Was completely insufficient to protect him from the blazing sun. So God in his kindness appointed. Sovereignly ordained a great plant. To grow up over Jonah. To provide shade. Here again the Lord uses creation to do his bidding. Jonah could not control the direction. Or the degree of the sun. And this handmade hut left him completely vulnerable to the elements of the sun. So God provides for Jonah. With this plant. To both cover Jonah from the harshness of the sun. And to ease Jonah’s anger. You see if God grants shade to Jonah. Who’s already heated in his anger. Then Jonah would most certainly experience God’s grace. Through this comfort and coolness of shade.
You see the heat of the sun was only causing Jonah. To become more and more heated. Both physically and emotionally. And so you really see the beauty and intentionality. Of God’s illustrated providence here. God provides shade with this plant. Because Jonah is heated in his anger and needs to cool down. There was no way Jonah was going to survive. The elements of the blazing sun. Without provided protection from God. In the form of this plant. And when Jonah experiences. This God appointed plant. From the discomfort of the sun. To the comfort of coolness. And this causes Jonah. To love the plant. Now it’s hard for me to understand plant people. I like plants. I got two of them in my office. My wife loves plants. But I don’t love plants. If I could manage to keep them alive, I would grow to love them.
But in my mind they’re just plants. But Jonah. For Jonah the plant actually does more for Jonah. Than the plant could do for him. So Jonah feels this deep connection. And affection towards this plant. Jonah was facing complete misery. Death with the heat. And all of a sudden this plant. Perfectly grows in a way. That provides the perfect amount of shade. To protect Jonah from the sun. This plant has literally saved Jonah’s life. And so Jonah loves this plant. You remember. We saw in chapter 4 verse 1. Jonah was displeased exceedingly and was angry. Well here because of this plant. We see Jonah’s posture completely reversed. Jonah moves from being displeased exceedingly. And angry to being pleased exceedingly. And glad. But you see Jonah’s gladness is only momentary. And that’s by design. Look at verse 7. But when dawn came up the next day. God appointed a worm that attacked the plant.
So it withered. When the sun rose. God appointed a scorching east wind. And the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die. And said it’s better for me to die than to live. You see Jonah is capricious. He’s a fickle man. His pleasure and joy is exclusively connected to his comfort. And positive circumstances. When things move in his favor. He’s overjoyed with God. He’s happy with God. He views the good circumstances as God’s providence. But when things don’t go his way. When he loses control. He becomes furious with God. He gets angry. He begins to doubt God’s goodness and kindness. And it’s crazy just how quickly Jonah flips here. He’s angry. And then he’s happy. And then he’s angry again. It’s really hard to understand where Jonah is emotionally and spiritually here. Because he’s all over the place.
Isn’t this just a reflection of our own hearts? I mean we’re really good with God. When we’re happy. When we have what we want. When we’re comfortable. When we have enough money in the bank. When our relationships are going well. When we have a clean bill of health. It’s easy to give God thanks when things are good. But when we don’t get what we want. When we lose our job. When we don’t have as much money as we would like. When our relationships become broken. When our health becomes broken. How quickly do we flip? We get angry and frustrated with God. We begin to doubt God’s goodness and kindness. And we sometimes even believe that God has abandoned us. That he’s mad at us or he’s aiming to punish us. So brothers and sisters. We too experience these highs and lows. That shift at the impulse of our positive circumstances.
And our comfort. We too can be just as fickle and capricious as Jonah. And so Jonah was overjoyed. When the Lord sovereignly provided a giant plant. To cover him from the scorching heat. So Jonah goes to sleep that night. Feeling pretty good. Feeling pretty comfortable. And he wakes up hoping to see a city on fire. But that’s not what he sees. Because while Jonah was sleeping. The Lord again sovereignly appointed creation to do his bidding. But this time not to bring comfort to Jonah. Not to appease Jonah’s anger. Not to bring discomfort. To provoke Jonah. To teach Jonah a lesson through the providence of pain. God commissions a worm. To eat away at the plant. I love that God uses a worm to do that. It’s so normal. God commissions a worm. To attack the vitality of the plant. So Jonah withered and died while he was sleeping.
And not only that. God also sovereignly appoints the wind. Here again God powerfully controls the wind. To push the scorching heat. Into Jonah’s makeshift hut. And so God’s design and decree. For the plant. That was sovereignly provided for shade. Is gone. It’s dead. Leaves Jonah exposed. To the heat of the sun. And it’s just beating down on his head. And not only that. But the hot wind is being thrown into his hut by God himself through the wind. Just like before when Jonah was on the boat. When Jonah was boxed in on all sides. He couldn’t escape the heat. And Jonah becomes even more heated. Both physically and emotionally. The circumstances have shifted so quickly and so badly for Jonah. He can’t take it anymore. Jonah says it’s better for me to die. Than to live. Now this is somewhat similar to what Jonah has previously said to the Lord.
If you look at chapter 4 verse 3. You’ll see. It’s better for me to die than to live. But the difference now with Jonah’s response. Is that Jonah has completely given up on the Lord. He doesn’t make a request for the Lord to take his life. He simply says it’s better for me to die than to live. Now it’s hard to see the difference in the English translation. But in the original language it’s made clear. This appeal to die is not an appeal to the Lord. It’s just Jonah’s thinking. I just want to die. And that’s an important distinction because it shows you Jonah’s heart. Jonah is so upset that he wants nothing more to do with God. Jonah is again running from God. He’s turning inward and away from God. His anger has become so intense. That he’d rather have isolation from God in death.
Than be reconciled to God. Essentially Jonah is saying I’m done with you God. I’d rather die than to live in your world. On your terms. If I die I don’t have to deal with you anymore. But despite Jonah’s attitude. Despite his posture. Despite his running from and turning away from God. The Lord does not give up on Jonah. The Lord continues to show Jonah mercy. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Jonah has done everything possible. Everything possible. To earn God’s judgment.
A Compassion Comparison
He’s done everything. To earn complete and total separation from God. In fact that’s what Jonah himself wanted. Separation from God. Separation from God. And separation from the city. But God pursues him with more mercy. The Lord again comes to Jonah in the form of a question. And we see that in verses 9 and 11. With a compassion comparison. But God said to Jonah. Do you do well to be angry. For the plant. Here again the Lord. The wonderful counselor. Does not deal with Jonah the way Jonah deserves. To be dealt with. The Lord doesn’t wipe out Jonah for his arrogance. And defiance. The Lord is in every way long suffering. And slow to anger with Jonah. And so the Lord asks another question. Notice the question here is. Not specifically about the Ninevites. It’s about the plant. And here you see this wonderful counselor here.
The Lord’s subtle work of exposing Jonah’s heart. He begins with the lesser issue. Before he gets to the greater issue. Because Jonah’s issue comes from the same root. So the Lord asks Jonah. Jonah is it right for you. To be angry at the plant. You remember the last time the Lord asked Jonah the question. Jonah did not respond. But this time immediately after the question. Jonah actually responds to the Lord. God has successfully drawn out a response from Jonah. And simultaneously drawn out the heart of Jonah. And look at how Jonah responds. He said yes. I do well to be angry. Angry enough to die. Here again Jonah does not turn. At the kindness of the Lord. And it’s actually quite ridiculous. Jonah’s response here. It’s almost how a little child would respond. If you think about it. Jonah do you think it’s okay to be angry with the plant.
And then like a five-year-old who’s angry. You get this over the top extreme response. Yes I’m so angry I just want to die. It’s ridiculous that the Lord’s prophet. Will respond to the Lord like a five-year-old child. But he does. Jonah is so angry. He wants to die. But the Lord. The wonderful counselor. Counsels Jonah through this anger. Through this object lesson of mercy. Verse 10.
The Lord is essentially saying to Jonah. You’re angry. Because you loved the plant. And I get it. It was a good plant. It served a great purpose for you. So much so that you’ve developed this attachment to the plants. And then I destroyed it. How does that make you feel Jonah? Would you rather I preserve the life of the plant?
Would have been better for me to let the plant live. You see brothers and sisters how the Lord has cornered Jonah. And made Jonah to feel the weight of his desire. For unmitigated justice towards the Ninevites. You see the Lord has used this plant. And Jonah’s affection for the plant to draw out. A compassion comparison. Between the plant and the people of Nineveh. The Lord is saying to Jonah. You experienced deep compassion for a plant. A plant Jonah.
And why did you have so much compassion for the plant? You didn’t do anything to nurture the plant. You didn’t help grow the plant. You didn’t put any effort into sustaining the life of the plant. At the end of the day it was an insignificant plant. That would eventually wither and die. And if you Jonah. Have the capacity to express compassion. For this insignificant plant. Then surely you can understand. How I could have compassion for the people of Nineveh. The people that I have made. The people I have given breath to. The people that I have sustained.
You see Jonah the people of Nineveh. Are infinitely more valuable. Than an insignificant plant. That is here today and gone tomorrow. And you could see the Lord’s gentle. But precise rebuke. To Jonah. God cuts him like a surgeon. To bring Jonah to his senses. The Lord is gentle and kind. And in verse 11 you really see how the Lord. Sticks the knife into Jonah’s heart. By saying. And should not I pity Nineveh. That great city. More than 120,000 persons. Who do not know their right hand from their left. And also much cattle. It’s here for the very first time. In the narrative where we actually get. The full scope of God’s mercy. Towards Nineveh. More than 120,000 humans. This is why the city is referenced by God. As a great city because of its size and population. The Lord draws this compassion. Comparison for Jonah to remind Jonah.
These are people that we’re talking about. Not plants. People. 120,000 people. Now why does the Lord. Emphasize this to Jonah. Why does Jonah remind Jonah of the people. Because this whole time. Jonah has put these Ninevites. In a category. That are not people. He’s only viewed them in a category of wicked sinners. He’s forgotten that they’re people. You see in Jonah’s mind they have no value. They have no value and no worth. Why? Because they’re pagans. Because they don’t follow God. He’s filed them in his mind. As pagans only. Which means they’re easily disposable. He’s given a plant. More value. Than the pagans of Nineveh. The Lord draws this to his attention. Because the Lord wants Jonah to know. That they’re people first. And pagans second. That though they are far from God. God has created them with dignity. And value. That all people are made by God.
All people are made in the image of God. Though they are far from God. They are all created with dignity and value. Whether they believe in God or not. In fact their belief in God has no bearing. On their image bearing. God is pulling into focus. That Jonah had compassion for one plant. But had zero compassion for 120,000 people. That Jonah had compassion for one plant. But had zero compassion for 120,000 people. Made in the image of God.
Jonah got so many things wrong about the Lord’s heart for people. But Jonah got one thing right. About all people. And that is this. All people. Including the Ninevites and Jonah. Deserve God’s judgment. That’s true. Because all people have sinned. And fallen short of the glory of God. And because the wages of sin is death. All people deserve God’s judgment. So it’s absolutely true. That a city that big. And that bad. And that hell bent against God. Certainly deserves God’s divine wrath. And God would be completely just to do it. Because our God is a God of justice. But listen he is also. And at the same time. A God of mercy. A God of mercy. Who saves wicked and violent people when they rightly. And justifiably deserve God’s wrath. And here’s the truth. While we can certainly relate. To Jonah. You can relate to Jonah.
While that is true. We can probably better relate. We can probably better relate with the Ninevites. Because all of us. Deserved God’s wrath. All of us at one time hated God. Our hearts were far from God. In every way we were just like the 120,000. God hating people of Nineveh. But God showed us mercy. He spared us. He spared us. And he saved us. And the question is why? What did we do to deserve it? Was there something inherently good about us? We are from the same city. Was there anything about us. That somehow deserved for God to show us mercy? No. No. We were exceedingly evil people. In fact had God not taken the initiative. And demonstrated compassion on us. By turning our hearts towards him. We would still be bent against him. Like the rest of the world. We would still hate God.
We started our sermon this morning with Jesus’ words:
If the world hates you. Know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world. But because I chose you out of the world. Therefore the world hates you. Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master.
— John 15
(ESV)
Just like the rest of the world. But in God’s mysterious mercy. He initiated. He drew us to himself. He beckoned us to come to him. He chased after us. He forgave us. He gave us new hearts that would beat for him. He opened our eyes and our ears to the truth. He changed our affections. He renewed our minds and gave us new attitudes. He did all the work. We didn’t do anything to deserve it.
He chose you out of the world. You didn’t choose him. Romans 5.8 says. But God shows his love for us. And that while we were still sinners. Why would he do that? There is no logical reason. For God to be merciful to us. It’s incomprehensible. That the God of the universe. Would condescend to us. And show us mercy. When we are such an evil and wicked people. You see God’s mercy. You see God’s mercy is mysterious. We’ll never understand it. And since a servant. Is not greater than his master. Who do we think we are? When we withhold mercy. To the people in this city. Who do we think we are? How can we refuse to show mercy? And compassion and love. And most importantly. The gospel to the lost people in our city. The Lord told Jonah. There is 120,000 people. Who don’t know their right hand from their left.
That means they don’t know any better. They don’t know what they’re doing. And neither do the people of Portland. How do people know any better? If we don’t care enough to tell them. That Jesus. The son of God. Who is God. Died to pay for their sins. So that if they believe in him. They might not get what they deserve. But instead receive mercy. And why would we not tell them? We’ve experienced this mercy.
Our Response
As we come to the close of the narrative. We really don’t get the closure. We would assume. We don’t really know how Jonah responds. To the Lord’s consistent and mysterious mercy. Because of the close of the narrative. It has more to do with us. Than how it has to do with Jonah. And his response. After hearing of God’s heart. Towards wicked and pagan people. What is your response? How do you respond when the Lord says to you. Should I not pity Portland? That great city which has more than 660,000 people. Who have no idea what it means. To find forgiveness from sin and fellowship with God. Unless you stay in the city. And have compassion on the people of Portland. Unless you teach them. About my mysterious mercy. How will you respond when the Lord tells you. To have compassion. On the city of Portland.
Will you run from God like Jonah. Or will you be an ambassador. Of God’s mysterious mercy. To the people who so desperately need it. That live right across the street from you. My hope in our prayer. Is that we would be a church lit on fire with God’s mercy. Radically zealous to proclaim this mercy. To the 660,000 people. Who are hell bent against God. May they come to know. Our magnificent Savior. Through hearts that are bent. By his magnificent grace. Let’s pray.
Father we are so thankful. For your word. We are thankful Father that your word doesn’t leave us in our comfort. But it makes us uncomfortable. We’re thankful that your word. Exposes our hearts. Not to just make us feel guilty. But to expose the fact that we have received. Marvelous mercy. From Jesus. And I pray. Lord and God that you. Would align our hearts with yours. For this city it’s the only way it’s going to work. If your spirit does the work. Of tuning our hearts conforming our hearts. And changing our hearts for this city. And God when the uncomfortableness. When the allure of leaving and isolating. Bubbles up in our own hearts. God I pray that you would suppress it. That you would expose it. And that we would feel your mercy. And that we would respond. And remember your great love for us. And as a result we would extend great love.
To this great city. God help us to be agents of mercy. And grace to these people. Forgive us for the thousands of ways. That we have separated ourselves from them. We pray God that as we. Extend this mercy to our city. That revival would occur. We understand what we mean when we say that Lord. We want revival in this city. That’s not too audacious of a prayer to ask. You’ve done it before. You could do it again Lord. You could do it again Lord. And we pray that you would do that here. This city so desperately needs you. They don’t know what they’re doing. God help us. To help them know you. Trust you. Follow you. Find forgiveness for their sins. We pray these things. In our merciful and beautiful Savior.