If the story had ended after chapter 3 we might expect to read that the sailors, Jonah, and the people of Nineveh lived happily ever after trusting and believing in God who is merciful and gracious to all! But, no, instead we find Jonah exceedingly angry with God. Nineveh’s evil had risen up before God (1:2). Jonah had begrudgingly preached God’s Word and the Ninevites were transformed. Jonah now steps into the place of Nineveh. He will accuse God of evil. Swallowed by a big fish, Jonah is now swallowed up by his anger. “It’s not fair!” Jonah protests. Evil people should be punished. Where’s the justice?! And there is the lesson God seeks us to learn. In Jesus God’s mercy and grace trumps his justice everytime.
