In this final act, the resentful heart of the prophet reveals its true colours. When God relents and shows mercy to Nineveh, Jonah becomes greatly displeased - even furious. And he reveals that this has been the source of his reluctance and rebellion all along. He knew the Lord to be kind and gracious. And he didn't want to see his kindness and graciousness extended to these Assyrians! He didn't want ot be the prophet that prevented Nineveh's destruction; he wanted to ensure it. He's happy to receive the Lord's kindness. He's happy to deliver God's messages to the wicked King Jeroboam of wicked Israel! But he's greatly displeased at having to do it to the also wicked king of the also wicked Nineveh.
The Lord uses a plant that grows to provide shade but is destroyed overnight to illustrate Jonah's impropriety at resenting God's mercy. Should God not care more for this great city full of thousands of people he created than Jonah cares for a plant for which he did not labour at all? And yet, the book leaves Jonah's change of heart unresolved. Hopefully Jonah is in fact the author of this book and came to understand the point that God was teaching him and wrote this book that others might learn from his negative example! But the book concludes with Jonah indignant, feeling justified in his anger.
How about you? Do you feel angry at the hand the Lord has dealt? Frustrated by what he has done or not done? Offended by who he has blessed and who he has not? Angry about ways that his hand has moved and other ways is hand has been withheld? The lesson from the book of Jonah echoes a similar sentiment expressed in Job (although one in which the man of God demonstrates much less virtue). What gives you the right? Who do you think you are? To feel righteous indignation against the Lord? If this is you, be grateful for all the ways that the Lord has extended undeserved grace and mercy towards you! And whatever may come... wherever the chips may fall... whatever he wills or wills not to do... to whomever he wills to do or not do it... trust him and be satisfied.
