2024_04_22 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Jonah 1-4
The story of Jonah is fascinating and has many layers. I am looking forward to discussing it in our Bible Study and Prayer Night recording this week, which will air next Monday, April 29, 2024. If you haven’t watched or listened to our Monday night discussions, you can find them at https://nhc.click/live on Mondays at 7 p.m. You can also find it as a podcast by searching for New Hope Church Lorton on your podcast platforms.
I have read the book of Jonah many times, but God’s question to Jonah in chapter 4, verse 4, stood out this time. Let’s take a look:
The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” Jonah 4:4, NLT
Throughout scripture, we see instances of God and Jesus asking questions. If anyone has the right to just give commands, it’s God, and yet so often, we see Him asking questions, prompting the listener to think. Asking questions is a powerful form of communication, and it opens the door for a dialogue. I love that God seeks to draw us out and stir our minds.
For many of us, anger is a very accessible emotion. It can feel powerful and not vulnerable. Contrary to what some believe, the Bible does not forbid anger, but it does warn us about it. Let’s look at what Paul says in Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV:
26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
This thought is also found in Psalm 4:4, NLT:
4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
God questions Jonah about the root of his anger. It feels like an invitation for Jonah to explore his heart. As I read this verse, I felt God extend the same invitation to me.
We all have frustrations in life that can lead to anger. Anger is an understandable response to injustice, but anger doesn’t fit every situation. Asking myself, “Is it right for me to feel angry about _______?” can allow me the space to process what may be going on beneath the anger. Am I hurt? Am I overly tired and frustrated? Where is this anger coming from? In doing a heart check, we may discover that anger is just a cover for something else.
Jonah felt God ought to bring judgment on Nineveh instead of mercy. God was incredibly creative in trying to help Jonah see how misguided his feelings were. Still, there was a history that was difficult for Jonah to overcome. The story ends without us knowing how Jonah finally responded to God’s challenge.
I hope you will join me in taking God’s question to Jonah to heart this week. When you feel anger rising, ask yourself, “Is it right for me to feel angry about _________?” Be curious about what you are feeling. You might learn something about yourself and about God in the process.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach