Jonah 4:1-2 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.… Anger is not necessarily a proof of corruption of the heart, but is often an inseparable part of life. The Divine Creator has planted in our beings this self-defensive attribute for noble and serviceable purposes. See the two sides of this passion, as exemplified in the difference between the anger of Jonah and that of Jesus. One only shows the spirit of selfishness, which is fretful and unruly, while the other shows the grandeur of a self-sacrificing spirit united with piety and love. I. THE ORDER OF JONAH IS THE TYPE OF UNRIGHTEOUS PASSION. Its sin consisted in — 1. Its selfish nature. It was his own honour he feared for, not the glory of God. 2. Its unjust character. He would have had God repudiate His justice and mercy and love to gratify a sinful prophet. 3. Its uncharitable folly. It was vindictive. It was not against the evil, but the good. II. THE ANGER OF CHRIST AS A TYPE OF RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION. "He looked round about on them in anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts." Contrasting it with Jonah's, observe the following points. 1. It was sinless. 2. It was just. 3. It was merciful.Severity is no token of hatred. Kingsley says: "The highest reason should tell us that there must be indignation in God so long as there is evil in the universe." Hazlett says: "Good-natured people there are amongst the worst people in the world. They leave others to bear the burden of indignation and correction." (Alfred Buckley.) Parallel Verses KJV: But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. |
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