Wednesday, 8th November 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: ARE YOU TRYING TO PLAY GOD?
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, ‘I pray you, O Lord, was this not this my saying, when I was yet in my country?’ Therefore, I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and you will repent of the evil.” – Jonah 4:2
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why will Jonah be angry with God for forgiving?
The prophet who ran away from God, to ran back to Him and also run with God, is back with his tantrums. Jonah had had his suspicions from day one God called him. He knew that God is sending him to Nineveh because He is considering to forgive them. But this is what Jonah felt God should not do. “If the Ninevites’ wickedness has come before you, Lord, just pour your judgment on them”, Jonah had thought. He might have concluded, “Why will you send me to go and tell them to repent.”
This was the basis of Jonah’s anger against God therefore he questioned God’s forgiveness towards the city of Nineveh.
Jonah had gone to Nineveh to preach the message of repentance and the entire city, from the least to the greatest, responded favorably. They all turned from their wicked ways and God’s judgment was suspended. this brings to mind what Paul asserted by the Spirit, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed, and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom 10:14).
By one man’s obedience to God's call, the entire Nineveh believed, repented and was saved.
This infuriated Jonah. He was more interested in his concept of how God should treat the people of Nineveh than being committed to the sovereignty of God. He knew better than God and so he could not hide his anger. In his anger, he spoke to God what he knew was going to happen all the while. He made it plain to God that this was his reason for attempting to thwart God’s plan from the first day. Jonah did not know that his position was as a result of a deep-seated arrogance. He had forgotten that God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and He will have compassion on whom He will have compassion. So then, it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shews mercy (Rom 9:15-16).
Precious one, we try to play God sometimes in our walk with Him. But can we play God, and should we play God?
Don’t we get hurt or infuriated when we see God come through for others who we see are not that righteous as we are and yet we have served Him for years and are yet to receive His miracle. Don’t we feel that we deserve better than some others who God is blessing day by day. There are people we feel that their being alive is a trouble to mankind and to the people of those around him. Why wouldn’t God take such lives to preserve the peace of others? But the question is, “Are we wiser than God? Do we know better than Him?” Remember, God is not interested in the death of the wicked and every life is as important to Him as the life of Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, He will show mercy to the underserving and pour His love on the unloved. When you see this, precious one, you can only adore God and not complain. You can only rejoice in His sovereignty; He is the only wise God. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Jonah 4:1-10
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Have you ever felt that God is unfair? What made you feel so?
CONFESSION
Precious Father, you are eternal. Youa re sovereign in all you do. I repent from all thoughts and actions that God is unfair in His ways. The times I have arrogantly despised your mercies to others I receive forgiveness. Henceforth, I will rejoice in your goodness and mercies to all. I will make mention of your unmerited favour to me and others. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Ezra 1; Ezra 2; Hosea 5; Acts 21; Acts 22
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