I've just learned something about myself and about my faith that I'm not sure is good, or bad for that matter! So, I obviously don't know how to attempt to change; or, if I even should.
To understand, you will need to know a little about Jonah. Knowing Jonah is what helped me be aware of these feelings; and, I hope, to understand them... Jonah is introduced to us in a short Book of the Bible titled by his name. It is a brief book to read and an even shorter story to tell; so, let me give you the gist... (Jonah)
The account of Jonah took place between 850 and 800 BCE[a little less than 3000 years ago]. Jonah was a man commissioned as prophet of to the non-Israelite Pagan city of Nineveh; part of the Assyrian nation. [You should recogize יהוה to be God's Hebrew Name. He is the Father of Jesus Christ; and us all! (John 20:17)] Jonah was sent to warn the Ninevites God was about to destroy them for their wickedness. The Ninevites were not farmers and producers, but vile war mongering people; believing they could take what they wanted from others. They cultivated a reputation of doing such horrible things to survivors of cities that resisted their seige, many would simply open their gates and give them what ever they wanted. The behavior of the Ninevites was animalistic. Even though their actions were vile, must have seen something in them, or would He have sent them Jonah?
Anyway... Jonah didn't like his assignment. He straight away went to the local seaport of Joppa and booked passage on a ship to Tarshish... Making the round trip to Tarshish in those days took about a year. So, once out to sea, Jonah felt safe from his task of preaching to the the wicked and violent Ninevites; well, for a year at least. Not so... A great storm resulted in Jonah being cast into the sea where a huge fish or whale swallowed him and spit him out on the beach. So, finally, off to preach to Nineveh Jonah goes...
Jonah conveys 's message that the city will be destroyed in 40 days. Surprisingly to Jonah, the King directs the people of the city to repent and they cover themselves and their animals with sackcloth [a common coarse animal hair material normally used for grain sacks] and cry out to God for mercy. That is not too hard to imagine. The Ninevites had likely heard what the God of the Jews had done to Egypt and other nations who resisted God's will. (Exodus 5:1-2; Exo 14:21-22; Exo 14:26-28; 1 Kings 18:18-40[Elijah's activity 940-913 BCE]) Because of his goodness, "felt regret" over the calamity He thought to bring upon the repentant Ninevites. God spared their city.
As for Jonah, he was furiously indignant that Nineveh was to be spared. Wasn't he minding his own business when God called him to his task, Jonah asks. He next pitches a tent outside the city and sits to await their destruction. God causes a bottle gourd plant to grow overnight to provide Jonah a welcome shade and relief from the heat. Then, God appoints a worm to destroy the plant, which infuriates Jonah once again. simply asks Jonah, if he is so angry over the destruction of the bottle gourd plant, should not God have regret over the destruction of over 120,000 people who had not at all known right from wrong. Just like the Ninevites, knowing what God has said is very important for you!
Here, then, is what my knowing Jonah just helped me realize about myself: I have published this website [JustBibleTruth.com] and made it available to all the world. [While the site reflects most of a lifetime effort in search of God and truth, I feel the website (my understanding of what Christ taught) has only come into focus and/or reached maturity in the last few months and weeks. Making me feel justified in that thinking, Countries like China who have probably never heard the truth about and his Son Jesus, (John 17:3; Pro 30:4) have suddenly flocked to the site in large numbers.] JustBibleTruth.com simply explains [nearly as simply as possible, I think] the situation our world finds itself in today. JustBibleTruth.com shares this simple revelation of the Bible: Our modern world is like Nineveh, vile and wicked destroyers, alienated from the word of God and in the midst of being destroyed by the tribulation we have created. (Luke 17:26-30) However, if you are one who is searching for God, (2 Chron 16:9) this daystar of truth has risen in your heart: (2 Pet 1:19 of 16-21) The modern day "Israel of God" has been selected by as his "New Creation"; or, their number is nearing completion. (Gal 6:15-16) God's "Final Solution" is being implemented. (Rev 11:15) All I see left to happen is the destruction of this wicked old world system. (2 Pet 3:5-7; 2 Thes 1:6-10; Psa 96:12-97:3) So, that leaves me watching the world news and other signs of the tribulation and/or Armageddon; because they indicate my immanent relief. (Luke 21:25-28) [Yours too, if you are listening to Christ. (Mat 17:5 & John 1:12 & 8:26 & 15:15)] Feeling a bit guilty about finding some hope and even joy in what I see happening to this world, it suddenly dawned on me I might be like Jonah, waiting to watch Nineveh destroyed before it was God's time... [God did spare that ancient city but a few years later, after their righteous king died, the Ninevites returned to their bad ways and were destroyed without further warning. (Zeph 2:10-15]
So, I'm sure you see my dilemma. I don't and never do want to take joy in the suffering of any person, even the wicked... (2 Pet 3:9 of 8-10) That said, I do also know the wicked have to be destroyed for peace to exist among "men of good will." (2 Pet 3:5-7; Luke 2:14 of 10-14) God is first warning, and then destroying, the unrepentant wicked! (2 Thes 1:6-10; Psa 96:12-97:3) Don't overlook the fact "that knowledge" and its offer of preservation is what you are hearing about right now; these Scriptures are God's warning to you! While I wish the wicked had not rejected Christ and so judged themselves deserving of death, (John 3:18 of 16-21) I am very pleased to see the danger they pose is being destroyed. (Psa 37:10-20) Soon we won't have to worry about those who break into our homes and cars to steal and do harm. They will all be gone! (Psa 37:10-11 of 7-15) You can take joy in the destruction of the wicked like incense rising forever; because all God's judgments are righteous and perfect. (Rev 19:1-3)
Is, then, my finding hope in the escalating tribulation[and/or Armageddon's start] my being like Jonah [setting up his tent to watch the destruction of Nineveh before God's time]; or, am I one of those Jesus told to hold my head high when I see the signs of my deliverance. (Luke 21:28 of 25-28) And/or, like one instructed by to stand still and see my salvation at his hand. (2 Chron 20:17) I hope! knows! Which are you? Are you either?
My Jonah syndrome goes hand in hand with the problem many of us feel about who we should pray for. There are so many people with so much need.
Everybody says they love God and us, and want us to pray for them; because they are convinced they are loving people. Don't be fooled, however, God is "not" saying that. does have, and He clearly states, his requirements for us. (1 Cor 6:9-11; Rom 1:20-32; Jude 7-9; John 17:3) The danger for the righteous is: If we pray for someone God has condemned because they refuse to listen to his son, (Mat 17:5 & John 1:12 & 8:26 & 15:15) are we not found fighters actually against God? (Acts 5:39 of 27-40) Not to worry, Jesus taught us very specifically who we "should" pray for; and, who we "should not" pray for. Jesus taught us in an open prayer to his Father:
John 17:6-10 ESV ..."I have manifested your name () to the people whom you gave me out of the world. (John 6:44; John 6:65) Yours they were, (2 Chron 16:9) and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. (John 6:28-29, Ecc 12:13) (7) Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. (John 8:28-29 of 26-30) (8) For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. (9) I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world (1 John 5:18-21) but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. (10) All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.
Patterning our mind after that prayer of Jesus, then, we should pray only for others who have been given to Jesus by his Father ! Pray for those who have each one made themselves a "New Creation" (2 Cor 5:17 of 16-19) and/or members of the modern day "Israel of God." (Gal 6:14-16) We can't, of course, know who are true Christians... (Luke 10:20 of 20-22) You don't need to presume to judge who is pleasing to our Father. (John 20:17; Luke 8:19-21) Simply join Jesus in praying for those has given to His Son. (See John 17:9 above.)
So, I hope you can understand how I have found myself wondering whether I am manifesting a Jonah complex, or, anxiously awaiting my deliverance at God's hand; even as Jesus said I should. (Luke 21:28 of 25-28) I believe the latter, of course. God knows... (1 Cor 4:1-5; Acts 17:29-31) I'll soon know too. If or as I continue alive, I will know... (Job 33:13-30) The reason I am sharing this with you is because it's your decision to make as well. Having gained this information gives you a wonderful hope and puts you in the same boat with Noah (Luke 17:20-30) and with the Ninevites. You are hearing Jonah's and Noah's and Jesus's warnings... Isn't it amazing how so many people see all this evidence Jesus promised (Mat 24:3-14; Mat 24:21-28) and still choose to ignore it; I guess in favor of what they consider this world's good things? (2 Pet 3:1-7) What about you? Are you listening to Christ and hoping for all the good things he promised, or, do you reject God's command (Mat 17:5 & John 1:12 & 8:26 & 15:15) and so choose to remain part of this world? For me, I am convinced this is the most exciting time in all of human history! (Acts 17:29-31; Eze 34:23-31) And yes, our deliverance must include our Tribulation being brought to it's end by Armageddon... [Armageddon is God's war to very selectively destroy all the remaining wicked, finally and forever.] (Rev 16:14-16) Life is good... Far more and better than that, is good! In conclusion; (Ecc 12:13-14) I am convinced I have come to know the one true God, (Prov 30:4) and to be among his people. That means, of course, I wouldn't couldn't change a thing. If you are one who is listening to Christ, (Mat 17:5 & John 1:12 & 8:26 & 15:15) I'll see you soon in paradise. (Isa 11:1-13)
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Everybody says they love God and us, and want us to pray for them; because they are convinced they are loving people. Don't be fooled, however, God is "not" saying that. does have, and He clearly states, his requirements for us. (1 Cor 6:9-11; Rom 1:20-32; Jude 7-9; John 17:3) The danger for the righteous is: If we pray for someone God has condemned because they refuse to listen to his son, (Mat 17:5 & John 1:12 & 8:26 & 15:15) are we not found fighters actually against God? (Acts 5:39 of 27-40) Not to worry, Jesus taught us very specifically who we "should" pray for; and, who we "should not" pray for.