Evil is everywhere. Last year, not far from where I was living, 57 civilians were massacred by political rivals. Many of these people weren’t simply killed. It was brutal. Deep in my heart, I must confess that there was a personal cry for justice—I wanted God to severely punish the perpetrators.
The whole point of the book of Jonah is not about a big fish. It’s actually about a God who extends His love—even to the worst of us. Jonah was sent to announce God’s judgment to the citizens of Nineveh, a city of especially brutal people. They committed horrifying acts against conquered foes.
Jonah quite naturally didn’t want to take God’s message to them. So he headed by ship in the opposite direction (Jonah 1:1-3). That’s where the big fish comes in (Jonah 1:15-17). Through divine intervention, Jonah eventually arrived in Nineveh with the Lord’s message for the people. But instead of ignoring it, the people actually repented (Jonha 3:7-9). Ergo, no judgment (Jonah 3:10). Jonah was furious (Jonah 4:1-3).
We do have a God of justice who declares: “I will take revenge. I will pay them back” (Romans 12:19). In an obscure prophecy found in the book of Nahum, God declares what He would eventually do to Nineveh (Romans 2–3). Justice.
But we also have a Savior who, as He was being crucified, called for His executioners to receive mercy: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Mercy.
Mercy and justice: two sides of the same coin. It’s a message God wants us to convey to everyone—even to the worst among us.
More:
He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land (1 Chronicles 16:14).
Next:
Why is it appropriate to want evil people to face judgment? Why is it dangerous? What happens when you take God’s judgment into your own hands?
jeGeddes on November 12, 2010 at 1:20 am
It saddens me how many people are running away from the church because we are seen as big bullies who condemn them because of various sins. All through his life, Jesus drew heaps of sinners to his presence. I think the modern church should slow down, and think, ‘Hey I’m just as bad as that murderer’. After all, don’t we all need God’s forgiveness. It even say in Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
So the church better keep that in mind.
tim gustafson on November 12, 2010 at 8:26 am
I agree. We are just as bad, and we all need forgiveness. I think that’s why Jesus warned us about the dangers of our own anger in Matthew 7:21-22. Almost in the same breath, He equated lust to outright adultery (7:27-28).
What do you think the church can do to help change this self-righteous attitude? Personally, I’m trying to identify with the struggles that other people have by keeping my own in mind.
cuddles on November 12, 2010 at 10:16 pm
While it is true we are all sinners, most peoples sin is self destructive i.e. drugs or drink. I live in a country where terrorists maimed and murdered for 30 years. If you seen the devastation this has on a small community where everyone knows each other you would understand why the anger. God is love and love did not live here so Satan dwelt here. He doesn’t any longer because our community were God fearing people. There are still hearts here who are deceivers but with God on our side ours is the victory.
janeguba on December 4, 2011 at 7:13 pm
I know this massacre. This happened in our country. Honesty, there were times when I questioned God why has he allowed this incident to happen. But I trust His sovereignty
tim gustafson on December 4, 2011 at 10:52 pm
I was living in a nearby province when it happened (Lanao del Sur). I was so stunned, I didn’t know what to think. It’s unbelievable what people can intentionally do to other people.