I have a confession to make (inhale deeply and hold breath): I’m not a dog person! But here’s another confession. My wife is training a black Labrador Retriever as a service dog for people with disabilities, and . . . well, Snickers is absolutely the sweetest, most gentle and loving creature in the world—even though she’s so very doggish. You might even venture to say I’ve grown to love her.
God also loves creatures. He put animals on this earth for many reasons, but surely one is that He cares for them. His creatures teach us about His nature.
The book of Jonah also reveals something about God’s nature. A great fish miraculously deposited Jonah on the beach, and the runaway prophet finally did what God commanded: He warned the violent city of Nineveh of their imminent destruction (Jonah 3:3-4). The Ninevites repented and God relented. And Jonah vented. He was unhappy about the fact that God was “eager to turn back from destroying people” (Jonah 4:2). After being rescued from certain death, Jonah now wanted to die because He was so upset.
Despite Jonah’s tantrum, God continued to teach him about His forgiving nature. He sent a plant to protect Jonah from the sun. Then He killed the plant. Jonah waxed suicidal (again!). So God asked, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?” (Jonah 4:9). Then God revealed His heart of compassion: “Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” (Jonah 4:11).
It’s evident that God cares about His creation—people, animals—even stubborn prophets. He’ll always welcome us when we turn to Him. For to do so reflects His perfect, loving nature.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ruth 3:1-18
More:
Read Jonah 3:1-10 for the backstory of the Ninevites’ repentance.
Next:
How have you been acting like Jonah? Do you want God to punish others for being evil while overlooking your own sin? How does God’s grace inspire you today?
Gary Shultz on March 17, 2016 at 7:06 am
I am convinced Tim, that God uses animals to teach us of Himself and His hand in creation, in many ways. Job records that, the Psalms, and many other places. We are also told the way we treat animals is a reflection of our nature. As many things today the balance has gotten way out of control. In more and more cases the “out cry” to protect animals is greater than for humans. In that way we are sometimes like Jonah in our value of human life. It is continually dropping and other “men” want to place value on life. We like playing God. And of course to do that would mean overlooking their own sin. God has always had and designed the perfect balance in life. We can enjoy animals, even dogs; however, the life of His Son allowed people like us to experience His grace. And it still amazes me. Thanks Tim
Tim Gustafson on March 17, 2016 at 8:05 am
Per usual, you make some excellent observations here Gary. We learn so much about God by observing and caring for His creation. I agree that we have certainly seen a distortion in recent years — worshiping the creature while forgetting the Creator.
Hey, it was interesting to learn recently that your brother is on the Outdoor Channel. Jeff Olson will love that fact.
sandy229 on March 17, 2016 at 11:01 am
even dogs? lol yep I know why you said that was to in reference to what Tim said…..it was so funny I started laughing again.
Tim Gustafson on March 17, 2016 at 12:02 pm
Sandy229, I find it amusing that my wife is such a dog-lover — so much so that she refers to the cat as “your cat.” The cat will sleep all day long, and the moment I come home, she magically materializes to greet me. God made them both, and they bring us joy … usually. 🙂
sandy229 on March 17, 2016 at 2:13 pm
lol, that is funny….my husband often says the same thing referring to our cat, he will say “your” cat is hungry or something else but his reason for doing so is that Shadow will usually not let him pet her unless I am either holding her or at night when she is in-between us, then she lets him pet her but she usually will not let him, however, she will jump into his lap when he is in his chair with his legs up. She is very spoiled and picky. She will try to get him to play with her at night also.
gagirllive on March 17, 2016 at 8:26 am
Tim, I’m no dog (or any animal) lover either, but I can see their value…in other people’s lives. 🙂 I suppose that’s where Jonah had to get concerning the Ninevites. He didn’t see them as having inherent value, solely on the basis that they were God-created and loved just as he was. He wanted mercy for himself and justice for them…those “wicked people”. I have to carefully watch my own attitude regarding this too. God’s mercy and compassion extends to all of His creation. No one or group of people, no matter how evil they are, are beyond His reach. God is not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) I love how the Ninevites responded to the warning of their coming judgement. From the king on down, they covered themselves in sackcloth and fasted in repentance…even the animals! We (individually and nationally) desperately need to respond like them to this wonderful, merciful, and gracious God, don’t we? Appreciate this devotional today, Tim.
sandy229 on March 17, 2016 at 11:03 am
Yeah I thought that was interesting how even the animals fasted.
Tom Felten on March 17, 2016 at 9:19 am
Tim, I’m definitely an animal lover—but enjoy felines even more than canines! The beauty and diversity of all of creation truly points me to our Creator. I’m so grateful He’s given us Snickers and all the other creatures of this world. And I’m looking forward to the time when Jesus makes all things new and we’re in His presence on a restored earth. I can only imagine the beauty we’ll see and experience then!
sandy229 on March 17, 2016 at 11:10 am
I’m not a dog person either but I do like dogs, I just don’t like them as much as cats….my cat acts like a dog sometimes when she brings her toys to me and lays them at my feet. She is very spoiled and follows me everywhere. It’s so hard though when we are so close to any animal, then when they die, it’s so heart breaking! I’m thinking that if maybe I were that heart broken of all the lost souls, I would do better at bringing them to Jesus, but I do know its a different kind of heart break but still I know I should be that heart broken at all the people who will perish if they refuse to believe in God who loves them and how Jesus left the comfort of Heaven just to die for all of us “dust creatures”.
sandy229 on March 17, 2016 at 11:18 am
It’s so hard to believe that Jonah was so bold in his anger to God, especially when the plant died!! I know a lot of people get this angry at God but just don’t express it. God loves us so much that He just overlooks our anger as long as we don’t sin in our anger, but He is so forgiving and loving all the time. Our God is an awesome God and gives us animals to care for because they are all His creation and we owe it to Him to care for them. We love them and they love us and trust us. One time my cat was on the rafters on the patio and I told him to jump in my arms and he did…..he just trusted me not to let him fall, and then I thought about if we just trust God that much so that He won’t let us fall, but when we do, we can do so in the safety of His loving arms. He will always catch us when we fall.
Tim Gustafson on March 17, 2016 at 12:04 pm
I have to admit that I find myself behaving like Jonah. I receive a blessing, and then it is taken away after a time, and I whine about it. But I’m not proud of that. I find it interesting (and hopeful) that God continued appealing to Jonah.
sandy229 on March 17, 2016 at 2:14 pm
yes, I wanted to see if I could find anywhere in the Bible where I could find out what happened after that, but I guess that was the end of telling that story in the Bible.
Gary Shultz on March 17, 2016 at 2:33 pm
We share last names; however, his first name is Scott. You’ll find him on an e-search. Some good light-hearted comment today. I’m with Tom, I think we will be astounded with God’s new Heaven and earth.