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Monday, December 14, 2009

Change of Plan!

The story of Jonah reminded me today that God rarely ever executes His plan according to my plan.  For me, typically, there is a change of plan.  No matter what I perceive any given outcome to be, more times than not, it goes differently and more divinely perfect than I could have imagined.

This is all well and good except I don't deal with interruptions to my plans very well!  It seems Jonah had the same problem!  He had in his mind what the outcome of Nineveh would be and was sorely disappointed when God changed the plan.  It wasn't that Jonah wanted people to die - he simply felt that since he went to all the prophetic risk of declaring God's intention to destroy Nineveh that God should support him in his declaration.

Oddly enough, it seems Jonah had focused more on destruction than on repentance.  If this story says anything at all, it says that God is both just and merciful.  However, as we learn more about God, we will see that His mercy always seeks to refrain from justice (and its penalty) as long as possible.  What then is God to do?  Make Jonah happy and fulfilled or follow His own nature and character?

Father, I am so glad that You are Who You are!  I am so glad that You are merciful and loving.  I am so glad that Your character is so evident in the Word!  Thank You!

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