While the prophet Jonah was (probably) a historical figure, the book in his name was written decades after his death and the destruction of Nineveh. It is a form of “alternative history,” almost what we could call science fiction. The book describes a feeling that can be all too common among believers — anger, disappointment, regret that God’s will does not coincide with what I want. “LORD, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the LORD asked, “Have you reason to be angry?” What Jonah needed is what we all need: the freedom to pray as Jesus taught us, “Thy will be done.” As the prophet points out, God is full of mercy and compassion. Even if things aren’t going the way we had hoped we can be sure that the God of mercy and compassion is at work. Trusting in the compassion of God is the foundation of hope in a future full of divine blessings.
