Bible Study Seattle

Jonah was dismayed when the evil people of Nineveh repented of their deeds.

“But it greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, “Please Lord, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.”  Jonah 4:1-2

““Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.  And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be.  And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’  But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.  But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’”  Luke 15:25-30

Jonah and the prodigal son (Israel) are offended when the Lord lets sinners off the hook.  Since they have restrained themselves to live a good life, they are offended when revelers get an easy slide.  Why be good if God is so gracious with sinners?  Why not indulge in the good life?  But they forget that there are rewards for living a good life.  Just because some apparently get off easy, they still will have to make up for their deeds.