Posture of Pride or Peace…
11.10.24
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the more popular biblical tales in kid’s ministries everywhere. The story of God telling Jonah to preach the truth against the wickedness of Nineveh, Jonah running away from that calling, God protecting him through the storm and being swallowed up at sea, Jonah praising God and repenting from his disobedience, Jonah preaching God’s message to Nineveh, and the people of Nineveh being saved. The End. Right?
Jonah 4:1,4 “But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry… But the Lord replied, “is it right for you to be angry?”
The book of Jonah ends with God expressing grace and compassion, all the while a prophet grows bitter and prideful. See Jonah was just fine with telling people how it is, wielding God’s Word, but he could not accept when God showed mercy, and the people that Jonah thought should be punished were saved too. For Jonah, vengeance was more important than peace.
Now let’s look at another prophet, one that gives us insights about peace, even under pressure. Daniel, known for his almost unmatched faithfulness to God, seemed to have no concern about his personal status or the status of others as long as he could experience and honor God with his life. He allowed himself to essentially to be removed from royalty to become a servant to the wicked king. That meant his name being changed, his language being changed, his whole identity erased. But Daniel served humbly. But, when it came to some of the few pleasures that were offered from Babylon, things that would dishonor God, he abstained. Because of this, Daniel was given much wisdom and provisions from God, but it never seemed to change his posture. He always remained humbly under the Lordship of God, even when it meant losing power and pleasure for God’s glory or rejecting the will of kings to remain in the will of God.
And then, in an even more surprising act of selflessness, Daniel confesses on behalf of his people and asks God to show them mercy. In a moment where Daniel could condemn his people, he instead postures himself between them and God and asks for forgiveness.
“Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances… Open your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that bears your name. We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness but on the ground of your great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, listen and act and do not delay! For your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people bear your name!” Daniel 9
Even though both stories have similarities (God calling us to be faithful and the preserving of our salvation) the condition of each prophet’s heart could not be more different. It is because one was seeking the will of God (peace) and one was seeking their own (pride.) God was still gracious, merciful, and compassionate, but only the one who showed humility, selflessness, and mercy seemed to fully experience the joy of God’s Kingdom.
Will we trade our pride for God’s peace?
Will we seek peace with those we disagree with?
Will we ask God to bring peace to those we disagree with?