Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.
– Jonah 4:5, NIV
And so, Jonah built himself a shelter to watch God, hopefully, smite the Ninevites. He made a “Smiting Shelter,” so to speak.
Jonah wanted to watch God punish the Ninevites for their wicked deeds. He had bought front row seats to the show. And he was ready for God to perform with the fullest of justice and fury.
But God didn’t.
He had mercy on the Ninevites.
Because they humbled themselves and repented of their sin (more on this later; see Jonah 3:6-10).
What does this story tell us as faithful spouses?
Forgiveness means we do not build “Smiting Shelters.”
We hand over our grievances and hurts to God fully. Then we “walk” away.
And we do not build proverbial places to observe our cheating exes and company until God brings down hell fire for what they have done to us (and our kids). The example of Jonah reminds us that such building is improper for God’s people.
Another part of the story that encourages me–and I hope you as well–is that God is not so hard on Jonah.
He does not strike him dead on the spot for building a “Smiting Shelter.” Rather, God uses the situation to teach Jonah a lesson (read on in chapter four to see this).
God is very patient with the ones He loves. And He dearly loves us, faithful spouses. So, my point from that is to cut yourself some slack if you spent time building your own “Smiting Shelter.”
God is patient.
He does not condemn the ones He has redeemed.
God lovingly corrects His children.
Finally, I want to point out that God’s wrath is adverted only because the Ninevites humbly turned from their wicked ways demonstrating such with action (see Jonah 3:6-10). My point in this is repentance is still needed to avoid judgment. This isn’t cheap forgiveness.
Without a repentant response (with actions demonstrating humility), the Ninevites would have been smitten by God. Cheaters and cheater apologists ought to take note.
It will be a fearful reckoning for all who have not sought and obtain God’s forgiveness on the Judgement Day. And when God forgives, He calls us–like the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11b)–to go and sin no more!
***A version of this post ran previously.
Everyone remembers Jonah inside the whale, but few recall his brief comfort under the shade of the flower that bloomed over him, much less relate it so well! When you are so deeply hurt, it is strange to think that you begin to feel comfort in your misery, but that is your new normal! Only when God gives you the grace to offer up your hurt and truly begin to forgive in your heart are you ready to give up shallow protection of your smiting shelter. Thank you for this wonderful insight into the second part of Jonah’s story!