November 9th, 2025
WHALE
Anger Towards God
Jon Fredricks
Today's Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11 NIV
Jonah 4:1-11 NIV
But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 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. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”
9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
Luke 22:31-32 NIV
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Romans 12:19 NIV
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Psalm 37:8 NIV
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Psalm 145:8 NIV
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
Jeremiah 30:24 NIV
The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this.
Ephesians 4:26 NIV
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Jonah 4:9 NIV
9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
1) NAME THE ANNOYANCE
Luke 18:41 NIV
“What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
Proverbs 20:5 NIV
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
2) DO THE SOMETHING
Micah 6:8 NIV
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
James 4:17 NIV
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
3) STAY IN THE STRUGGLE
Proverbs 22:24 MSG
Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.
Matthew 11:28 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
4) ATTEND TO HIS ATTRIBUTES
Philippians 4:8 NIV
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Job 37:14 NIV
14 “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.
Job 42:2 NIV
2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
5) SURRENDER TO HIS STEPS
Luke 22:42 NIV
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 9:23 NIV
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Psalm 16:11 NIV
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
AFTER THE LIVESTREAM
Pray -
Jesus, I know that I have been separate from you my entire life. I have tried to pretend otherwise, but I realize today that my decisions, choices...my sin has separated me from God. I believe you are the Son of God and my only way forward. Please save me as I surrender the rest of my life into your hands. Thank you that you hear me!
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