But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry... O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live. And the Lord said, "Is it right for you to be angry?"... But God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?" And he said, "Yes, angry enough to die." (Jonah 4: 1,3-4,9)
Jonah wants to be the center of his universe. He wants to be in charge. When Jonah's plans are frustrated, he is angry.
God has other plans. God pushes Jonah into relationship with his neighbors. In relationship with the people of Nineveh Jonah's relationship with God is transformed.
Our own sense-of-self is most often what separates us from God and neighbor. Our desire for control contends with God's intent.
In serving others, we serve God. In loving others, we love God. In loving God and neighbor we can claim our true self.
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