Days 155&156: Jonah 1-4, Amos 1-5

I don't know what kind of weird psychology goes on inside of us that we hate to see someone shown mercy. We know they're guilty and they get away with it...we hate that...unless, of course, I'm the one who receives mercy. If I'm the one who gets a second chance then I appreciate it. I might even think I deserve it. But if it's anyone else then I cry out for justice!

Apparently this is nothing new. Jonah was told to preach to the Ninevites and they believed him and repented and...

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. (Jonah 3:10-4:1)

He and I are so much like the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18. We tend to forget what we really deserve...and the mercy we received.

I was also really struck with a passage in Amos today. In fact I wonder if this message from God isn't appropriate for those of us who have that unforgiving attitude...

“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
   your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
   I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
   I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
   I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
   righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:21-24)

I read that line about "justice rolling on like a river" and wonder if that's a threat or a promise. Is He saying, "Ok, if you would rather have justice than mercy then that's what you'll get!"?

All I know is I don't want God to reject my worship. Maybe I should show as much mercy to others as I've received.