An Emotional Trip with Jonah
Too bad Jonah never had a chance to learn Emotional Intelligence.
1:1-3
Fear generates either FIGHT or FLIGHT. In the case of Jonah there is panic and flight.
- Decisions made in “fear mode” are:
- Precipitous, costly, wrong, selfish,
- have serious consequences for self and others
Jonah becomes disengaged and uncaring (sleeping during the storm).
1:12 ff
Confession, although somewhat forced leads to release and courage to act. Can it be at this point that love for his fellow man has returned? “Perfect love casts out fear!”
1:12 ff
With being discovered and ultimately cast overboard would there necessarily have been feelings of rejection and a certain amount of “self-loathing”?
2:1-9
Jonah’s prayer:
- v.4 – distress à hope
- v.9 – thankfulness
3:1-4
What emotions was Jonah experiencing in 3:4 when he finally began preaching judgement upon Nineveh? Pride? Self-Righteousness? More anger?
4:1-3
Jonah becomes ANGRY again.
He expresses disappointment and depression (sadness in the extreme), “Take my life!”
4:6
Extreme happiness over a relatively little event, the growth of a plant for shade.
4:8,9
The happiness is short-lived and gives way to depression and anger.
There is “self-justification” of his angry state.
Sadly the story of Jonah ends with lack of compassion where there should be great joy!
If you have some insight or thoughts on Jonah's emotional life, why not leave a comment? Click the comment link below.
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