Jonah:3:5,10 The people of Nineveh believed in God, and declared a fast. They dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest to the least, and prayed. When God saw their actions – that they turned from their evil way of living – He relented concerning His judgement and did not destroy them.
In general, praying for the salvation of others is an easy task. It is one of the clearest goals that Jesus gave to every believer. The story of Jonah, however, is about the challenging side of this task: praying for mercy and salvation for our enemies. That is not a natural thing to desire or do.
“But I say love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be like your Father in heaven …” (Matthew 5:44,45) It would be rather odd if Jesus commanded us to do what came naturally – let your emotions and desires be your guiding light. No, we came running to Jesus to be rescued from our broken selves, so it is clear that we can’t trust that darkened light. Therefore, the light that He compels us to follow, His will, is a direct challenge to our will. Love your enemy!
Jonah had to get swallowed by a big fish before he was willing to comply with God’s demand to simply deliver God’s message. I am like Jonah. I am not inspired by God’s command to love. I would prefer to go to Tarshish. Rather than sending a big fish to persuade me, Jesus simply added a reason for desiring His will: “That you may be like your Father in heaven!” Yes, that is what I desire. This simple idea changes my perspective. The task is still difficult, but no longer beyond my grasp. Feed them and I am feeding Jesus. Love my enemy and I am becoming like my Father. God desires that every undeserving person (all have sinned) should repent and know His salvation. Seeing those who mistreat me through the eyes of my Father, I can pray, “Yes, You are great and full of compassion. May they fear You and know You. May they experience Your salvation.” God is good!