C. Hassell Bullock's Thoughts on Jonah

 This morning, I'm gathering the embers of my memory from reading C. Hassell Bullock's perspective on the book of Jonah.  This is an exercise of memory--imperfect, but helpful in my efforts to retain and apply what I learned.

Bullock views Jonah as a transitional prophet. He dates the book as quite old in comparison to the other literary prophets, but acknowledges other possible datings.  Jonah has aspects of the pre-literary prophets with the flashy manifestations of physical miracles--his time in the belly of the whale and deliverance, the growth of the vine.  He sees threads of Job's questioning at the end--man confronts God, and God basically blows his mind because His vision is forever grander than we can conceive, grander than our best abilities to love others and want the best for them, smashing our selfish constructs and beliefs about justice and what is right.

Bullock asserts the primary purpose of Jonah is "to affirm God's irresistible will in the world." Indeed, this dominates and ties the various pieces of narrative into a greater whole--his running, his deliverance in the whale, God's provision of the vine and provision for the people of Nineveh.  Again, His perspective is monumental, all encompassing and better than our tiny micro-constructions of  Him, of justice, of our role and outworking in His plan.

I find it interesting that Bullock asserts that the author of Jonah was skillful in his writing and narrative---unsurpassed in the OT.  This book intertwines historical narrative and events with theological truths revealed through the miracles--similar to the miracles of Elijah and Elisha.  I like the way Alexander MacLaren puts this as he makes a similar point: "He [Jonah] is a prophet of Israel, because the lesson of his history was for them, though his message was for Nineveh."  God uses one book to speak to multiple audiences for multiple purposes.

His perspective is that Jonah is eminently self-centered in his concerns. Does Jonah ever really appreciate God's mercy toward the Ninevites?  The book does, but I'm not sure Jonah transcends his selfish legalism.  Mercy is good for him but not for the heathen other.  It's similar to the prodigal son's older brother. In uncomfortable honesty, it's similar to dark feelings in my own heart as I establish my righteousness against others.

As with most things these days, I never get as far as I had hoped when beginning the entry, the task, the thought, the act.  This is a piece of the strength and weakness of maturity--just enough bread for the day but no extra. Mindfully appreciating the bread given instead of making three more loaves and feeling satisfaction at what I've done in strength and energy of youth.  Middle age must be more careful--not too much "extra" to throw against the flaws and mistakes. More careful measuring. More mindfulness as I knead today's dough, praying it is enough.