But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭11‬
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

The cry of Jonah here is one of anguish over the lack of justice applied for the many atrocities committed. Jonah must have seen and experienced direct pain himself, or the pain of those around him who had been tortured for sport and killed as if life was of no value at all.

It reminds me of the cry of the martyrs in Revelation when the fifth seal was opened.  “How long until you judge the inhabitants of the earth? How long until you avenge our blood?”

God's response to the martyrs is perplexing and at the same time a demonstration of his sovereignty. He says to wait a little while longer until the full number of martyrs has been reached. This seems sick and wrong without understanding the heart of God. But a look into the story of Stephen and Paul help us understand this passage more. Stephen was the first known martyr after Jesus died, and he said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Saul was in charge and watching. Saul was later confronted by Jesus and converted to be his follower. He then preached to likely tens of thousands of people and has impacted billions more with his books written in the Bible.

To God, the death of his martyrs is precious because it results in multiple souls being saved for the kingdom. Martyrs are linked to souls saved. Their testimony is undeniable! Their impact broad and important to the growth of the church. They do not die in vain.

Jonah was wanting justice but missed the impact of his sacrifice on eternal souls. He was playing God and judging the hearts of men again.

Lord, help me to see your big picture plan of salvation when all around may seem to be unfair and unjust. You will redeem things in your time.  Justice will reign. However, you are gracious and at times more gracious than I can understand or appreciate.  Help me grow in grace!