Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 3-090 (Devotional)

THE THIRTY-THREE MILLION DOLLAR MAN

by Lachlan Dunjey

(Lachlan is writing in the context of the disclosed payout to the ‘departing’ Chief Executive Officer of a major Australian financial company. Its value had plummeted at the time, and is still spiralling down, affecting not only market investors but probably every Australian in a public superannuation (retirement) fund, which is compulsory for most of the workforce.)

What did you feel when you read about this massive termination payout? Amazement? Resentment? Anger? Frustration? Amusement?

Did you wish him good luck or did you wish him to go the way of some other high flyers and come to a miserable and lonely end, invoking scripture to suit your purpose? Did you mutter to yourself that the ‘only’ treasures you will ever get will be those that are stored in heaven?

Did you pray for him?

Well, I must confess to a few hard feelings particularly in the light of having recently lost a huge percentage of my very insufficient and hard earned superannuation.

Guess what my reading was the next morning …

Jonah! (Lord God, how do You do this? How can You answer a million prayers and needs all at the same time?)

Here is the most dramatic object lesson in all history of the guy who wants to see a people condemned. No way does he want Nineveh to repent and be saved. He wants the people there – ‘bad sinners’ – to be judged. So much so that he runs away to Joppa and catches a boat to lead him out into the Mediterranean in the opposite direction to where God wants him to go! How is that for a guy who doesn’t want to be a channel of blessing?

And that isn’t all! He is so angry at God for forgiving them that he wants to die:

“O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee 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, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (4:2-3)

Lord, Your word is so powerful. Forgive me, Lord, for even momentarily thinking bad thoughts about this man. ‘Lord of the narrow gate and the needle’s eye’ (Lewis), be merciful to him. May he be wise – and even blessed – in the use of that money. May You in Your mercy bring him to Yourself.

And thankyou for my abundant wealth compared to those who hunger and may I always be hearing your voice and be doing Your will – not so I can get treasures in heaven but out of pure love for You and being jealous for Your glory.

– Lachlan Dunjey <>