America Is Alive and Well

Democrats are in mourning.  Really?!!  COME ON - WAKE UP AND SMELL THE FREEDOM! One of your first degree* relatives didn't die. And America certainly didn't die!! To the contrary ...

America should rejoice in the fact that it just did something that we fought a bloody revolution for and two world wars to protect. We just did what billions of people around the world ENVY and dream for!

Our citizens got to judge an extremely hard, long, peaceful democratic contest. Then we got to go to the polls and make our selection, knowing that each and every vote would be counted.  Knowing that no one would discard or falsify the results. And our Electoral College process worked exactly like our brilliant and visionary Founding Fathers designed it to in our Constitution. Then we got to hear and see conciliatory speeches from the losers, and a gracious and respectful acceptance speech from the winner. Both sides' leaders pledged to reach out and work with the other in the spirit of our Nation! And, Americans have been as free to peacefully protest as they are to celebrate.  Ultimately there will be a peaceful transition to power.  WOW!

Your candidate won or lost, but America did not die. America came to life. Just as she does with each election.  America got to throw off and throw out. America also got to affirm and declare.  America got to be heard.  And America got to listen.

Senator Schumer, the proud Jewish Senator from my district in NY, became the most powerful Democrat in Washington as his colleagues unanimously backed this consummate dealmaker as their new leader. Schumer said “We are ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Republicans – working with soon-to-be President Trump on issues where we agree. But we will go toe-to-toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress we’ve made is under assault."

Dead?  Mourning?  Snap out of it!  Could there be a greater affirmation that our Democracy is ALIVE AND WELL?!

America's ideals did not die. To the contrary, we just just shouted for the whole world to hear that our dead soldiers did NOT DIE IN VAIN, and in Abraham Lincoln's immortal words from Gettysburg November 1863,  "This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

* Note: Judaism has a tradition of "sitting Shiva" when one of our 7 seven first degree relatives dies. Shiva (Hebrew: שבעה‎‎, literally "seven") is the week-long mourning period in Judaism for first-degree relatives: father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, and spouse.

P.S. As far as the future of America, and more specifically the economy, I have laid out some predictions.  If you care to see them just click on "PREDICTIONS." 

Post Election Predictions - Going into 2017

Each year I like to look ahead and make some predictions about our economy.  As someone who actively invests, it is important for me to form a macro-view in order to make investment decisions from the "top down" as they say.  Of course, one must also pair one's macro views with bottom up analysis of individual companies.  And, as I've learned in my more recent years, to also be guided by the "technicals."  

From my macro-view predictions I form my investment thesis, which in turn I apply to the selection of industry sectors and then individual stocks or ETFs. Before I list my predictions, let me preface my overall thesis about the change going on in our Country.  

With the Presidential election over, America is at an in-flexion point - a point of change.  Some people can not see it. Some people saw it coming.  For the last few years we have been stuck between two very different visions for the future. This created uncertainty.  Because of the lack of clarity, with two very different possible political outcomes, businesses and investors have delayed decisions and actions. Capital was not put to work. Banks didn't lend. Opportunities were put on hold.  Consumers delayed large purchases.

With the outcome of the election, and the fact that leadership now controls the executive and legislative branches of government, not to mention key appointments in the judiciary branches, a more distinct vision for the future is taking shape.  I know that many do not like what they see and are scared.  But there is a positive narrative too.  As an investor or business owner, it behooves you to anticipate and position for the future.  

It is obvious that the pendulum is swinging to the right for sure! Lots of smart cookies who definitely have anti-establishment views are taking over Washington. Big changes are ahead in the Land! You can't tell me it wasn't time. The streets are gonna be running pink. As in pink for all the pink slips that are going out. Exciting stuff! Change is always a bit un-nerving, more for some than others. And truthfully, it is too early to say how effectively it all works out. But for all of us who wanted to "drain the swamp," there is a distinct gurgling sound being heard!

But enough ... here's my first five predictions, with others to follow in the future:

Prediction #1:

We will have a massive wave of immigration! What Trump wants to do for infrastructure is going to require an enormous volume of labor that America does not have. In order to rebuild our infrastructure we will see a surge in LEGAL immigration from Latin America including Mexico. Hispanic population in the U.S. is going to grow and prosper. How ironic!

And much of the greatest rebuilding needs are in CITIES, where blacks andHispanics will benefit. Trump said during the campaign that he'd be better for those communities and this is one reason why.

Expansion of infrastructure is going to require Imports of raw materials in a big way! This is going to lift mining and depressed countries like Brazil and Venezuela. It is also going to give a big lift to both U.S. and foreign steel industry. Which in turn it's going to be a big help to South America and our trading partners whose economies are in desperate need! It will also help U.S. rail and shippers that transport these materials.

Our expansion of energy in the U.S. in a big move towards energy Independence is going to play into this as well. Each dollar of foreign oil that becomes a dollar of U.S. oil equals stimulus in the U.S. The expansion of our energy infrastructure means demands for raw materials and labor too. And, energy independence is in our National Security interests!!!

Like Obama wanted to leave a legacy of transforming healthcare, Trump wants his the legacy to be the builder who rebuilt America. Let's hope Trump is more successful than Obama - who's system is a imploding.

--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: When people think of immigration they tend to recall Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. Remember, that was the "big door" for LEGAL immigration in the day! Trump favors a BIG DOOR and legal immigration. He also wants to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Which we should do! Once the others, who do not have a criminal history, see that they can immigrate legally, they may leave and apply to come back through a legal process. I think the definition of the "wall" will be revisited, in the context of looking for better strategies and tactics for border control.

Prediction #2:

My first prediction was a contrarian one. I said that we would see a giant increase in LEGAL Immigration in America in order to support the $1 trilliion infrastructure projects that the Trump Administration will seek to put through.

My second prediction ties directly into infrastructure again, and more specifically to transportation. Expect new announcements to push forward High-Speed Rail connections between Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. This had been talked about for a long time and Amtrak would be the big winner, along with related Industries and of course, Americans.

Outlying cities with Amtrak connections to those major cities, such as Albany and Poughkeepsie NY also stand to benefit.

Since railroads, as well as the steel industry, are Unionized for the most part, they're likely to get behind Trump's initiative in a big way. We're already hearing them support re-renegotiating of U.S. Trade agreements. Getting the Unions to come on board and support a Republican Administration is a major blow to the Democrats.

Prediction #3:

This was an easy one, until Sessions became the A.G.  As a staunch legalization opponent it is hard to say what direction the Federal Government will go.  Recreational marijuana needs to be legalized by the Federal Government in order to clear the way for the existing and growing number of States which have already done so to come into compliance.  With the passage by CA, MA, NV, and ME, joining OR, WA, and others in legalizing recreational pot, the Federal Government can no longer simply look the other way.  Regardless of whether the Federal Government wants to, it will eventually  have to bow to pressure from the rolling trend of legalization by more and more states. 

What's key here is not just the fact that there is a new recreational drug!  There are all sorts of possible implications that result from this fact.  Here are some of the consequential results I predict:

• A drag on beer and liquor industry sales.  In turn, this will present some challenges for the restaurant and entertainment industry which depend on alcohol sales for a large percentage of their profits. 
• Fewer deaths from alcohol and related accidents and acts of violence, domestically, and otherwise. 
• Greater profits for insurance companies that have paid out large sums in relation to all the negative impacts of alcohol on society.
• Fewer crimes that involve both alcohol and marijuana, resulting in Reductions in the prison population and efforts by Governments to reduce the cost of prisons.  Police will reallocate resources to better uses, which will have beneficial results.  Corrections industry Unions and workers will have some struggles. 

Prediction #4:
The biggest loser from the election is Democratic Socialism, as Bernie called it.  Capitalism is going to make a comeback.  And, with it, the spirit of Entrenepeurship and self sufficiency.   The best way to explain why I am all for a major set-back for Democratic Socialism is to watch this video. 

Prediction #5:

Italy breaks from Euro and goes back on the LIRA.  Like the U.K., citizens will vote down the reforms that are required to stay in the European Union.  Germany and France will try to find a compromise, leading to a complete restructuring of the E.U.  While France will publically stand behind Germany, their leaders will be under tremendous pressure to address border/immigation issues, forcing Germany to accept concessions which Greece and the U.K. could not extract in their negotiations.  Italy's departure marks the unraveling of the E.U. framework as we know it.  What comes next is still impossible to tell.  But one thing is for sure, Trump isn't the only one who's going to manage to bring down the "establishment!"

CLICK HERE FOR MY SECOND SET OF PREDICTIONS. 

Remembering Rose (8/7/15)

“In Loving Memory Of”

By Taylor Longenberger

Acrylic on Watercolor Paper

Florence, Italy 2015

Final piece for painting class at the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy to represent the psychological and emotional connections that are present through life and death. 

Below is the D'var Torah I Gave 8/7/15 during a lay-led Summer service at Vassar Temple.  I brought in a pencil drawing of a rose by a good friend and dance student of my wife's, Taylor, to display.  

Eikev  - Parashah (portion) - Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25

Tonight's flower is in honor of my Grandmother Rose.  I never met Rose, she died when my father was 18.   But I am named after her -- Rose, Robert.  If you've ever thought things happen for a reason, then you can appreciate my curiosity about my grandma Rose. (My Hebrew middle name Jonah is after my maternal great Grandfather Joseph.)

Jewish Sages say that naming a baby is a statement of their future character, and their specialness, and their path.  "For at the beginning of life we give a name, and at the end of life a "good name" is all we take with us." (Talmud - Brachot 7b - Sha'ar HaGilgulim 24b)  According to Talmud, parents receive one-sixtieth of prophecy when picking a name.  "An angel comes to the parents and whispers the Jewish name that the baby will embody." (Source Aish.com)

Rose is not my name, but there's still meaning to be found in my connection to it.  When wise King Solomon wrote the Shir Hashirim, the Song of Songs, about God's eternal love of the Jewish people, he likened them to a "rose among thorns." And with this analogy King Solomon provided great insights worth contemplating on how the Jewish people have been able to survive long and bitter exile among the nations of the world. What is in a rose?

It is a fundamental principle of the Kabbala that all the things G‑d creates in the lower realm, our physical existence, are expressions of their spiritual elements in the upper realms. Therefore, we may view parts of the physical world as a parable for different aspects of divinity.  So it must it be with a rose.

Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport of Adath Israel Brith Shalom in Louisville KY, tells us that "To understand our world, we must find our place within it. To understand our lives, we must see them as part of a greater whole. To understand our relationship with God, we must understand, somewhat, the nature of God's holiness and how to bring holiness into our own lives as well."  "While the ancient texts ... may obscure these basic truths from our modern eyes, still in all, there are lessons buried beneath them that can speak to us as well."

Perhaps a lesson about our survival can be drawn from tonight's Torah portion.  Let's see ... for Rose.

Our parashah tonight is from The Book of Deuteronomy, known in Hebrew as Devarim, the fifth book of the Old Testament; and it contains a second statement of Mosaic law.  It is Israel's ancient constitution, and one of the oldest constitutions in our possession, dating back to the around the 14th century BCE.

Our portion this week covers verses 7:12 - 11:25.  We read that in exchange for our lifelong, multi-generational devotion to God, we are given promises.  So, in a sense, as the Jewish people are about to cross over the River Jordan and enter the promised land, Moses is reminding us our Covenant with God.  The deal we made.  Lest any feelings of buyer's remorse be on the people's minds.

The thing is, while the benefits of this deal were highly relevant to the Jewish people thousands of years ago, we inherited or accepted the same obligations in exchange for the same promises.  So what's in it for us today?

Zig Ziglar, a popular motivational and business development speaker, writer, and coach, who inspired millions into his 80s said everyone listens to the same radio station. Wii FM, which stands for "what's in it for me."  My Dvar this evening is a perfect example of a terrific sales proposition, for thousands of years ago.  Looking at it today, the relevance is obscure at best.

The challenge facing Judaism and Vassar Temple, depends on our ability to answer this question in a relevant way today.  Christians get eternal life. It isn't possible to say how that's working out. However, sometimes I do think that Christians have a better marketing and sales strategy.  Or at least less likelihood of claims against the guarantee. Let's not even mention the promises to certain martyrs.

Jews on the other hand get a better life on earth.  Provided we help build it.  We get what we give.  So what do we get according to Deuteronomy?  Babies, lots of babies. Not only will we multiply, but so will our herds and crops.  No worries about sterility. No disease or sickness either.  We'll be able to ward off and destroy all our enemies, so we need not fear them.  Wait, there's more. Clothes that don't wear out.  A land with plenty of water, wheat, barley, figs, pomegranates, olives and honey.  Yes, life sounded very good, if you were hearing Moses describe it to you.

And if any of us had any doubts.  Just look at what God did for us in Egypt.  Come on now, what more testimony do we need than that?

But even if Moses stood hear today, as a stranger in the land, making the same promises he did thousands of years ago in the desert.  Would people buy it?  Would Moses change his message?   What would Moses promise today?  Better organic produce, name brands for less, a 3% fixed rate mortgage, better wifi?   I suppose if you're trying to have a baby, Moses is still sounding pretty good to you.

Isn't it ironic, that at time when we need a better world, God's message is harder to receive.  Because it takes so much effort to make it relevant.  And even then, a great leap of faith.  And yet, the key to our success, is to find ways to do just that.  To make deal relevant.  To make it meaningful.  As a temple, we have to help transcend time.  Not just to go back in time and history to understand our Jewish identity.  But to find a 21st century meaning in a 14th century BCE text.

I contend we don't need any new promises or a new deal. .All we truly need is still there.  If we look for it.  And the sages, and Rabbi's and even your friends from Vassar Temple will help you to find it.  So will your personal meditations.

You see, in my opinion an atheist isn't someone who doesn't believe in God.  An atheists is someone who hasn't found the meaning of God.

Where do you find the meaning of God?  Where?  You find God, in a Rose.

Or maybe, at the Western Wall.

Call Me By My Other Name

This year, 5777, a year with three sevens, on Taschlich (the time during the High Holy Days when Jews traditional "Cast off their sins) is different for me and I will be different because of it.  As we who perform the ancient tradition, inspired by a passage from Micah, cast off our sins to the depths, I took a dramatic action. A life milestone. I started using my middle name.

My full name is Robert Jonah Ritter. Folks who know me the longest call me Bobby. But, I've always liked my Hebrew middle name, Jonah, better. And for many years I have wanted to switch.  Since "I ain't getting any younger," it is time. So this coming High Holy Days, during Tashlich, when we cast off, I will symbolically cast off the use of "Robert." Then on Erev Yom Kippur I and the start of the Jewish New Year 5777, I will elevate my Hebrew name to daily use.  So the next time I give my name, or I'm asked, "Do you like to be called Bob or Robert?"  My answer will be, please call me Jonah.

Going public with a name change at age 57, is a very odd thing to do. Easily open to misinterpretation.  I can imagine people's thoughts: "What's he trying to hide? He is having an identity crisis." "He's nuts."  All understandable assumptions, but the truth is not that simple.  So I decided I would offer an explanation with my announcement.

Jonah has special meaning for me. Jonah was a prophet during Jeroboam II, the King of Israel in the 8th century BCE. Jonah had other prophecies, but one most everyone is aware of is the story of "Jonah and the Big Fish." I have thought about it more than most.

My middle name Jonah in Hebrew, Yonah (יונה), means “dove.” It is the name of a biblical prophet whose biblical story is read every year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The book of Jonah tells about the prophet’s refusal to fulfill G‑d’s mission to call on the people of Ninveh to repent. After a long and frightening ordeal, Jonah regretted having defied G‑d’s wish, and went to tell the city to repent. There are twists all the way through the story, each with lessons for us.

One of my interpretations of the Story of Jonah can be found in a midrash I wrote about it. It also ties to my reasons for choosing Tashlich for my actions.  Here is a link to that.  

For as long as I can remember, on every Yom Kippur, I would stay at temple all day, and in between the morning and afternoon services, I would spend part of that time thinking about the message of the biblical story of Jonah and praying for the wisdom to know the right choices, as well as the courage and conviction to make the best decisions.  Jonah inspires me to say "Heneni" (hear I am), a scriptural reference to accepting a call to serve G-d. Maybe one day I can play a song for you that I wrote which is named, "I Need Conviction."

There are many interpretations of the story of Jonah, and much meaning to be found in it.  One example comes from The Zohar. (Zohar in Hebrew: זֹהַר, lit. "Splendor" or "Radiance.") The Zohar is the foundational work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah.  On the meaning of Jonah, Rabbi Sharia Taub wrote:

"I know what you’re thinking. This has got to be a metaphor, because I have never boarded a seafaring vessel bound for Tarshish to escape prophecy, gotten caught in a storm, had the crew throw me overboard, and been swallowed by a fish.

You’re right. Those things haven’t happened to you. And they probably won’t happen to (any) of us. But, still, the Zohar says that this is the real story of your life.

You are Jonah. The real you, for “Jonah”—in Kabbalistic parlance—is another name for the soul. Hence, the story of Jonah is the story of a soul’s journey here on earth. Thus, on Yom Kippur, as we examine our lives and consider our purpose in this world, we remember the historical Jonah whose real-life narrative symbolizes our spiritual odyssey."

For me personally, choosing to use my middle name Jonah is my way of creating a daily reminder that my soul is on a journey, that life is a journey, and to make it purposeful rather than materialistic.  Jonah teaches me to listen to the "wiser voice" in me. Jonah teaches me not to postpone or avoid what I should do.  And Jonah's story showed me the depth of meaning that can be found in our journey.

My middle name Jonah is a blessing, and it is time to elevate it over my first name, Robert. Thank you all for enduldging me by honoring my somewhat awkward request:  Please call me by my middle name, Jonah.

Kindly,

R. Jonah Ritter

P.S. Because my legal name includes Jonah, I will not be doing a legal name change. Jonah IS already my name.  It is more of change in preference - R. Jonah instead of Robert J. Ritter.  So I will introduce myself to new people as Jonah, but I will still answer to Bob, Bobby, and Robert. And of course, Son and Dad, and occasionally, a slew of insults.

LINK TO PART I - My first Midrash on Jonah

P.P.S.   More from Rabbi Taub:

Your story begins at birth. A soul from on high is plunged into an earthly body. Before its descent, the soul lived an angel-like existence, basking in a glow of spirituality, intimately bound to its Creator. But the soul must leave its home. It is confined to a material vessel, its senses overwhelmed by the brash stimuli of this world. “Jonah,” the soul, “boards the ship,” the body. And where does this ship take its passenger? “Away from the presence of G‑d.” Indeed, the very name of Jonah—closely related to a Hebrew word meaning “aggrieved”—alludes to the unique frustration of the soul confined to the body.

The soul, Jonah, the hapless passenger, has traveled far away from G‑d. Yet, where can one go and be far from the One? Where is it that the Omnipresent cannot be found? Has the soul—upon entering this coarse, physical realm—really left G‑d behind? Just as G‑d was with Jonah at the moment of his first prophecy in the Holy Land, so too was G‑d with Jonah as he languished on the high seas.

And yet, we, like Jonah, delude ourselves into thinking that our journey to this earth has somehow taken us “out of range” of our relationship with G‑d. Like Jonah, we take this perceived distance as an indication that we have somehow been dismissed from our mission. But no; the soul does not escape G‑d by coming down to this earth. To the contrary, it is an agent of G‑d, a representative of His will charged with imbuing sanctity into the mundane and perfecting an imperfect world.

Sooner or later, the false lure of material satisfaction comes to its inevitable conclusion, and the physical life to which the soul had resigned itself grows unruly and fierce. “The Almighty rouses a furious tempest.” Not to punish, heaven forbid, but to shake the soul from its complacency, for “Jonah had gone down to the inner part of the ship . . . and slept.” The soul is numb.

“So the captain came and said to him, ‘What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call upon your G‑d!’” A voice of conscience stirs from within. “What is your occupation?” What have you done with your life? Why are you here? Why were you sent?

The moment of truth. The soul must acquiesce. G‑d is here too, and I am none other than His very messenger. My life has a purpose. “I am a Hebrew, and I revere the G‑d of Israel!”"

Part 4 - Midrash on the Story of Jonah: See My Sadness Lord

This Is the 4th part of my 5 part Midrash on the Story of Jonsh, each covering a different part of the story. In this part Iconcentrated on the part after God spares Nineveh and Jonah is feeling despair. 

Of the four midrash that I wrote about the Story of Jonah, this is the most poetic.  The message which comes through relates to a pattern that has repeated itself throughout time. One which challenges even the faithful at times. It is a dilemma that often leads people to turn away from religion and even admonish people who believe they have any relationship with God. It could be summed up in a question that it is one for the ages:  "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

See My Sadness Lord

A Midrash by R. Jonah Ritter

I sit outside the secure walls of Nineveh,

that were to be destroyed by the Lord.

Your servant proclaimed your judgement,

Instead, my enemies are restored.

Forsaken again, I feel,

All I have is a meager ghord.

This ghord is enough for me God,

Why must you strip that too Lord.

You are a mighty just God,

So let me plead to you ...

You ask me to care --

I ask you to care!

I anger you -- 

You anger me!

You tell me to proclaim your Judgement --

then proclaim your judgement!

You give your prophet visions --

Now the future is too painful to see.

You command me to do your will --

no matter what comes of mine!

You expect me to see your sadness Lord --

Will You not see my Mine?

Part 4 - Midrash on the Story of Jonah: See My Sadness Lord

Of the four midrash that I wrote about the Story of Jonah, this is the most poetic.  The message which comes through relates to a pattern that has repeated itself throughout time. One which challenges even the faithful at times. It is a dilemma that often leads people to turn away from religion and even admonish people who believe they have any relationship with God. It could be summed up in a question that it is one for the ages:  "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

See My Sadness Lord

A Midrash by R. Jonah Ritter

I sit outside the secure walls of Nineveh,

that were to be destroyed by the Lord.

Your servant proclaimed your judgement,

Instead, my enemies are restored.

Forsaken again, I feel,

All I have is a meager ghord.

This ghord is enough for me God,

Why must you strip that too Lord.

You are a mighty just God,

So let me plead to you ...

You ask me to care --

I ask you to care!

I anger you -- 

You anger me!

You tell me to proclaim your Judgement --

then proclaim your judgement!

You give your prophet visions --

Now the future is too painful to see.

You command me to do your will --

no matter what comes of Mine!

You expect me to see your sadness Lord --

Will You not see my Mine?

Part V.

Part 3 - Midrash on the Story of Jonah: Ninevah Is Saved and I Am Destroyed

Oh My God, they Listened.  

From the depths of the sea, as my life was ebbing away, you rescued your servant.  Cast off, feeling forsaken, You answered me.  You put the fate of Nineveh before my eyes.  "They who cling to empty folly forsake their own welfare."  My doubts drowned, but I was born with a clear purpose.  I must go to Nineveh - to declare your judgment.  Your prophet is your willing sacrifice and the messenger of your Deliverance. Nineveh, mine enemies, shall be overthrown! 

Like unto David, in my darkest moment, You LORD were my light and my salvation.  (Psalm 27 v4).  I shall not fear what awaits me in Niniveh. My adversaries and foes, "will stumble and fall."  As my reward my only wish is to "dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the graciousness of the LORD, and to visit early in [Your] temple. (Psalm 27 V4)

I go to Nineveh, knowing what awaits me.  Though "a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear" and "though war should rise up against me, even then will I be confident."  [Psalm 27 v3]

I entered the great and fearsome city of Nineveh and sounded Your trumpet.  Lord, behold, "my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me." (Psalm 27 v6).  I declared Your judgement. 

Having done your will, I awaited my reward - the destruction of my people's enemy.  So future generations of the people who have made their covenant with you may enter Your Temple.  The Assyrian destruction is to be Your promise fulfilled. 

You "lifteth me up upon a rock." [Psalm 27 v5] and my conviction turned the hearts of my enemies and the "King cried mightily to God for everyone turn back from their evil ways and from the injustice of which he is guilty" and they "covered with sackcloth-man and beast." [Jonah 3:8]

"Who knows but that God may turn and relent?" [Jonah 3:8]  Seeing death, man "may turn back from Your wrath, so that he does not perish.” 

But, I did not travel to Nineveh to save my enemies. I was sent to proclaim your judgement, and prepared myself to be your sacrifice.  I emerged from the sea by your will, determined to save my people, Your Covenant people, by carrying Your word and Your plan to bring punishment upon the Assyrians. 

Truly my word possessed the powers of my conviction.  For by my word, the people turned their backs on their evil ways, and begged for forgiveness.  Surely you see, their falseness. Surely they will return to their god and their warring and lustful ways.  Surely they will take the lives of Your covenant people again.

As I willing approached death in Your seas, You plucked me from the sea and breathed your will into me.  Did I misunderstand?  Did I mislead myself?  

I did not fear death, in going to Nineveh. It was not your judgement I feared, rather your forgiveness.  "For I know that You are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, renouncing punishment." [Jonah 4.2]   “O LORD! Isn’t this just what I said when I was still in my own country?" [Jonah 4.2] That is why I fled beforehand to Tarshish. 

Judgement was not delived upon Nineveh.  I delivered the Assyrians for Your Forgiveness.  What have I done?  I have brought more death and destruction on my people.

I am deeply grieved. "Please, LORD, take my life, for I would rather die than live.”  [Jonah 4.2]  I wish to return to the death from whence I came. Back to the sea.  In serving you, I have betrayed my people.  I had the courage to face my enemies, but I do not have the courage to face my people, knowing it is on my account Your Temple is safe not.  

Link to Part IV