God Gently Instructs Jonah

Prophets Faithfull to God's Covenant Courageous Prophets of Change Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)    Jonah, Fiery Harbinger of Doom Jonah 4:6-11 New International Version 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant[a] and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day, God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” 10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” For Reflection God shaded Jonah under a detestable plant. The foliage provided comfort, but its stem was hollow and empty, and eating its seeds would make one vomit. The plant grows quickly and just as quickly perishes. The people of Ninevah are empty things that rise to riches and fall into poverty and despair. Ninevah, like the grass, withers, and the flower fades. God has as much compassion for Ninivites whose wicked actions would make one vomit as God has for Jonah. God's mercy and grace are offered to all who turn in toward God. Pray Pray and let our merciful God shade your head, deliver you from your grief, and ease your mind in times of vexing circumstances. Forward to a friend