You know the basics of Jonah’s Lesson
But do you recall some finer points?
Assyrians were national enemies
With no remorse for sin
They forgot their left from right
So sad was their plight
Yes Jonah resisted but God insisted
So Jonah did the limited minimum
And amazingly
They turned from their evil ways
While longing for fireworks display
Destruction was what he cherished
But now he just wished to perish
Besides Jonah’s second chance fish
God was exceedingly patient with him
In fact He set up a teaching session
For His servant while he sweated
A plant provided relief from the sun
A blazing sun for radiation and
A scorching wind of convection
For Jonah’s object lesson
Jonah had done nothing for the vine
Yet he cared deeply for its demise
In fact, he cared more about the plant
Than getting the city of Nineveh on track
120,000 people and animals were in peril
While Jonah mourned for a gourd
The point is that God patiently cares
He is Love and He has provided the Way
He is not willing that any should perish
Jonah’s displeasure
Are we wishing for demise?
Or discriminating who we choose?
Are we doing the limited minimum?
Or are we going the extra mile?
Let us discern and learn a lot
From Jonah’s Lesson
“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 CSB
There will be affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For there is no favoritism with God. Romans 2:9-11 CSB
