Jonah and the Vine
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of my favorites from childhood. I imagine how Jonah must have felt and how this event played out logistically. As exciting of a story this one is, I often think about the end of the story. Jonah had finally obeyed God after being inside the whale. The people of Ninevah had repented and "Jonah was not happy that God saved the city. Jonah became angry" (Jonah 4:1).
"Jonah went out of the city to a place near the city on the east side. He made a shelter for himself and sat there in the shade, waiting to see what would happen to the city" (Jonah 4:5).
The Lord made a gourd plant grow quickly over Jonah" (Jonah 4:6a). According to many, the Biblical gourd is a symbol of compassion. God had compassion on Jonah as he sat in the heat.
God caused a worm to chew the vine and caused it to die. Jonah became angry again because the vine died. I can relate to the feelings Jonah probably felt. He was resting in the shade, possibly still upset about the people of Ninevah not being punished, and then his (unexpected and undeserved) extra shade of the vine was ripped away from him. Jonah was "angry enough to die"(Jonah 4:9b)! He was angry over the vine dying. Reading the story, it jumps out to me how petty and quick-tempered Jonah seems after surviving the whale and all God had done for him. But, I can relate so easily with Jonah because I feel like I am often faced with my own withering vines.
I can just imagine how Jonah may have grit his teeth and cursed the situation; maybe mumbling his displeasure under his breath, or just let it stir inside of him with his face turning red and his blood pressure rising. The picture is somewhat comical to me; perhaps because it seems silly getting so mad over a vine dying or because I see myself in this imagery. Unfortunately, I can relate all too well with these reactions in anger over minor inconveniences. And, sadly, I often over-react as Jonah.
Worrying about my own agenda and comfort takes my mind off of focusing on God’s will and His compassion He shows me. I’m quick to jump to anger and frustration. I am reminded of the verses:
"A fool’s anger will kill him" (Job 5:2a).
"A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes" (Proverbs 14:29).
"Don’t become angry quickly, because anger is foolish" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
There are many more verses regarding anger in the Bible, which leads me to believe Jonah and I are not alone with struggling in this area. I pray we would recall God’s Word before reacting in anger.
Have a Blessed day!
Sherry Dunavant
"Jonah went out of the city to a place near the city on the east side. He made a shelter for himself and sat there in the shade, waiting to see what would happen to the city" (Jonah 4:5).
The Lord made a gourd plant grow quickly over Jonah" (Jonah 4:6a). According to many, the Biblical gourd is a symbol of compassion. God had compassion on Jonah as he sat in the heat.
God caused a worm to chew the vine and caused it to die. Jonah became angry again because the vine died. I can relate to the feelings Jonah probably felt. He was resting in the shade, possibly still upset about the people of Ninevah not being punished, and then his (unexpected and undeserved) extra shade of the vine was ripped away from him. Jonah was "angry enough to die"(Jonah 4:9b)! He was angry over the vine dying. Reading the story, it jumps out to me how petty and quick-tempered Jonah seems after surviving the whale and all God had done for him. But, I can relate so easily with Jonah because I feel like I am often faced with my own withering vines.
I can just imagine how Jonah may have grit his teeth and cursed the situation; maybe mumbling his displeasure under his breath, or just let it stir inside of him with his face turning red and his blood pressure rising. The picture is somewhat comical to me; perhaps because it seems silly getting so mad over a vine dying or because I see myself in this imagery. Unfortunately, I can relate all too well with these reactions in anger over minor inconveniences. And, sadly, I often over-react as Jonah.
Worrying about my own agenda and comfort takes my mind off of focusing on God’s will and His compassion He shows me. I’m quick to jump to anger and frustration. I am reminded of the verses:
"A fool’s anger will kill him" (Job 5:2a).
"A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes" (Proverbs 14:29).
"Don’t become angry quickly, because anger is foolish" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
There are many more verses regarding anger in the Bible, which leads me to believe Jonah and I are not alone with struggling in this area. I pray we would recall God’s Word before reacting in anger.
Have a Blessed day!
Sherry Dunavant