December 14th: Bah-humbug, Jonah…

By: Brent Hodges

Scripture

Jonah 4:1-3

Observation

Jonah becomes angry when God doesn’t fulfill Jonah’s proclamation.  He states that he knows how compassionate and merciful God is and knew that God would turn back from destroying the people of Ninevah.

Application

Jonah wasn’t too keen on reciprocating the mercy that he was just shown by God.  He was willing to accept the free gift, but not give it…fitting for this time of year.  We may not always understand why God chooses to do some things and not others, but that’s not what He’s called us to do.  He’s called us to love Him with all that we are…and to love our neighbor as ourself.  If we keep our priorities in the correct order, we won’t stumble into Jonah’s predicament. 

Prayer

Lord, may I never forget that without the mercy and forgiveness you have shown me I would be lost.  May I rejoice when others come to that same knowledge of saving grace.