“But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered†(Jonah 4:7).
God still wasn’t finished with Jonah. The gourd didn’t last long. The worm God prepared for it made it wither. Then God sent a scorching wind, heated by the desert. The sun beat down on Jonah so much he nearly fainted. Once again Jonah cried out to God for Him to end his life. He was upset with God for making the gourd to wither.
God had to speak up and point out a few things to Jonah. First of all, God asked him why he was so upset that the gourd died when he had wanted Him to destroy all of Nineveh. Those people were worth far more than any gourd plant. God reminded Jonah of how He forgave him when he tried to run away. He told Jonah how much He loved him and the repentant people of Nineveh. Jonah finally came to the realization of God’s love which is extended to all who will come to Him asking for forgiveness.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Be in much prayer about designating a day to regularly pray and fast.
