22nd. May. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Jonah 4:5-6
Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant 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.
There was worship leader who frequently began a time of prayer together with the words, “O God, we thank you that you are God and that we are not.” As a worshiping community, it helped us to recognize that if we were in charge of making decisions with eternal consequences, we couldn’t be relied upon. We are too short-sighted and distracted by our own self-interests.
It’s a good thing that Jonah wasn’t allowed to call all the shots. God had called him to warn Nineveh to repent of their wickedness, but Jonah did not want them to repent. He wanted God to destroy them instead. They were Israel’s enemies, and Jonah did not want God to show compassion toward them. Jonah had not yet learned that God can pursue, forgive, and bless anyone.
The leafy plant that grew might have been a castor-oil shrub that can quickly grow up to 12 feet and bring relief with its broad, shady leaves. But what a strange turn of events it was when God caused the plant to wither!
Jonah’s reactions revealed his own selfish concerns, and God exposed Jonah’s shallowness. Jonah actually cared more about shade from the plant than he cared about the people of Nineveh. The Lord, however, showed mercy and grace.
Aren’t you glad that God is God and that he shows mercy to us too? JP Vanderveen.
Lord our God, you alone can determine the way things should go. Teach us to be conduits of your mercy and grace for others. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
For the Holy Spirit
O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. Amen
~ (Saint) Augustine of Hippo.
To Heal Divisions
Father may our human family not become separated from you by building barriers of race, colour, class, gender, or beliefs. Inspire us to recognize that we are all made in your image and likeness, so that we may grow in appreciation of all people and encourage each other to grow in pride in who we are and who we are called to be. May we recognize your Son in our midst and live truly as brothers and sisters. I pray this in the name of Christ, in remembrance of His love for the Samaritan woman at the well. Amen.
Benediction
Oh God Almighty, send me Your light and truth, to keep this day and all the days of my life. And may Your mighty hand protect me, and all my brothers and sisters who have joined me in prayer this day, blessing our homes and our lives. Amen.
You Are Kind and Merciful
Lord you are kind and merciful. You forgive us.
You are always available to welcome us backafter we have failed.
It is not easy sometimes to offer kindness or mercy
or to forgive others when we have been offended.
It is particularly difficult when we are under stress
as so many are now with the coronavirus.
Lord guide us to share that same spirit of kindness
and mercy that you have shared with us. Amen.
~ By a Columban Missionary
