The Jonah Tree

Scripture Thought for the Week: Jonah went 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. Then the Lord god provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonahs head so that he grew faint. But God said to Jonah, Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?
The beautiful photo included with this devotional reminded me of the story of Jonah. A prophet of God who was given instructions to sail to the City of Nineveh to preach repentance to the inhabitants, Jonah wasnt excited about his assignment. In fact, he decided to negate Gods command and jumped aboard another vessel and headed in the opposite direction. Bad idea, Jonah, when the King of Kings is calling your name! Therefore, God sent a whale to swallow Mr. Jonah and there he sat in the belly of this giant fish for three days in time out. Chapter two of Jonah records a loving prayer of repentance that the prophet prayed as his time in solitude rendered complete obedience to do Gods will. So, with a fully repentant heart, Jonah set his sights on Nineveh to preach repentance. The people heard, repented, received forgiveness and ultimately were spared from destruction. Was Jonah excited that his preaching had resulted in many converts coming to Christ? Ironically, no he was not. Jonah was quite upset that the destruction he had preached as a consequence for not repenting had produced a positive outcome. God had showered compassion on these sinners and in complete disagreement for Gods pardon of these sinners there was nothing left for Jonah to do, but walk outside the City, find a nice spot to sit and pout! But God isnt finished with our man, Jonah. And it appears a time out wasnt quite enough of a lesson for this prophet of God. As Jonah sits in the hot climate of the Middle East outside the City of Nineveh, pouting, God provides a vine that quickly grows and covers Jonahs head providing shade from the sweltering heat. But as quickly as this trailing plant grows, a worm comes along and begins destroying the creeper until it no longer offers protection from the sun. At this point Jonah becomes angry again over the loss of this unexpected shade tree.

God confronts Jonah that seemingly the prophet cared more about a shade element for his head than he did for the countless number of individuals saved from destruction. The lesson being; God tended the vine and made it to grow overnight. He also allowed it to be destroyed in the same amount of time. Shouldnt God be more concerned with the tending of 120,000 plus individuals souls if destruction can be avoided? As I looked again at this beautiful arched entry, I thought about Jonah sitting underneath in the shadepouting. And I reflected on my own heart that sometimes wonders why the Lord allows situations to go in a certain direction. Often I think, being of a finite human mind, that I probably would have handled it differently. However, since My thoughts are

not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8), I
need to realize that the master plan is in the Masters Hands!

Im so thankful and delighted, Lord, that your thoughts are not my thoughts and that my ways are not your ways. You have provided a wonderful life for me and I appreciate being alive, healthy and blessed with opportunities of service. Yes, I will continue to have those moments of desiring to know why certain situations happen the way they do, but I havent the blueprint of life. Only you have that unique plan and its perfect for each one of your children. Thank you, Jesus, for saving my soul and affording the gift of salvation to everyone who seeks repentance. In His precious name, I pray, Amen!