There once a man who sat between his hatred for his enemies and the Lord’s love for them. He hated being God’s messenger of love for them.
God called a gourd plant to grow up and provide shade for the man. He was relieved. Then, God called a worm to destroy the shade plant. Then, God called a hot east wind to scorch the man. He was so angry. Why was he more angry about a dying plant than he was about a dying people?
God wanted him to know that loving whom the Lord loves is a good investment. His enemies lacked discernment. God wanted to save them. His enemies repented and turned to the Lord. [1]
“’Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord God, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’” [2]
[1] Jonah 4
[2] Ezekiel 18:23
God called a gourd plant to grow up and provide shade for the man. He was relieved. Then, God called a worm to destroy the shade plant. Then, God called a hot east wind to scorch the man. He was so angry. Why was he more angry about a dying plant than he was about a dying people?
God wanted him to know that loving whom the Lord loves is a good investment. His enemies lacked discernment. God wanted to save them. His enemies repented and turned to the Lord. [1]
“’Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord God, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’” [2]
[1] Jonah 4
[2] Ezekiel 18:23
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