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Open your bible to the book of Jonah. Read Jonah 4: 1-11.
So what's Jonah's problem in Jonah 4:1-3? Why was Jonah so upset?
Background: The people of Ninevah had an evil reputation. They were very cruel to their enemies. Jonah new that his nation (Israel--God's chosen people) had suffered greatly from times of war with the people of Ninevah and the Assyrian nation. Jonah was certainly prejudiced against these people and even their animals. Perhaps Jonah's own family had suffered personal harm from the people of Ninevah. Even when Jonah reluctantly delivered God's message he did it in a single sentence. He didn't want to spare a nation who if spared could cause ongoing harm to his family and friends. Jonah wanted God to limit his compassion to those Jonah selected.
What lessons do you think God is teaching Jonah through the shady plant and the worm? Why is this an important lesson for Jonah?
What is Jonah's attitude at the very end of the book of Jonah? How do you feel about the way the book ends?
List three ways that your view of God has gotten BIGGER as you've watched him at work in the life of Jonah, the sailors and the people of Ninevah.
Stop and pray. Take a moment and thank God for his patience with you. Thank God that no sin you or anyone else commits is beyond his forgiveness.
Jonah believed everything was too much about him and not enough about God and his plans. Ask God to change your heart so that life isn't so much about you. Tell God: It's not about me! It's about you and your plans! Thank God for all he is doing to help you know, accept and even enjoy him and his plans for you.
Remember to continue to read through the book of Jonah (replace the name Jonah with your name) to begin discovering essential BIG GOD lessons for the reluctant and even rebellious moments of your life.
Read the book of Jonah online at biblegateway.com
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