AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR JUNE 30
Read Jonah 1-4
In the story of Jonah every time I read it something different stands out to me. What stands out to you?
Questions are asked of Jonah, where are you from, what do you do, etc. and he answers by pronouncing GOD AS THE MAKER OF THE SEA. HIS ANAWER puts fear in the sailors.
“So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.””
Jonah 1:8-9 NIV
The other thing that really stood out to me was Jonah and the Lord’s conversation about the plant. My dad and I are currently trying to trap some of stink bugs in his garden in Texas. They have been eating the harvest and especially they are loving his massive zucchini plant. So of course this part stands out to me, but what is significant is God draws a parallel for Jonah by comparing Nineveh to this plant and not only does he mention the people but he mentions all the animals. God’s care for every living thing is part of the argument for mercy. And God says Jonah you didn’t even care for this plant and you’re upset. How much more should we care for people and animals.
Care-giving is righteousness in action. Proverbs 12:10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
