Yesterday we saw the vine reminds us that we often hold tightly to things that never belonged to us in the first place. Let’s take it one step farther: Jonah was so focused on the vine that when it was taken away, Jonah threw a pity party for himself. He sulked. He pouted. And it went downhill from there.
Without any exaggeration, this was the choice: a plant, or being part of the salvation of the world. You would think it would be an easy choice. But Jonah wanted the former, not the latter. He didn’t even seem interested in trying to imagine wanting something else.
Sometimes we can be so focused on our family, our comfort, our routine that we can become irritated when we are interrupted. We can sulk. Or react badly. And it goes downhill from there.
Jonah wanted a vine, and nothing more. He fixated on the “wrong” thing. Often, so do we.
Today, ponder this: what if God wants more for you than you want for you?
Are you willing to leave your vine behind in order to be a part of something much bigger and much better? Will there be any loss or unknowns? Yes. But you would think it would be an easy choice.
Father, shape our desires to fit with Your desires. What do you want for us today? May we follow. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
