​Day 267 – September 24, 2021

​Day 267 – September 24, 2021
Scriptures: Psalms 116, Jonah 2-4, Philippians 3
 
Jonah is a reluctant prophet. He is incredibly effective; the whole city repents after his brief message.
 
It’s an incredible part of the story. Nineveh, the great city, mourns over their sins and turns to God. If I ever preached that effective of a message, I don’t think I would react the way Jonah does. “I knew that you were a merciful God and that they would turn to you. That’s why I was reluctant!”  God’s benevolent kindness…well it frustrates Jonah. He seems disgusted by it. He wanted vengeance and wrath for the Ninevites. Instead, they received mercy. That’s why he ran to Tarshish. And its why he was so angry that the plant withered and died.
 
Paul’s words in Philippians tell of a preacher/missionary who is thrilled to proclaim the hope of the Gospel. Paul is experiencing his own suffering, his own imprisonment, He is suffering, and it is met with praise and joy.
 
Two contrasting images. One that asks me to consider my own attitude; Do I care for those who are far away from the Lord?
Am I filled with joy, even in the difficulty of life?
 
Jordan