Message from Yvonne Calderon, WV 5th Grade Teacher

Jonah 4: 5-6

5 Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.

My preacher was preaching about Jonah last week. When I came across this verse it was like a bolt of lightening hit me. Our nation is focused on happiness. We sing songs about happiness. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” can now ring in your ears, you are welcome wonderful co-workers. Jonah was happy about the vine over his head. Really? The vine? Six-hundred thousand people repented of their ways. That is what he should be rejoicing in! He wanted justice. He was not happy about what was happening for the Kingdom. Instead, he was happy over the most selfish thing: his own comfort, what made him feel good.

How many times are we unhappy about the wrong thing? Is our focus correct? Should we be happy when “we really showed him/her”? When we feel justice has been served. Or, should we be happy when we show Christ to our fellow man? Should we be happy when “they get what is coming to them” like Jonah thought should have happened. Or, should we be happy that we showed compassion to a hurting soul.

Lord, I ask you that for today, we can set aside our own goals, our own thoughts our own comfort. Lord, I ask that you allow us to keep our focus on what we are here to do. We are here to win souls for you, Oh Lord. Please, let our words to each other drip with honey so that we may be an example for the students, that they may see Christ through us.