Today is the third day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4.
 

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah had gone 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. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”


Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?
 
The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either. As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

God seems to be reminding Jonah of who Jonah is, and who God is. Jonah is a man, in need of mercy. God is creator, sustainer, and the only perfect judge. As we end, give God permission to remind you who you are… and who you are not….  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Slow To Anger - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)