“God provided a vine…”

The story of Jonah is not about a “whale” but a “vine.” Most people have never actually read Jonah… it only takes about 10 minutes, give it a try.

In our nightly “devotions”, Robin and I have been reading Jonah, and this time it was like I read the story for the first time. Here is a short synopsis of the story:

• God calls a prophet to prophesy to Nineveh (a people that Jonah hates).
• The prophet says no (realizing that the people will repent, and he doesn’t want them to repent, he wants them to be punished by God).
• God makes him go anyway (the “big fish”), and when he preaches… sure enough, they repent.
• Jonah goes outside the city and waits for God to destroy Nineveh. While he is there, God grows a vine for him to give him shade.
• The next day, God destroys the vine and Jonah complains because he is uncomfortable.

Jonah says that he is so miserable that he wants to die. So God responds “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people… should I not be concerned about that great city?” (4:10-11).

So, here is the point. As I was reading this, I realized that I spend a lot of time worried about my “vines” (the things that make me comfortable). And, I don’t care enough for the people around me. I guess I am a lot like Jonah. Sometimes I even need a big fish (problem) to make me willing to go God's direction.

What about you? Honestly, do you care that thousands of people around you are not in relationship with God? Are your “vines” more important? So, when God sends a worm to chew your vine, learn the lesson quick!!!

One final thought, Jonah said, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." So, the people who don't follow Jesus are clinging to worthless idols; they should let go and follow Christ. But, even more disturbing, many Christians are clinging to worthless vines...

"Just Like Us"

I'm gearing up for a new sermon series. A few days ago, I spoke to an educator from a Christian college that was bemoaning the biblical ignorance of the young people coming to his school. They don't know the Old Testament stories that are so inspiring.

So, in this sermon series, I really want to embrace some very interesting stories from the Old Testament that teach us lessons about prayer.

James 5:17 says that "Elijah was a man, just like us." But, he prayed and things changed.

What does God want to change through my prayers? What isn't changing because I don't pray? If the scriptures are correct, then "our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against... spiritual forces" (Ephesians 6:12). Most issues will only be changed through prayer.

There is an older generation of believers who are prayer warriors. Unfortunatley, they are getting older and many are going to their reward. So, where are the prayer warriors to step into their vacant battle spot and begin the fight to win the "spiritual" battles? I encourage you to begin to "step up" your fight against the powers of darkness by praying. And, if you are a younger person, I want to encourage you right now to embrace the mantle of prayer and intercession.... we need you!