3/29/2020 - Life Disrupted - Jonah 4

You need some good news and encouragement right about now. Let me give it to you. Your life is in God's hands. There's never a moment when he doesn't watch over you. How's this for comfort... "You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book." Psalm 56:8 The whole world has pushed the paused button and continues practicing social distancing. (I prefer "physical distancing" because we need to stay social.) The results are starting to come in. Families are reconnecting around the dinner table. Americans are tuning in to church services they once left. People are checking in on neighbors. Disruptions cause us to pause and think about what's important to us. Our man Jonah has come to the last chapter of his story. Let me forewarn you. It doesn't end the way we want it to end. You see, he hasn't learned from the disruptions in his life. God is showing Jonah the lack of love in his heart but he doesn't see it. He is bothered by the fact that God would remove his earthly comforts. In fact, he cares more about his own security than the salvation of thousands of people. Jonah failed to accept God's larger plan for the common good. This is important. God cares deeply about the common good of all people. The simplest acts of kindness will not be forgotten during times of crisis. And neither will selfish ones. Be encouraged Christian, you have a part to play in showing the world what you really believe about your God. A friend of mine said it well: "Christians should be washing their hands, not wringing them!"