Passage
Jonah 4:1-11 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Learn the Wideness of God's Mercy
Date: Aug. 31, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 4:11
First, Jonah prayed even when angry (1-3). Jonah's ministry was fruitful, but he was bitter at the outcome. Anger makes it hard to pray. But God drew him to pray. Through his prayer we discover that God is gracious and compassionate towards all kinds of people. God reveals himself to those who call upon him, even to those stewing in anger.
Second, the lesson of the vine (4-11). God taught Jonah compassion through a vine, a worm and hot wind. Jonah was thankful for personal grace given to him. But he needed to mature to begin hoping that other people may be blessed. God provided a worm, which killed the vine in the heat. Jonah was uncomfortable, inconvenienced and grew faint. He snapped. The people of Nineveh were withering in sin, but God saved them. God's compassion extends to Jonah and to the Ninevites. Jonah needed to learn this to be a servant of God.
Prayer: "Lord, I am so happy about my own salvation, but what about others? Grant me a wide heart to care about others and lead them to faith in you."
One Word: God's mercy embraces all people
