“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. 2 So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!” 4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”” Jonah 4:1-9 NKJV
Lord God and Father,
How gently You deal with Your prophet who is in a rage and angry. With You. Not angry that You had a whale swallow him. Not angry that You had him go to a huge pagan city alone and preach judgement and repentance. But that they repented. He knew You were a generous, kind God and he was angry You just forgave such pagaan, sinful people! He was angry at Your kindness?
Then when he found a place to sulk and shade from the sun. At last there was something for Him. Shady leaves. Then the plant died and he wishes he was dead. Well. Here was something to complain about again. Disappointment and anger in his heart. Sometimes it just overtakes us. We don’t realise that we have complained more than we have thanked You Lord.
We don’t see our attitude. We see some people and judge them. We do not want to speak of your love to them as we dont like them. Are we ever angry, jealous of Your kindness to others?
Do You need to make things smell a little fishy to get my attention and stop me complaining? Or when I see plants eaten by the slugs, need to ensure my growth is not being nibbled away by negativity, even anger. You have been nothing but kindness to me.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 4th June 2026
A new arrangement of John Newton’s beautiful hymn, begone unbelief.
Reminding us that the Christian life can be tough and a challenge but that is no excuse to become a seasoned complainer . . .
Begone unbelief, My Savior is near,
And for my relief Will surely appear:
By faith let me wrestle, with God in the storm
And help me my Savior, the faith to adorn
And help me my Savior, the faith to adorn
Though dark be my way, Since he is my guide,
‘Tis mine to obey, and His to provide;
Though cisterns be broken, And creatures all fail,
The word he has spoken will surely prevail.
The word he has spoken will surely prevail.Chorus
Chorus:
Begone unbelief, The Saviour is here (3x)
Though cisterns be broken And creatures all fail
The word he has spoken will surely prevail
The word he has spoken will surely prevail
Why should I complain, Of want or distress
Temptation or pain? He told me no less
The heirs of salvation, I know from his word
Through much tribulation Must follow their Lord
Through much tribulation Must follow their Lord
Since all that I meet will work for my good,
The bitter is sweet, The medicine food;
Though painful at present, will cease before long,
And then, O! how glorious, The conqueror’s song!
And then, O! how glorious, The conqueror’s song!
Lyrics: John Newton
Arrangement: Kevin Twit