The Scorching East Wind of Self-Pity

When God showed mercy to Nineveh, Jonah responded with anger and self-pity rather than rejoicing in their repentance. Through an object lesson with a plant, a worm, and a scorching wind, God challenged Jonah's misplaced priorities—caring more about a temporary plant than 120,000 people. This powerful conclusion to Jonah's story teaches us to examine our own responses when God's plans differ from our expectations, to keep our prayers God-centered rather than self-focused, and to embrace God's heart for those who don't yet know Him.