Even if we cannot escape the suffering we face,

we should empathize with the anguish of God the Father...

The God who prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah,

who fell into the sea (Jonah 1:17),

also prepared a vine (4:6) to provide shade over Jonah's head,

allowing him to escape the heat and alleviating his suffering.
As a result, Jonah was greatly pleased because of the vine (4:6).
God, who relieved Jonah's distress when he was so angry with Him

that he wished to die rather than submit his will to God's,

must have had some thoughts upon seeing Jonah,

now relieved of his anguish, greatly rejoice because of the vine.
God spoke to Jonah: 'You have been concerned about this vine,

though you did not tend it or make it grow.

It sprang up overnight and died overnight.
But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people

who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many animals as well.

Should I not be concerned about that great city?' (vv. 10-11).

When I think of Jonah, who cherished the vine that relieved his suffering,

and God, who cared for the people of Nineveh,

we must reflect on whether we are cherishing those

whom God cares for with the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Even if we cannot escape the suffering we face,

we should empathize, even just a little, with the anguish of God the Father

for the dying souls, and strive to work for their salvation.
When we do this, we will rejoice greatly

when we witness God's amazing work of salvation.