THE WILTED VINE

“THE WILTED VINE”
(JONAH 4:6-11)
Taking great pride, I watch my enemy head for doom.
All the while, you try to reason,
But my bitter pride will turn me to gloom.
I once took joy, being your servant, but now it's a different season.
I'm alive in myself, and dying to you,
Forsaken what is true.

Every man becomes a Gentile in my eyes*,
Even though you have shown your mercy to me,
I curse those in my heart who are my enemy.
I become a drunkard, on hatred's bitter wine,
But soon your mercy on me will become the wilted vine.

I curse those I hate, and separate myself from your presence
My shade from the hot sun slowly dies,
I desperately need repentance.
On my knees I pray, as my soul cries help me to love those I despise.
Ashamed I turn to you seeking mercy
I've cloaked myself in the selfishness of a Pharisee.

Every man becomes a Gentile in my eyes*,
Even though you have shown your mercy to me,
I curse those in my heart who are my enemy.
I become a drunkard, on hatred's bitter wine,
But soon your mercy on me will become the wilted vine.

(*meaning: In biblical times, Jews did not want to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles,
like Jonah first did with the people of Nineveh because he hated them, just as we hate our enemies and sometimes don't want to share God's word with them)
COPYRIGHT 2005: MATT THOMPSON