Nahum 1-3
Original Post   August 11, 2014

The first chapter in Nahum is a picture of an all powerful Creator who is capable of both great mercy and of vengeance.   Reading it, I find myself both praising God and honestly, a little in awe of His great power.   Seriously, if God becomes angry with us, who can stand against Him?   Who advocates for us against the Creator?   It's no wonder that the New Testament says that if we reject Jesus, then there is no way to be saved.  

Thankfully, this revelation from God, via Nahum is one of restoration.   Our God is a God of rescue.  In fact, Israel wouldn't have ever been defeated had they remained obedient to God in the first place.   consider all the carnage that would not have taken place had God's people simply remained obedient.

I wonder what evils assail the earth today because of our disobedience?  Are we as guilty as they of squandering the grace afforded us?

In addition to being a revelation of God's rescue mentality, this passage tells us that God is just.  Those who have acted in evil ways will be punished.   I read in my study Bible that after Nineveh fell, it's destruction was so great that the sandstorms covered up what was left.   No one even knew where it was until the mid 1800's when it was rediscovered.     Evil men still exist today, intent on violence and brutality.   The words of Nahum hang over them.   Punishment will ensue.   The godly will be restored and will flourish, and those who have oppressed them will be wiped away from the earth, never to be heard of again.

The wise person will make every effort to be on the winning side in this battle, and we can do that by confessing our sins before the Lord, asking Him to forgive us and then living in obedience to His commands.   In short, we allow God to rescue us from our life of sin, and restore us to His intended destiny, heaven.    

PR