September 28 - Nahum 1-3
The book of Nahum is short, but it is important because it is an extended explanation of vengeance. The vengeance here is against Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria, but the principles apply in every case. If we do not understand what the Bible teaches about vengeance, it can cause us much pain and sorrow.
Vengeance is for the Lord to carry out on His enemies. It is not for us to take into our own hands. (1:2) Because God is the only one with perfect wisdom and perfect patience, He is the only one who can avenge without sin. (1:3) We don't have to take vengeance upon ourselves, because God will take vengeance, because he will not acquit the wicked. This truth should allow us to rest in the wisdom and power of God. One interesting note here is the reference in verse 3 to the whirlwind and the storm. God can and does use these as instruments of vengeance in His wisdom.
The reason God can carry our perfect vengeance is that He knows those who trust in Him. Can you and I always tell who is trusting God? No, we can't see the hearts. Therefore, we must trust in the goodness of God. (1:7) We must know that God will protect us if we trust Him. That does not mean we will not have trials. It does mean that God is in control, and He always does the right thing in each circumstance of life. We get in trouble when we try to work things out ourselves.
The Assyrians were the most powerful and feared warriors of their time. I am sure that most people thought they would never be conquered. They did not see how anyone could be strong enough to bring them down. Therefore, there was a feeling of hopelessness and despair. However, God always has the power to exercise His vengeance. He used Babylon to conquer Assyria. This whole book was designed to give God's people hope. It was to show them God's power. It was to comfort them in their affliction to know that Assyria would be judged. We can know the same thing today. Don't let anything make you hopeless. Look to the Lord and trust in His timing and His way. Don't tell God what he has to do. Trust in the Lord, and He will be your stronghold. One day you will see the enemies of God brought low, and you will experience the ultimate victory in trusting Christ.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Habakkuk 1-3.
Vengeance is for the Lord to carry out on His enemies. It is not for us to take into our own hands. (1:2) Because God is the only one with perfect wisdom and perfect patience, He is the only one who can avenge without sin. (1:3) We don't have to take vengeance upon ourselves, because God will take vengeance, because he will not acquit the wicked. This truth should allow us to rest in the wisdom and power of God. One interesting note here is the reference in verse 3 to the whirlwind and the storm. God can and does use these as instruments of vengeance in His wisdom.
The reason God can carry our perfect vengeance is that He knows those who trust in Him. Can you and I always tell who is trusting God? No, we can't see the hearts. Therefore, we must trust in the goodness of God. (1:7) We must know that God will protect us if we trust Him. That does not mean we will not have trials. It does mean that God is in control, and He always does the right thing in each circumstance of life. We get in trouble when we try to work things out ourselves.
The Assyrians were the most powerful and feared warriors of their time. I am sure that most people thought they would never be conquered. They did not see how anyone could be strong enough to bring them down. Therefore, there was a feeling of hopelessness and despair. However, God always has the power to exercise His vengeance. He used Babylon to conquer Assyria. This whole book was designed to give God's people hope. It was to show them God's power. It was to comfort them in their affliction to know that Assyria would be judged. We can know the same thing today. Don't let anything make you hopeless. Look to the Lord and trust in His timing and His way. Don't tell God what he has to do. Trust in the Lord, and He will be your stronghold. One day you will see the enemies of God brought low, and you will experience the ultimate victory in trusting Christ.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Habakkuk 1-3.