Read Nahum 1 – Habakkuk 3
Highlights:
Strong imagery; a sense of suspense, vivid language, a word of hope (Nahum 1– 3). Habakkuk hates sin (Hab. 1:2-4); Challenges God's plan (1:12 – 2:1); Poem of praise (3:1).
The burden of Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite, God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet (Nahum 1:1-3).
Nahum was called as a prophet to Nineveh just as Jonah was also called. However, Nahum was not instructed to go to Nineveh. Nahum lived and prophesied about 50 years after Nineveh had repented after the preaching of Jonah proclaimed destruction to the city and its inhabitants.
However, the times were drastically different. This time Nineveh did not repent, and there is no mention of the city even being warned of its impending destruction. Its wickedness and promised doom are described with detailed accounts of how the city, built as an island in the river, would be overrun as its gate would be opened to the fierceness of its enemies. Destruction was predicted with great certainty. It is no secret when speaking of the dangers of habitual sin. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death (James 1:15).
Evidently after the great revival in the time of Jonah, Nineveh had returned to its old ways. There are times we see this happen in our own lives and in the lives of those we love. God touches us and delivers us out of a bad place. However, a little while down the road, we are found making the same mistakes again. This is why we need good discipling after we turn our lives to Christ. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:19-20).
The Lord says, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the LORD (Rom. 12:19). We live in a world overflowing with lost and troubled souls crying out for what is missing. Their souls are lost without their Creator. We need to allow God to make us into one who shares the Light of the world.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Thought for Today:
As you seek to do God's will, don't be surprised when opposition arises.
Christ Revealed:
As the One whom even the sea obeys (Nah. 1:4). Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm (Matt. 8:26).
Word Study:
Nah. 1:12 quiet, strong, safe, secure; 1:14 no more of thy name be sown, nothing of your name will remain; 2:7 tabering, beating; 3:19 bruit, report. Hab. 1:4 the law is slacked, the law is never enforced.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding as you read the Word of God (Ps. 119:73).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 145:14
