Picture Of God

The book of Nahum is basically a prophecy of judgment to a foreign nation,

Nineveh.

In beginning his sermon, Nahum first draws attention to the nature and character

of God.

In verses 2 and 3, we see that God is a God of vengeance.

There are times that we may ask ourselves if the wicked are going to receive

judgment.

We sometimes compare ourselves with sinners and we even notice that the more we serve God the harder life seems to get. Yet, we see that even though the wicked aren’t serving God they seem to be prospering.

But Nahum is saying to us this day that God’s vengeance is certain, that He is a

God of wrath and although His execution of judgment may seem delayed on the

wicked for now be sure, that if they continue to reject Him there is coming a

day of vengeance, a day when they will be judged for their sin.

While those who are living in sin seem to be living a life of ease, be sure

there is coming a reckoning day. There is coming a day when their sin will be

judged.

God acts in vengeance because He is a “jealous” God. We need to understand that God is not jealous as humans are jealous. God created this world and He expects people to live in a proper relationship with himself.

The bible often views God as a husband and Israel as a bride (this can be

applied to the church today). The husband expects and rightly demands that the

bride be faithful and loyal to him only. All other lovers are to be left behind.

Because of God’s purity and His faithfulness it hurts Him when we turn to other

lovers and leave Him alone. God rightly demands and deserves top priority in our

lives. He must have first place in our lives.

So, whenever God brings judgment He is justified in what He does because He has kept His part of the covenant relationship. He has been faithful to us.

He does not want any rival for His love for us. Our relationship with God must

be a top priority. Complete fidelity is expected; anything less will be neither

accepted nor tolerated.

Vance Havner-If your wife is ninety percent faithful, would you consider her still faithful?

Verse 3 says, “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all

acquit the wicked.”

Sometimes we have been guilty of taking advantage of God, because He is slow to anger.

Thank God He is patient with sinners as well as Christians. I can assure you, I

wouldn’t be here today if He were a hot-tempered God.

But do not be deceived because God will send judgment if forgiveness in not

sought.

Just because you and I or anybody else may not have received judgment for sins committed, unless we seek forgiveness & get under the covering of the blood we will be judged for our sins.

Look at Nineveh and how merciful He was to them. They were doomed to judgment but Jonah brought a message of repentance and they repented. Since then they went back to what they were and now God’’ patience has run out.

God hates sin and one day He will judge it.

Also in verse 3 Nahum says God is “Great in power.” He then begins to show the

effects of God’s great power. Nahum appeals to examples from nature to show

God’s power.

Nahum shows us that God is omnipotent – all powerful – that whatever is needed

in our individual lives or in our church He has the power to take care of it.

His power is beyond our comprehension.

Verse 6-Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure

the fierceness of His anger?”

The answer to this rhetorical question is “No one.”

No opponent or enemy in all the universe will ever succeed against God or His purpose.

Satan and all of his demonic forces with all they can bring against us will not be able to overcome God or His people as long as they trust in Him.

In verse 7 Nahum points out 3 remarkable factors about God and His relationship

with His people.

First, God is good (1:7a). His goodness is reflected in many ways: for one, He

is faithful to keep all His promises to us. He is merciful to us. He gives us

many wonderful gifts etc.

Second, God is “a refuge in times of trouble” (1:7b). The image here is of the

fortress or the stronghold for the soldier. When he is within its gates and

behind its walls, he is safe from enemy attack. To leave its security is to face

defeat. We live in a time of pressure, of constant attack by the enemy, but in