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
God, by having a right relationship with Him we find safety & protection.
God does not promise His people freedom from difficulties in this world.
Instead, he promises His presence in the midst of difficulty.
Third, God “And He knows those who trust in him” (1:7c). This verse indicates that He knows who trust in Him and He doesn’t them confused, with those who don’t…(A parent punishing all the children because they don’t know which one did it.)
But in verse 8 Nahum returns back to the theme of judgment.
Total destruction will come to those who are enemies of God.
The words “Overflowing flood” and “darkness” represent the confusion, hopelessness, & utter devastation of judgment.
Finally, in verses 7 and 8 Nahum brings this to a close and He shows in verse 7
God’s relationship with His friends and in verse 8, His relationship with His
enemies.
As we look at the two verses in closing, I want you to ask yourself which side do I want to be on? Either we can find refuge in God or we can find judgment. The choice is ours.
Once again let emphasize, those who reject God will receive His judgment.
Max Lucado--Remember the playground bully? He was big and tough and he enjoyed pushing kids around. Everyone was afraid of him (even some of the teachers, you thought)—he seemed invincible. But over the next few years, the other boys grew past him—bigger, stronger, faster. Then the bully didn’t seem so tough or frightening as before.
Assyria was the bully of the Middle East, the conqueror of many nations including Israel. This nation’s power, typified by Ninevah, the capital city, was awesome and overwhelming. Proud and defiant, Assyria plundered, oppressed, and slaughtered its victims.
Enter Nahum, the prophet.
Nahum pronounced God’s judgment upon this prideful and wicked people, exclaiming that powerful Assyria would be utterly destroyed. His prediction was fulfilled within fifty years.
This book provides strong testimony to God’s ultimate power and justice—he calls all people to live under his rule: nations, cities, parents, neighborhood bullies . . . and you.
Perhaps you don’t have to remember a bully. There may be one in your world today. Huge debt, ugly guilt. Bossy employer. If so, remember what Nahum announced thousands of years ago: Your Father is bigger than any bully.
