“THE CHARACTER OF GOD AND THE FOOLISHNESS OF SOME PEOPLE”
(Nahum 1:1 – 3:19)
“Why are you scheming against the LORD? He will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice!” – Nahum 1:9
The prophet Nahum begins by stating a three-fold description of the very character of God:
- God is jealous. The jealousy of God is actually descriptive of how God loves His people. Like a husband is very protective of his wife, God is protective – jealous – of His people.
- God is powerful. Don’t let God’s patience be mistaken for weakness! He may be slow to anger, but he never lets the guilty go unpunished!
- God is good. He is a strong refuge – you can find safety in Him. He will sweep away your enemies, pursuing them till they are defeated!
Knowing the great character of God, verse 9 seems to slap you across the face, asking “why are you scheming against the Lord?” Why would you dare plot anything against the Lord?
Now, I know that Nahum is specifically referring to the evil city of Ninevah, but by application – why would anyone want to go against our God, who is jealous, powerful and good? Why would YOU ever want to defy the expressed will of God, and walk in ways that are contrary to His Word?
If there is any lesson to be learned from this book, it would be the utter failure of living contrary to God’s ways. God loves us – all of us. He loves us so very much that He gave His only Son to die for us, redeeming us from our sin. So, why would anyone reject God’s great love?
Simple Truth:
God’s ways are the best ways! So, “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27)
Reflections and Application:
- Is there anything in your daily lifestyle that would cause you to stray from God’s perfect ways? Make a decision today to change that pattern!
- God is a good God, a powerful God, and a protective (jealous) God. So, trust in Him – He will never leave you nor forsake you, and will meet your every need!
- Ninevah had every opportunity to fully repent (remember Jonah?). Yet, they failed and faltered. God completely destroyed them – you won’t find Ninevah on any of today’s maps! God is a jealous God and keeps His promises!
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your never-failing love, kindness, protection and mercy. Help me today to stay focused on You and Your ways. Help me to purge from my life anything that displeases You. Surround me with Your presence, and envelop me in Your love. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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