August 17, 2024 - Nahum 1-3

Nahum’s ministry was one of warning to Nineveh because of her sins.  An interesting statement from the beginning of the book:  “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power” (1:3).  Though omnipotent and able to do whatever he wishes, whenever he wishes, he holds back his wrath and judgment for awhile.  He “will by no means clear the guilty” (1:3), but he is not quick to judge; rather, he is patient and willing to give nations and people time to turn to him. 

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him” (1:7), but Nineveh and Assyria have refused to bow before him, and they will not seek safety in his arms.  They have established themselves as his adversaries.  And so, God will deal with them accordingly.  He has dealt with us according to his grace, though.  As he promised for Israel – “For the Lord is restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel, for plunderers have plundered them and ruined their branches” (2:2) – so he has done for us.  He has restored us and given us life.  He has done for us what we have not deserved.  We should have been treated as Nineveh, but we have been dealt with as his people!

Ye prisoners of hope

O’erwhelmed with grief,

To Jesus look up

For certain relieve;

There’s not condemnation

In Jesus the Lord,

But strong consolation

His grace doth afford.   –Anonymous (1792)