PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Nahum 2-3
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!” (Nahum 3:1)
Do you remember the stories about life under ISIS control?
Citizens describe it as hellish: beheadings, stonings, forced conversions.
Rape, men forced to fight jihad, young girls forced to marry ISIS soldiers.
Nineveh in ancient Assyria (same area in Iraq)was as brutal as ISIS.
Imagine the joy in those places – or in Ukraine today – to hear this message:
“No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.” (Nahum 1:15)
This message of Nahum is a reminder that God WILL always defeat injustice.
Evil may seem to have the upper hand, but it’s days are always numbered.
I read these words as an encouragement to ALL who suffer under evil.
For all who tormented physically or socially or emotionally or spiritually.
I am not suffering like this right now, but I want those who are to know.
God hates evil, injustice, bullying, cruelty, abuse – and will set things right.
Hang on, God will rise like the sun, and your darkness will end.
“When the sun appears they fly away, and no one knows where.” (Nahum 3:17)
PRAYER
Lord, may the message of hope be heard. Show me where I can your light today, to encourage someone who is discouraged, to bring hope to the hopeless.
The great and powerful Nineveh is doomed – its downfall and its punishment is coming! She is the pride of the then known world – how many places today have the same ‘pride’ that becomes a poison leading to their arrogance and pride. There is a humbling. I remember getting lost in the wrong part of Detroit – the once dominant automobile giant – driving through rundown and derelict neighbourhoods – boarded up or homes falling apart. Lord help me to be clipped of my pride too – thank you for doing that in the past and caring enough about me to prick me! Lord help me to serve in humility – listening for your leading!
These verses make me feel uncomfortable, especially when I read ‘behold I am against you, declares the Lord.’ Is there any worse place than that? Because of Christ’s blood I o not have to hear those words. The shepherds of Assyria were asleep but my Shepherd never sleeps. He cares for His own and provides for His sheep. He continues to care for His people also today like He did for the people of Israel. He has given the victory and in Him we/I have hope, also today.
esus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life’s tempestuous sea:
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rocks and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee–
Jesus, Savior, pilot me!