SCRIPTURE: Nahum 2:1-13
OBSERVATION:
Ninevah was the center of the Assyrian empire, a cruel, despotic nation that raped and pillaged the surrounding nations, including Israel and Judah. Here God speaks to the Jews about the impending doom of the “high and mighty” Ninevah. Think about how the victims and prisoners of Nazi Germany would have heard these words against their Nazi oppressors. Though God had used the Assyrians to teach His people a lesson (it was the final blow after centuries of warnings and appeals), now God is punishing the Assyrians for their own shame, cruelty and pride. Nahum presents a very graphic picture of the seige and downfall of Ninevah. And ultimately, says Nahum, the reason for the fall of the Assyrian empire was because they were opposed to God. “‘I am your enemy’, says the Lord Almighty.”
APPLICATION:
Who are the “high and mighty” today? I can probably name some people that probabl qualify, but as a follower of Jesus, I am reminded that I first need to look to the plank in my own eye before I deal with others’ splinters. So where am I acting “high and mighty”? Where am I forgetting that God is God, and I am not? Where am I provoking Him to anger, and acting as if I can get away with it. I may feel that my sins are not as serious as the Assyrians (or the Nazis), but God deals with each personally individually. And He knows my heart, not just my actions. These words remind me that one day, I will reap what I sow.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9)
PRAYER:
Lord, I can pretend that I am not so bad, but You know my heart. Like David I canot hide (Psalm 139), so I open my heart to You. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.