Take Two: Nahum 2, Proverbs 4

As the chapter opens...only one thing is in mind. There are no deeply hidden theological metaphors that elude a common reading. Here is the message. "Nineveh...watch out. Prepare yourselves. The Lord is coming to set things right and your days are over."

Nahum 2:1 is a call to action. Nineveh, God is coming to overthrow you. Prepare yourselves. Ready your defenses and shield yourself if you like.

To this point, the Assyrian Empire and Nineveh as its capital had experienced its prosperity by defeating other peoples and taking their possessions. They were the "bullies" in the playground. Their strength and security was in their own military power and reputation. Nahum (on God's behalf) calls to them in "wild west" fashion, "Ready yourself. There is a new sheriff in town."

Nahum 2:2 is the promise to Judah/Israel that God will restore them. To restore them... requires that God defeats their oppressors. I know we live in a culture today which speaks ideally of a world where God's Kingdom can come to pass on earth...but that does not mean that those opposed to God must be destroyed or changed. This is simply not so. When God's Kingdom is brought into its fullness and glory...other kingdoms (religious systems, opposition) will be brought to submission before Him.

Nahum 2:3-7 is a picture of military power. Though Nineveh might prepare to resist the coming attack...it will result in their own destruction. God is not struggling to win a battle. He simply appears in overwhelming force and defeats those who would resist and fight against Him.

Nahum 2:8-12 is a picture of a defeated Nineveh. The oppressor is now open, vulnerable, and defeated. Her great defenses are destroyed and all that she has is now a reward for those who are with God.

Nahum 2:13 is the summary declaration: The Lord is coming and will utterly destroy in righteous judgment those who oppose Him. It is not a question of outcome. They will be destroyed because God says, "I am against you." Who can fight against the Lord?

As we apply this...it is good to remember that the strongholds in our lives that we wish to defend (hidden sins, areas of disobedience, etc) will never survive against God. We cannot fortify ourselves against Him. We have no way to stop God from doing as God does. Whatever God is for...is accomplished; whatever He is against...is defeated. The key to abundant living is not in establishing our own systems, beliefs, or modes of operation...it is in yielding to God and joining with Him as He fulfills His mandate/plan/purpose. So...what is it He desires that you resist? Will you yield it...or will He take it?

Proverbs 4:24 is the takeaway for today. As I read it, it struck me that the instruction was what to put away and to put off. Put away a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. In the world we live in now...we think of adding to our lives...understanding, godliness, wisdom, etc. We begin with the proposition that we are on a good track and simply adding some of God to the mix will complete us. However, the ebb and flow of being a Christ-follower is both putting off and adding on. For everything we desire to add, we must subtract that which is presently in its place. One cannot add honesty to dishonesty...or righteousness to unrighteousness. We must put away (repent of) unrighteousness and endeavor for righteousness to become what we are called to become.

Grace,