Chapter 3 is a pronouncement against Nineveh again. It is part of the mystery/oracle that Nahum saw and this time...it begins with the results of the battle and works backward. He explains their fate and then give the rationale/reason...followed by the challenge to strengthen if they like...even though it will do no good, because their evil and unrepentent hearts have doomed them.
You see their fate in Nahum 3:1-3. The scene looks like something from Braveheart...with widespread death and destruction. The death is the product of the battle...but it is really because God has judged the wickedness of these people and will destroy them for it (Nahum 3:4). Remember, to deliver and bring comfort to His people, God has to destroy their oppressors. He does not destroy them in order to bless His people; rather, His people are blessed as God deals righteously with evil oppressors.
You can see that God's motivation is to stand against evil and to bring low the unrighteousness of men in Nahum 3:5-7. They will be defeated because God is against them. They chose to draw strength and comfort in their military might and reputation and set themselves against God...so God is against them and will destroy all that they have trusted in apart from Him.
Some in Assyria would have questioned whether their strong city could ever be taken as Nahum prophesies. Nahum 3:8-10 points backward into recent history for them...to No-Amon/L0 ammon/ Thebes...which while strong...had also fallen. The Assyrians/Ninevites knew this story well. While Thebes was considered a great and impenetrable city in Egypt and strategically situated...the ASSYRIANS had defeated it. It surprised everyone...since they thought that Thebes could never fall. The parallel that Nahum draws becomes more apparent...
Nahum 3:12-17 is the challenge/taunt to fortify if you will. Call in the reserves. Man your battle stations. Do all that you can...but when the Day comes...your men will be as women (Nahum 3:13) and will run...your guards on the wall will flee (Nahum 3:17). You will be utterly destroyed and your people will be scattered...never again to rise to power (Nahum 3:18). Why? Because you have committed evil time and again and have not turned back. Your wound (evil) is incurable and your destruction will not bring mourning from the nations...but they will rejoice. They rejoice...not at the Assyrian destruction...but at the justice of God making right the injustice perpetrated by Assyria against the peoples of the known world.
Did this happen? Most certainly. God's fulfillment of this prophesy is recorded in history.
Will God "right" all injustices in this world? Absolutely. He recorded it in the New Testament and we see it as the Second Coming of Christ.
Is there hope for those who perpetrate injustice? The same hope for them is the hope every Christian has experienced. For those who will turn from their sin and turn to a Holy God...there is always hope...and that Hope is found in the mercy of God.
Did Nineveh know this? Yes. Only a century before they were spared due to their repentance at the preaching of Jonah.
Should/Do we know this? What are you trusting in? Is it the hope of God's mercy...or is it in your own independence and strength? There is hope for all who turn to Him.
Proverbs 5:14 is the takeaway today. It struck me in its context (Prov 5:7-13) because it reminds us that merely being in the "midst of the assembly of the congregation," in the presence of teaching and instruction will not deliver a person. It is not enough to know what is right. One must also do what is right.
Grace,
Showing posts with label Nahum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nahum. Show all posts
Friday, December 05, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
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,
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,
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Take Two: Nahum 1, Proverbs 3
As we begin the reading of Nahum...you will notice that it is a short book. It is pretty straight forward...as a prophesy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. We do not know much about the author from the text itself. We believe he ministered in "Al-Qush" (located near Neneveh). Some say he was born there or perhaps in the region of Gallilee (In Capernaum-- which means city of Nahum). There is no real consensus and it does not bear directly on the biblical message.
To set the "oracle/mystery/prophesy) in historical context...Jonah prophesied against Nineveh in the mid 700s BC. Nineveh repented and God relented from His act of judgment. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyrian captivity as they continued to dominate as a world power. Their influence became prominent in the Southern Kingdom (Judah) as was seen in idolatrous practices among those in Judah. Thebes (lo-ammon/no-amon) was destroyed in 663 BC. Since its destruction is spoken of in the book (Nahum 3:8) and Nineveh/Assyria was not yet destroyed (which later occurred in 612BC) we can date the writing of the book in the mid 600s (Between 663 and 612 BC)...around 100 years following the Jonah event.
So...this prophesy of judgment against Nineveh comes about a century (or less) after they had seen God relent from His intended destruction of the city.
In Nahum 1:1-6, we see a picture of the awesome power of God. He is not only powerful but is one who has exercised his power in judgment against wickedness repeatedly. Sometimes...we see only the judgment of God and the awesomeness of His power...which leaves us somewhat intimidated by Him. We are afraid of what we cannot control and fully understand.
God's power displayed is also seen in light of His goodness (Nahun 1:7). Whatever God does in judgment is consistent with His goodness. An example:
If I kill a snake in my backyard....I have exercised judgment against it and displayed power against it. I have not done so because I am cruel and want to show my strength. I have done so because the snake is bad, and a danger/threat to those I love. So it is my "goodness" that directs me to act in judgment and exercise power against the snake.
We are tempted at times to only look at one dimension of God and to get an unbalanced picture of who He is. He is powerful, righteous, and displays wrath against unrighteousness; and, He is good, and protects those who run to Him.
Nahum 1:8 is a statement about the destruction. God announces that Nineveh will be destroyed and lost...covered by a flood (which did occur historically...and the city was covered...not to be unearthed again until the mid-1800s). Because of the wickedness and unrepentence of the Assyrians/Ninevites, God would blot them out (Nahum 1:9-14). The Assyrians had served a purpose in God's sovereign plan to bring Judah to a place of brokenness, but God would deliver them from the Assyrians soon (Nahum 1:12).
Nahum 1:15 announces to Judah...throw a party! The Lord has spoken. Your freedom is as good as possessed.
( I wonder if anyone looked at Nahum strangely?) His name means "comfort." While his words would be comforting to them...I wonder if they thought he was "off his rocker" a bit. They had idols all around them...Assyria was in control of the known world...and He tells them that he had a vision of their destruction. God had announced judgment against their evil-ness. They were about to be set free. Throw a party!
How do you look at the preacher when he tells you that this world is not your own? That this all ends soon and we are moving on to a better place. That the troubles in our midst have no more hold on us. Throw a party...the evil one will tread on you no more! "My chains are gone....I've been set free. My God, My Savior has ransomed me....."
Sometimes we fail to live in the reality of God's deliverance because we cannot seem to get our eyes off of our own circumstances. So what is reality? The troubles of this day...or the Day to come?
Proverbs 3:35 is the takeaway today. This struck me because the "wise" are not necessarily honored right now. Those who pursue God...who live according to God's purpose and are obedient to God's plan are not necessarily accepted (as it were) by those in the world. But one day...honor comes. One day...when all is revealed...it will be apparant that wisdom was the course that led to abundant life. The unwise (fools) do not inherit dishonor...they display it now. One who lives for Himself is not waiting for God's judgment...he displays it daily. He lives with less than he could, accomplishing less than he ought...and experiencing less than he was designed for. LIVE WISELY.
Grace,
To set the "oracle/mystery/prophesy) in historical context...Jonah prophesied against Nineveh in the mid 700s BC. Nineveh repented and God relented from His act of judgment. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyrian captivity as they continued to dominate as a world power. Their influence became prominent in the Southern Kingdom (Judah) as was seen in idolatrous practices among those in Judah. Thebes (lo-ammon/no-amon) was destroyed in 663 BC. Since its destruction is spoken of in the book (Nahum 3:8) and Nineveh/Assyria was not yet destroyed (which later occurred in 612BC) we can date the writing of the book in the mid 600s (Between 663 and 612 BC)...around 100 years following the Jonah event.
So...this prophesy of judgment against Nineveh comes about a century (or less) after they had seen God relent from His intended destruction of the city.
In Nahum 1:1-6, we see a picture of the awesome power of God. He is not only powerful but is one who has exercised his power in judgment against wickedness repeatedly. Sometimes...we see only the judgment of God and the awesomeness of His power...which leaves us somewhat intimidated by Him. We are afraid of what we cannot control and fully understand.
God's power displayed is also seen in light of His goodness (Nahun 1:7). Whatever God does in judgment is consistent with His goodness. An example:
If I kill a snake in my backyard....I have exercised judgment against it and displayed power against it. I have not done so because I am cruel and want to show my strength. I have done so because the snake is bad, and a danger/threat to those I love. So it is my "goodness" that directs me to act in judgment and exercise power against the snake.
We are tempted at times to only look at one dimension of God and to get an unbalanced picture of who He is. He is powerful, righteous, and displays wrath against unrighteousness; and, He is good, and protects those who run to Him.
Nahum 1:8 is a statement about the destruction. God announces that Nineveh will be destroyed and lost...covered by a flood (which did occur historically...and the city was covered...not to be unearthed again until the mid-1800s). Because of the wickedness and unrepentence of the Assyrians/Ninevites, God would blot them out (Nahum 1:9-14). The Assyrians had served a purpose in God's sovereign plan to bring Judah to a place of brokenness, but God would deliver them from the Assyrians soon (Nahum 1:12).
Nahum 1:15 announces to Judah...throw a party! The Lord has spoken. Your freedom is as good as possessed.
( I wonder if anyone looked at Nahum strangely?) His name means "comfort." While his words would be comforting to them...I wonder if they thought he was "off his rocker" a bit. They had idols all around them...Assyria was in control of the known world...and He tells them that he had a vision of their destruction. God had announced judgment against their evil-ness. They were about to be set free. Throw a party!
How do you look at the preacher when he tells you that this world is not your own? That this all ends soon and we are moving on to a better place. That the troubles in our midst have no more hold on us. Throw a party...the evil one will tread on you no more! "My chains are gone....I've been set free. My God, My Savior has ransomed me....."
Sometimes we fail to live in the reality of God's deliverance because we cannot seem to get our eyes off of our own circumstances. So what is reality? The troubles of this day...or the Day to come?
Proverbs 3:35 is the takeaway today. This struck me because the "wise" are not necessarily honored right now. Those who pursue God...who live according to God's purpose and are obedient to God's plan are not necessarily accepted (as it were) by those in the world. But one day...honor comes. One day...when all is revealed...it will be apparant that wisdom was the course that led to abundant life. The unwise (fools) do not inherit dishonor...they display it now. One who lives for Himself is not waiting for God's judgment...he displays it daily. He lives with less than he could, accomplishing less than he ought...and experiencing less than he was designed for. LIVE WISELY.
Grace,
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