I have truly been enjoying reading through the minor prophets. In a previous journal entry I noted how although these prophets may have been titled minor, they have a MAJOR message. Today’s posting is no different. Nahum is only three chapters long.
Nahum:
After reading chapter one, I was curious about the whereabouts and happenings of Nineveh. I found that the Nineveh I’m reading about in Nahum is the same that Jonah was sent to to proclaim God’s plan nearly one hundred years prior. A massive revival took place in Jonah’s time. A century later, they had lost their way again and they saw God’s wrath come down on them. This wrath occurred in about 612 B.C.. Get this…in 1845, archeologists discovered the old kingdom of Nineveh about 90 feet below the plain. 90 feet! I just love how archeological digs show proof of the bible. The bible is true, y’all!
The Ninevites example of repenting and turning to the Lord, generations prior and their current standing in the Book of Nahum, should remind us that just because our parents or grandparents or great-grands had/have faith and believed in Jesus Christ, does not mean that you get a free ride to Heaven and can claim to be a Christian. Being a Christian is a personal relationship. Your security in your eternal life has nothing to do with what denomination or religion you are. It has nothing to do with the relationship your family may have with Jesus. The amount of times you attend a church service or bow your head to pray is unable to assure your eternal life with Christ (or your family members who believe). You must recognize, repent, receive, and recommit. Turn from your sinful self and turn to life in Christ.
Some circled lines from chapter one:
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- The LORD is a jealous God (God’s jealousy is not a selfish one, it is righteous and with a purpose.)
- The LORD is slow to get angry, but His power is great, and He never lets the guilty go unpunished. (Remember…vengeance is mine, says the Lord. He’s got this.)
- He displays His power in the whirlwind and the storm. (He is IN the midst of it all!)
- The LORD is good (Duh), a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. (Run to Him. Let Him be your safe place. He will be near those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you?)
- He will pursue His foes into the darkness of night. (Like momma always said, “Ain’t nothin’ good happenin’ after dark.” Satan loves to have darkness hang over you. Focus on The Light, Jesus Christ. Be filled with Christ and allow Him to shine in and through you.)
- Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace. (Hmmm…the messenger (John the Baptist, Jesus’s cousin) brought the message of The Good News and Peace (Let’s capitalize those letters to represent Who He really is…Jesus Christ).
Chapter 2:
- In Jonah, Nineveh was warned with these eight words over and over again, “Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed.” Yet in chapter 2 of Nahum, the details are more graphic and lengthy. Actually, the warning is the whole chapter.
- Verse 13 contains words I would never want to hear, “I am your enemy!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I am grateful to be in the Lord’s army, one of His soldiers. He is my Commander. How do I know I am? Because I have a personal relationship with my Jesus. The Lord is my Savior, Provider, Comforter, Security, Love, and whatever else in my daily living.
- When you are not on God’s side, you are against Him. He has stern warnings for you and eternity. Choose wisely and choose to be on the Lord of Heaven’s side.
Chapter 3:
- Nineveh is describe as:
- City of murder and lies
- Crammed with wealth
- Beautiful
- Faithless
- Mistress of deadly charms
- Enticing and enchanting
- An enemy of the Lord
- Shameful, filthy, vile
- During and after the Lord’s wrath:
- Stagger like a drunkard
- Hide for fear
- Fortresses will fall
- Devoured
- Troops will be weak and helpless
- Open to its enemies
- Set on fire and burned
- Cut down by the sword
- Consumed and devoured by its enemies
- No escape
- Guards and officials disappear
- Shepherds are asleep
- Princes are dead
- People are scattered
- No healing. Fatal
Wow! When I think of the description of Nineveh and the price they pay, I am reminded of those who continue to live in sin, they do not repent and turn to Christ, and their eternal life is solidified in Hell. When you don’t have a personal relationship with Christ, your eternity will sound a lot like those Ninevites who had no escape, and were devoured by their enemies and consumed with fire…think HELL.
Friend, this is not an eternity that I wish on anyone. If you do not have your belief and faith in Jesus Christ, I pray now that you will seek Him, cry out to Him, repent of your sinful ways and live the life that the Lord intended for you to have. It is a life full of abundant joy, love, peace, and forgiveness.
Talk about a MAJOR message. Nahum is applicable to our lives today.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
