” This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Elkosh. 2 The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies! 3 The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. 4 At his command the oceans dry up, and the rivers disappear. The lush pastures of Bashan and Carmel fade, and the green forests of Lebanon wither. 5 In his presence the mountains quake, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles, and its people are destroyed. 6 Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence.
7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. 8 But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night.” Nahum 1:1-7
God of all the Earth,
Nahum is speaking Your message to the people of Nineveh (Capital of Assyria) where the rulers lived. The same place Jonah had been called to, and I can understand why he did not want to go to the heart of his enemies. They may have responded to Jonah’ s words but they had returned to their old ways. Nahum reminded them that You, Lord are still God even if they no longer acknowledge You!
Even if nothing seems to be stopping the Assyrians from invading Judah, You God are a God of justice. But slow to anger, you do not always respond immediately. And I am grateful that You have been slow to anger with me and taught me with great grace. You give another warning and opportunity for the Assyrians to put their house in order. You witness that You are a righteous God.
Nahum gives the benefits of choosing You as God. The God of refuge who will in the future sweep away enemies like a flood. A threat or a promise. It is time for them to choose which side they are on.They may appear to be on the winning side now but they will have to face You, the only true God one day. In some ways I am glad those who love sin and evil will be dealt with but then I am sad for those people who think they are good enough and have no need of You. It is their choice.
But over and above all I am grateful that I know You my Lord and Saviour and Your love.What would I do without You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 11th August 2025.
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory, honour
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory, honour
Power and strength to the Lord
When the power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory, honour
Power and strength to the lord
We sing glory, honour
Power and strength to the lord
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
And we sing glory, honour
Power and strength to the lord
We sing glory, honour
Power and strength to the lord
Lyrics: Jamie and Sue Collins