Nahum: A Message of God’s Judgment
Nahum 1:7-9, 12-13; 2:8-13; 3:18-19
How often do we look at individuals and nations who stand in opposition to the things of God and wonder why they seem to prosper? We don’t understand why it seems that followers of Jesus are oppressed by those who follow the ways of the world.
This is not a new concept. During the time of Nahum’s ministry, the nation of Assyria was rich and powerful, and had the nation of Judah under its domination. This nation, where Jonah once preached, lived in open rebellion against God.
Nahum’s prophecy pronounced judgment on this nation. His prophecy reminds us that God is a God of love and mercy – a refuge – for those who trust in Him. However, there are consequences for disobedience. For believers, obedience is a must, and judgment for their disobedience also will come, for individuals and nations. Repentance must follow disobedience.
Social media allows us to be more connected to our world than ever before. We are more aware of the injustice that pervades our society and world. Injustice has always been with us, but we hear more about it. It is easy to become discouraged, seeing injustice all around us. But both the oppressor and the oppressed can be assured that God will hold the wicked accountable. Judgment will come! Assyria was the most powerful nation in the region, and its people likely never thought that someone would bring them down. They believed they were too powerful for even God’s judgment. They were deceived. Through God’s judgment on Assyria, He also delivered Judah – forever – from their oppression.
Believers can take comfort in knowing that God’s goodness does not mean that He will not judge wickedness. He will hold the wicked – both individuals and nations – accountable for their actions. In spite of the wickedness of our culture, God can, and will, protect and deliver His children.
Assyria’s leaders were held accountable, because they had allowed the nation to fall into wickedness. Power is seductive, and these leaders allowed it to lure them into rebellious behavior. The people of Assyria were not without guilt themselves.
Even today, leaders of nations who live in rebellion to God and His laws will face judgment. There is no nation, no leader too powerful to escape God’s judgment. The only way to escape is a complete change in behavior. There must be repentance of sins.
As believers, we are responsible for our own behavior, but we also should hold our nation’s leaders accountable, calling them to govern in obedience to God’s laws.
We have the privilege and freedom to participate in our governmental process. It is our right – and responsibility – to do so.
Register– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union, SCBC.