Scripture Union Daily Guide 12 April 2021 Monday Message
TOPIC: Vengeance and Comfort.
Opening Prayer: Make my life oh Lord a reflection of you as I study your word.
Scripture: Nahum 1: 1 – 15
INTRODUCTION TO NAHUM
The author, Nahum, addresses part of his message to the kingdom of Judah. However, the bulk of the message is to the Assyrian kingdom and Nineveh, the capital and representative city. After overrunning the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Assyria was now set to attack Judah. Assyrian invasions were known to be ferocious and destructive. The conquered people were cruelly treated, displaced or deported to other parts of their empire. The people of Judah were thus justifiably frightened at the prospect of an Assyrian invasion. The book portrays God as a just Judge who punishes wickedness and rewards righteousness, no matter how long it seems to take. The vision of Nahum also shows God as the God of history, who directs the destiny of people and nations, even those who do not submit to His rule.
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any command for me to obey?
Remember a previous occasion when wicked Nineveh was warned about God’s judgment hanging on their head. See Jonah 1:1-2. They had responded positively then, and the Lord spared them (Jonah 3:10). Unfortunately, they soon forgot and returned to their evil and cruel ways, so Nahum warned of judgment and vengeance from the Almighty God. Note the attributes of God against evil as exposed by Nahum in vs.1-6.
What does this tell us about God’s view of sinful living? The question as to why wicked people and nations should appear to be blessed and to prosper has always puzzled “good” people. Compare Jeremiah 12:1. Nahum too seems to have had the question in mind. His answer to the puzzle is that God is good, cares for His own and punishes wickedness.
Investigate the truth of v.7 by making two lists, the first one consisting of the pronouncements against wicked Nineveh (vs.8-12a,14), and the second one consisting of the promises given to faithful and God-fearing Judah (vs.12b-13,15). Would you rather be counted with Nineveh or with Judah?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• So What? Identify the promises God made to Judah in vs.7, 12b, 13 and 15 and claim them for yourself as a child of God having placed your trust in Jesus.
Thank God for His love and faithfulness.
• Thank God for His love, making the way for the gospel train to keep moving on in spite of oppositions.
Pray against laws in Europe, U.S.A. and Canada that are repressing Christians, under the false guise of freedom, diversity and inclusiveness
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Lev. 17-18; Heb. 12
Scripture Union Daily Guide 12 April 2021.Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.