When we read the prophetic book of Micah over the last couple of weeks, we saw God’s promised judgment together with His promised redemption. We saw God use exile from the Promised Land to draw people back to Himself. Do you allow suffering to push you away from God? Or does suffering drive you to your knees in prayer to God for strength?
One of the major takeaways from Micah is that it matters to
God how people treat people. God values
people. He sent His Son to die for
people. How do I treat others? Do I empathize with people? Do I even try to put myself in another person’s
shoes? Or am I apathetic toward those
who are suffering because of their poor choices?
Another thing we see in Micah is that salvation is based on
God’s mercy, not my actions. Jesus died
for me while I was still His enemy. How
am I loving my enemies? I am called to
pray for my enemies. When I do that, my
heart will change toward them. I
challenge you to try this. It really
works.
This week, we are reading the prophetic books of Nahum and
Zephaniah. These prophets were active
during the reign of King Josiah. If you
read up on Josiah in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, you will see that he was the
youngest king of Judah. He was deeply
touched by the discovery of the Scriptures, and it transformed his heart and
his reign as king of Judah. He tore down
the places of false worship and repaired the temple. He reinstituted the observance of the
Passover celebration. This was a time of
revival in Judah.
Nahum opens his book describing God as jealous and avenging
and wrathful toward His enemies, yet slow to anger and great in power. Mountains quake because of Him. His wrath is poured out like fire. This message is for Nineveh. The same Nineveh Jonah didn’t want to preach
to – and see saved – 100 years prior!
Apparently, the revival there didn’t last. God’s judgment was on its way.
Despite the tone of finality in Nahum’s message, there is a
beauty in the revelation of the character of God being slow to anger. This enables us to learn from Nahum’s message
and be saved today. God still gives us
chances to repent when we sin. His power
enables us to follow Jesus, to serve Him.
Yet, He won’t leave the guilty unpunished. But Jesus already took the punishment for
those who put faith in Him for salvation.
We will escape God’s wrath.
Nahum provides a graphic depiction of the fall of Nineveh,
from the appearance of the invading army to the taking of the city and its
flooding. But, to His people, the Lord
is a stronghold, a protection and a refuge.
Can you claim His protection as a believer in Jesus Christ?
Zephaniah (Tsephan-yah) is only three chapters long, but its
message is huge! These verses speak
about God’s coming judgment. Zephaniah
states: the day of the Lord is coming quickly.
Zephaniah pronounced judgment upon Judah and other nations
for the sins of rebellion, defilement, not trusting the Lord, being reckless,
dishonoring the sanctuary, violence, being unjust. Indifference to God and to people is rampant. Even believers can reject God’s Lordship and
ignore Him for a time, but He pursues us and enables us to humbly come to Him
in repentance, and He is always willing to forgive.
I have a co-worker who became offended when I was speaking
to another Christian about our assurance that we are saved and going to heaven
because Jesus Christ died for us. The
offended co-worker explained that he doesn’t believe anyone can have such
assurance. I attempted to share the plan
of salvation with him, but it was not received.
How sad to live like that. Do you
have assurance of your salvation?
Our world is in need of revival. Our hearts need to turn back to God rather
than turning toward fear or worship of self or celebrities or stuff. Our hearts and minds need more decluttering
than our homes. Final judgment is
coming, but there is hope for salvation in Jesus Christ. Share Christ with those who don’t know
Him. Take a risk. Risk a relationship. If you don’t, what kind of friend are
you? How will you spark the revival the
world needs?
After reading this, if you would like to accept Jesus as
your personal Savior, please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, I
realize that I am a sinner in need of a Savior.
I recognize that Jesus is that Savior.
That He died for my sins. That He
rose from the grave, conquering death. I
invite Jesus to reign on the throne of my heart. I thank you for hearing my
prayer and adopting me into your family.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, tell a Christian friend or
find a Pastor in a Bible preaching church and tell him so you can begin a path
of discipleship and walking with Jesus as your Savior. Welcome to the family!
If this idea helps you, consider
sharing this post with someone you know who might also benefit from it.
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