August 28, 2021 - Kevin Taylor

Nahum: A minor prophet with a major message of Condemnation and Comfort.

 

Nah-who? (1:1) Oracle - Nineveh - Book - Nahum - Elkosh

 

Nahum’s prophecy presented a great dichotomy between Condemnation and Comfort.

 

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18

 

1. The Condemned: Nothing can stand against the condemnation of God’s wrath (1:2-6)

 

“for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” -Exodus 20:5-6

 

“Nineveh was going to receive the judgement that had been postponed at the time of Jonah....Past blessing does not guarantee present peace. The people of each generation must seek and serve God for themselves.” -Clive Anderson

 

Who can stand before his indignation? Indignation- anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy

 

2. The Comforted: God is good, our refuge, and we are not forgotten (1:7)

 

The Lord is good “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.” Psalm 145:5-7

 

A stronghold in the day of trouble “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Prov. 18:10

 

He knows those who trust in Him “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov. 3:5-6

 

Which Headline are you reading today? Is it one of Condemnation or Comfort?

 

“The wrath of God is here revealed from heaven against his enemies, his favour and mercy are here assured to his faithful loyal subjects, and his almighty power in both, making his wrath very terrible and his favour very desirable.” -Matthew Henry

 

Condemned -“Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts,” 2:13, 3:5a

 

Comforted - “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.” 1:15

 

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” -Isaiah 52:7

 

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

 

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Col 1:19-20

 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Cor. 1:3

 

What word comes to your mind when you think of the Goodness of God?Faithful, merciful, grace, salvation, provision, health, family, new pastor, blessings, children, steadfast, wife, husband, Bible, eternity, protection, refuge, love, plan, purpose, justice,