We often struggle to see beyond our immediate challenges, yet Nahum was able to perceive something greater. His deep understanding of God's Grace allowed him to see beyond his immediate circumstances and emotions.
I want to focus on the powerful message found in the first four words of Nahum 1:7: "The Lord is good." Although the book of Nahum can be challenging to read and preach from, it is important to note that the minor prophets' messages are just as significant as those of the major prophets.
The book of Nahum is named after the prophet himself, whose name means "comfort" or "consolation." This book serves as a sequel to the book of Jonah, where Jonah prophesied God's judgment on the city of Nineveh. However, over time, the people of Nineveh turned away from God, leading to their impending destruction.
In our own lives, we often bargain with God during difficult times, promising to change our ways if He helps us. But we tend to forget these promises once our circumstances improve. Similarly, the people of Nineveh repented and turned to God when they heard Jonah's message, but they quickly reverted to their old ways. This pattern of forgetting God's goodness and grace is not unique to them; we too can fall into this trap.
Nahum's message was one of doom and destruction for Nineveh. The Assyrian Empire, at its height of power, was on a mission to expand its kingdom. However, they had also attacked and oppressed God's people. Despite this, Nahum was able to see and understand the grace of God. He recognized that grace is the unmerited favor and love of God shown to us, even when we don't deserve it.
We often struggle to fully grasp God's grace because our experiences with broken and sinful people shape our understanding. We have not encountered anyone who embodies grace perfectly outside of Christ. However, when we truly understand our need for grace and call upon God for help, His amazing grace comes to our rescue.
Nahum's ability to see and depend on God's grace allowed him to proclaim, "The Lord is good!" This declaration is significant because it was made in the midst of judgment and calamity. It reminds us that God's goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. He is good to all people, in all places, and at all times. His goodness extends to both the just and the unjust.
We are currently living in difficult times, with societal turmoil, economic upheaval, and moral decline. These are the consequences of our abandonment of God. However, even in the midst of judgment, we can still declare that "The Lord is good." His goodness remains unchanged, regardless of how things may appear.
It is important for us to remember that God's goodness is not limited to when life is going well. He is good all the time and in every way. We can trust in His goodness and come before Him in praise and repentance. We can find comfort in knowing that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV).
In conclusion, let us hold on to the truth that "The Lord is good." Despite the challenges we face, we can rely on His goodness and grace. Just as a cake is made from seemingly unpleasant ingredients, God can bring something wonderful out of our difficult circumstances. Trust in His goodness and experience the transformative power of His grace in your life.
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