Seeking God in NAHUM

“There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?” NAHUM 3:19

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eople take God for granted. They rely on His mercy as an insurance policy that will lift them out of the troubles caused by their misguided actions. How long will people continue to live away from God, mocking everything He stands for, and get away with it? The ruins of Nineveh remain a testament for all to see. During the time of Jonah its citizens humbled themselves, and the Lord withdrew their punishment. Yet a few hundred years later, they went back to their old ways, like a dog returning to his vomit. How do we keep ourselves from returning to our vomit? How do we continue established in Him regardless of the circumstances He engineers around us? Do we let emotional winds penetrate the foundation of our faith? Do we follow the ways of Nineveh, or do we rejoice in the Lord?

There is a final moment when the wicked receive their punishment. A moment when there is no exit or escape, simply the end. God’s wrath upon evil arrives swiftly; leaving behind the ruins of those who rejected Him and His ways. If a man receives mercy –Jesus- and then turns back, does he lose his crown of life? Who can be saved if not those who are firm in righteousness? The way is easy when we learn to rely on Him, rather than our flesh. Thoughts and emotions are subject to corrupting influences, but the heart of a man centered in the Lord is able to conquer all. The strength that comes from giving ourselves to Him equals no other. Our will, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, propels us towards His promises wile God gently leads us by the ruins of those who carved their own destruction.