Nahum 1:2-8
Capernaum= city of Nahum
Nahum = consolation chapter 1 – psalm of praise chapter 2 – judgment against Ninevah chapter 3 - reasons for their destruction consolation for us- Everyone answers to God. If God is against us, it doesn't matter who is for us. (2:13) Two words connected to God's wrath 1. Vengeance- not retaliation, but retribution God places human beings in a position of tremendous significance. God's ultimate purposes are reformation and repentance. 2. Jealousy- same as the word zealous God's love is intense and active. God demands exclusive devotion from us. Although Nahum comes across quite harshly, his book is a testimony to the goodness of God. Obadiah 20-21
The book is addressed to the people of Edom.
It concerns a time when military destruction was brought upon Jerusalem, accompanied by mockery of the Jews from the people of Edom. (10-14) Three possible times in history
Why did God set apart a people unto Himself? As an example of our relationship with Him. That relationship is a covenant. It symbolizes the connection between sacrifice and forgiveness. God's message to Edom (6-10) You don't mess with my chosen people. If there is no threat of punishment, then there is no need of salvation. Two aspects of God 1. a holy, righteous God who judges 2. a merciful, loving God who warns God has something to say about governments and politics and military procedures. Why? “the kingdom will be the Lord's” reasons for Edom's judgment (3) 1. arrogance 2. false sense of security Whenever you are in opposition to God, God wins. Jonah 1:17-2:6
Matthew 12:38-41 – there is a direct link between what happened to Jonah and the truth of the resurrection
of Jesus Christ. Before the resurrection possible reasons for Jonah's behavior 1. fear of failureooooooooooooo 2. feeling of superiority 3. self-interest New Testament correlation- Peter The same attitudes reveal a misunderstanding of what the resurrection can mean in our lives. In the midst of the resurrection God simply took control. Jonah – all these things were appointed by God. Resurrection- God controlled the very issues of life and death. In realizing that fact, we can overcome these attitudes that hinder the work of God. After the resurrection The greatest miracle of the story of Jonah is not the fish, but what happened at Ninevah. Disadvantages they had only one call to repentance only one prophet to speak to them only the threat of judgment no revelation of God except for nature The only sign we really need to believe- Jesus lives today! Micah 6:6-8
As soon as we start to gloat over the downfall of someone else, we could find ourselves in the same boat.
Micah wanted Judah to see that they were going to be next. The injustices of Judah 1. Land Mongering (2:2-3) In ancient Hebrew economy, property belonged to the Lord. The people were simply stewards of it. There is tremendous gospel in the Year of Jubilee. 2. False Prophets (2:6-7; 3:1-4) God's judgment is not something to just dismiss. God judges to lead us to repentance and restoration and hope. No matter how hard we try, we need a Savior! Micah's message: All God has done is geared toward the end of the coming of this Messiah. His challenge: to act justly to love mercy to walk humbly |
AuthorPastor Scott Goodman |