- What do you plot against the Lord? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time. Nahum 1:9 – The prophet is speaking God’s word over the nation of Ninevah, the same nation Jonah went to about 100 years earlier and preached against. While Ninevah repented of their sins when Jonah came, we see they slipped back into their wayward ways and it was time for them to pay the cost of such a choice. While Ninevah was an exceedingly great city, with strong walls and armies, we see that such strengths would not save them from the wrath of God. Our verse above asks “why do you plot against the Lord?” As if the nation being punished is planning on getting back at the Lord after He comes to punishes them. Yet we see that a response like that wouldn’t be possible. God was going to make a complete end of Ninevah, and there would be no need to re-punish them a second time at a later point for the destruction would be so complete. What we learn from this chapter is much of the character of God. Yes, God is slow to anger, but He is also just. Sin will never go unpunished. Either sin will be dealt with on the cross by Jesus or in Hell by us, but there will never be a time God forgives a sin without it Also learn that the punishment over sin is severe and a continued rejection of the Lord is not going to be handled lightly by the Lord. This isn’t meant to scare anyone into following God, yet it is to steer people far away from sin. See the high cost attached to sin and the guarantee that cost will be paid. Let’s praise Jesus for being willing to cover that cost for us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3310
- From you came one who plotted evil against the Lord, a worthless counselor. (v.11) After a bit of studying, this is most likely talking about Sennacherib, one of the kings of Assyria. Who it is though isn’t what we’re concerned with today, but what he was known for. A worthless counselor. Harsh words we find in Nahum and this is only chapter one. See a counselor is someone who examines your situation, and gives advices to bring about a change that is needed (at least that’s a simple way of defining a counselor). Hopefully that advice leads to a positive change, but apparently that wasn’t the case with this “counselor.” To be able to carry the title of “worthless,” you must be horrible at what you do and that’s exactly the case here. He was one who plotted and planned evil against the Lord and led his people accordingly. The message I long for you to grab a hold of today is that anyone who is purposely leading others away from the Lord is a worthless counselor. The directions they are giving are changes not for the better. If you can examine your life and identify people who directly/indirectly lead others away from the Lord, I’d advise you to remove them from being a “counselor” in your story. We can still be connected to them to share the message of Jesus with them, but do not allow them to have a place of influence over you where they are able to guide you in your life. For if they aren’t following Christ themselves….why would you follow them? – Daily DEVO 72
- And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart. Nahum 1:13 – For the original listeners this was God sharing with them that He was going to break the hold that an invading nation had over them. Freedom from the weight of slavery and persecution. We also see even deeper God sharing that the hold of our common enemy was going to be broken as well for them. We must remember that for those of us who have a relation with Jesus that God has already broken the hold the enemy had on us. Jesus’ death and resurrection shattered every hold the enemy had on you and you’re free from the enemy’s chains. If that’s the case, then why are we continuing to live like we’re still in bondage? Fearful, worried-filled, addicted, hateful, lazy, lustful, prideful. If we aren’t in bondage anymore to the enemy then we are stepping into these things all on our own freewill. That means though we are free to step out of them as well because of the freedom Jesus bought for you. Remember today you are free because of Jesus, don’t listen to the enemy trying to convince you otherwise. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 669
- The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. Nahum 1:7-8 – Nahum is a book directed to the people of Ninevah to make them aware of their coming destruction. Think of this as a sequel to Jonah because Ninevah’s repentance seen in Jonah didn’t last. The two verses chosen today sum up much of the message within this first chapter. God is a safe refuge for any who come to Him yet His power and wrath is unmatched toward those who turn to other gods. What we must remember today is the God we speak of and worship is this exact same God. For any today who choose to follow Him, Jesus then bears the wrath of God on our sin for us allowing us to find peaceful shelter and peace with the Father. Yet, for any who choose anything other than God to follow, nothing can withstand God’s power to protect you and save you from the wrath on your sin. Our only hope is Jesus, the Savior God provided so His wrath wouldn’t have to be poured out onto us. Have you chosen to find shelter in Jesus? Meaning have to chosen to follow Jesus and start a relationship with Him today? Allow Jesus to save you from your sin, bear the weight of God’s wrath for you, and to guide you into the loving arms are your Heavenly Father. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2100
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