Philemon “Put It On My Account”

 “If he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.” (v.18)

The book of Philemon contains a one-on-one appeal. Onesimus was a runaway slave who had escaped from his Christian master Philemon. Onesimus met Paul in Rome and became a follower of Christ. They agreed that it was right for him to return to his master. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon (the letter that bears his name), asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother, and assuring him that he himself would pay any debt Onesimus owed.

This is a beautiful picture of what happens when one turns to Christ for salvation. As sinners, we owed an enormous debt, but Jesus put that on His account. Because of His sinless life, He has unlimited resources of righteousness to spend. And by dying in our place, He paid the penalty for our sin. Now we can draw on this payment by faith. As Martin Luther put it, "We are all His Onesimi." If we put our trust in Christ as our Savior, our sins are put to His account and we are free for all eternity. Praise God!

Christ paid the debt He didn't owe, to satisfy the debt we couldn't pay.

The Truth

“Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”

Matthew 2 “Joy To The World”

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived." (vv.8-23)

Jesus' birth sparked joy, excitement, curiosity, wonder and amazement. All these emotions flowed from the experience of the shepherds, who observe with amazement as heaven confesses the child's identity (vv. 10-11). 

Joy came from the angelic proclamation of their good news which was for all the people. Though in the original context such a messianic announcement would have been understood as being for the people of Israel, the development of Jesus' ministry shows that Jesus' work reaches beyond such national boundaries. The two volumes of Luke-Acts tell us the story of how Jesus, the Savior, Lord and Christ, brought salvation to all people regardless of nationality who needed only turn to him (Acts 10:34-43). 

In our text, each set of characters plays a major role. The angels present the commentary of heaven on the events of Luke 2:1-7. They identify the child and reflect the heavens' excitement that this child has come to do God's work. The shepherds, have the type of response any of us should have as we contemplate these events. Their curiosity leads them to go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened. As they see God's word honored in the presence of the sign, they come to testify to God's work and tell the story of the child. Mary, depicts the wonder of experiencing the plan of God's Son in her life. She pondered all these things in her heart. The audience, to the shepherds' report were amazed. Their response exemplifies the awe that should fill anyone who hears Jesus' story.

In addition, there are the shepherds' glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen. This birth is no mere arrival of a new life, as poignant as each such event is. The story is not told so that hearers can identify with the new mother and father or enjoy a story of hope, of a touching birth in humble surroundings. This birth has value because of whose birth it is. The shepherds have found that the angel's words were true, that events have transpired just as they had been told. God's word is coming to pass; his plan is again strategically at work. They break out in praise to God because He has sent Jesus, as the Savior for all mankind. 

The Christmas carol, “Joy To The World” sums up this passage perfectly. 

The Truth: “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with Us). (Isaiah 7:14)

Matthew 1 “Why Jesus Was Born"

“She  (Mary) will bear a Son; and you (Joseph) shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember "why Jesus was born." The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (v. 21). This unspeakable gift to man would later become the sacrificial, spotless lamb, who's blood would be shed for the sins of the world.  

He truly was a "gift" from God, sent to a sin-damaged world who without Him would be lost in their trespasses and sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Yet, "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17). And that my friends is why Jesus was born. 

If you have not accepted this life changing gift, what better time than now, and celebrate your spiritual birthday with His. The best gift ever was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, all you have to do is accept it. Now that would be something to celebrate at Christmas!

 The Truth: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Matthew 2 “The Guiding Light”

The Christmas song, “We Three Kings” speaks to us of the “guiding light” which lead the Magi West from Persia to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew (2:2) this light is referred to as, "His Star."

Not much is known about the exact identity of the Magi but they were most likely Gentiles of high position from a country northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God concerning the birth of, the King of the Jews. Some Bible scholars believe the revelation came through knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Others simply believe it came to them in the sky, as we are told in Matthew’s Gospel, “they had seen His star in the East.” (Matthew 2:2) Whatever the source, the Magi came to Jerusalem to worship the new-born King of the Jews and to pay Him tribute of Gold, Incense and Myrrh.

On their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem “the star” they had seen in the East, reappeared and led them to the specific house in Bethlehem where they found the Child Jesus. (Matthew 2:9-11) This was truly a miracle, as Bethlehem is about 5 miles south of Jerusalem and “Stars” naturally travel from east to west across the heavens, not from north to south.

The response of the wise men upon finding Jesus was entirely appropriate, and their actions serve as a model of true discipleship. First they sought the Christ child (Matt. 2:2), and when they had found their way to Him, they rejoiced (Matt.2:10). Then, seeing the child they worshiped Him (Matt. 2:11), and offered him gifts that befit a king (Matt.2:11; cf. Pss 45:7-9; 72:15).

The response of Herod on the other hand was completely different. First, he did not seek to honor the baby Jesus, in fact He was not even aware of His birth under His very nose until the Magi inquired. Second, once he learned of it from the Magi, he tried to deceive them into returning too give him the exact location of Christ child in order that he might supposedly worship Him. But in his heart he had other plans. Two different people groups with two different reactions. The wise men (from the east, gentiles) worshiped Jesus. While Herod (part Jewish, ruler of the nation), sought to kill him.

This early division and the different reactions over the announcement of the birth of Christ, would mark His ministry His entire life. There would be no middle ground. Some would seek Him for life, while others would seek Him to take His life.

The same is true today for many people. Some are like Herod and reject Jesus, while others are like the Magi and see Him for who He is; the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Savior of mankind, the "Light of the World." God's gift to all - if we will only receive it.

The Truth
“A Star shall rise out of Jacob. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev.22:16)
Merry Christmas.

Titus 3 “Saved By His Grace”

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (v.5)

Entrance to heaven is a gift of grace and not a matter of personal merit. Paul emphasizes this fact in today’s passage by reminding us of our status prior to receiving Christ. The picture is not a pretty one. We were “foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures” (v. 2). In addition, we “lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” This reminder immediately follows Paul’s command to “show true humility toward all men” and is related to our obligation to submit to those in authority and to be peaceable and considerate of others (v.2).

There's a lot to chew on in these first five verses, but salvation by grace, and by grace alone is the key point (Romans 3:24). Meaning, we can do nothing to earn it - it's a gift from God. We simply acknowledge our sinfulness and the inability to save ourselves, then place our trust in Jesus, believing that He died on the cross for our sins, who then welcomes us into His grace.

God has provided salvation for you—that’s His part. Receiving it by faith—is yours.

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Titus 2 “Be A Living Example For Good”

 In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (vv.7-8)

In today’s chapter, Paul turns the spotlight from the church to the home. He examines each member of the household, outlining individual duties and responsibilities. To older men, he encourages them to be “worthy of respect” and to exhibit “self control,” among other qualities (v. 2). Older women are to live reverently and teach the younger to do the same (v. 3). 

The letter encourages a pattern of discipleship for older adults to teach the things they have learned. And, for both young and old, he encourages believers to live lives so that opponents have no opportunity to make credible charges of wrongdoing (v. 8). Oh that our society today would take these verses to heart, so that our older men and women would be the righteous mentors God intended them to be.

The Truth  

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor,” the author of Proverbs declares, “it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31).

“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Titus 1 "Choose Wisely"

“I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking.” (v.5)

In the movie, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" Harrison Ford and Sean Connery are in search for the Holy Grail, the cup of Christ. With Sean Connery lying mortally wounded, Harrison Ford must negotiate a deadly maze of traps to gain entrance into an ancient room, guarded by a Knight, and select from that room full of cups and chalices, the one cup that has the healing power of God to save his father's life. While they all appear kingly, only one will bring life. The knight who guards the Grail knows its identity but would die rather than pointing it out, he simply warns Connery to, "Choose wisely."    

Here in our text, the apostle Paul left Titus on the island of Crete to appoint leaders for the growing band of believers. Except for preaching the gospel, nothing Titus did for the Christians on Crete was more important than finding them the right leadership, so crucial to the successful growth of the church. Titus’s job of both teaching and choosing leaders would be no easy task. As we shall see, the inhabitants of Crete were a difficult and problematic people, some of whom had infiltrated the church. Thus, Titus would have his work cut out for him in finding the men who fit the qualities listed by Paul in verses 6-9. So Paul gives Titus these guidelines along with the warning to "choose wisely" that purity might prevail. 

While not all decisions are equal, many present themselves with multiple options, dilemmas that can give us reason to pause, to be uncertain. In that moment, never be to quick to move forward without taking time to pray for guidance, to seek His wisdom, that you may be lead by His Spirit, and "choose wisely." 

The Truth: "If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

Habakkuk 3 “Keep Your Faith In God”

“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” (vv.17-18)

Verses 17 and 18 are perhaps the best-known and best-loved verses in the book of Habakkuk, and seem more relevant than ever in these difficult economic times. They are an example of unwavering faith in God, despite difficult circumstances. 

Here in our text, things are as bad as they can possibly be. The trees do not bud, the crops do not ripen, and the livestock are dead. A modern paraphrase might read: “The cupboards are bare,” yet the prophet says, "I will rejoice in the Lord." The bottom line here is not the circumstances in which he and the people of Judah find themselves in, but God (v. 19). He (God) is their source of confidence and strength, the only Rock on which they can rely.

Life can be just as difficult in our world as well. At some point, most of us have wondered, “Where is God in my trouble?” And we may have thought, 'It seems like injustice is winning and God is silent." And in those times, we all had a choice as to how we responded to our troubles. The prophet Habakkuk had an attitude worth following: He made the choice to rejoice in God and keep his faith in Him.

We too can choose to be focused on the Lord, and not on our circumstances, to live above the shadows of fear and bask in the sunlight of faith. Even though we, like Habakkuk, may have a long list of troubles, faith’s answer to disappointment must always be: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (v.18). That type of attitude will enable us to live above the circumstances instead of under them. Therefore, "keep your faith in God," and your eyes on Him.  

The Truth: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Habakkuk 2 “The Righteous Will Live By Faith”

“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.” (v.4)

Back in chapter 1, the prophet Habakkuk had complained about the violence and injustice around him. It seemed to him as if the wicked were swallowing up the righteous. So he asked the question, “Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?” (Hab.1:13). 

After patiently waiting, God now responds to Habakkuk by saying that His people were to be "just" and were to live by faith. They were not to be like the one who is "proud" and "not upright" (v.4). A proud and self-sufficient person will rationalize his faults and imperfections. He doesn't want to admit that he needs God, though his ways are not upright.

Even today when wickedness seems to prevail in our world, God still urges us to live our lives in faith, taking to heart His assurance to Habakkuk that there will be a day of reckoning for the wicked - a day when "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" (v.14). 

Therefore, in spite of all the ugliness, the wrongs, the schemes and evil doings of men, we must live by faith and wait for the final verdict from our LORD, who rules the universe from “His holy temple” (v.20). 

The Truth: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

Habakkuk 1 “Where Are You?”

“How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You will not hear! Even cry unto thee of violence, and thou will not save.” (v.2)

Habakkuk was a questioner. He saw his king and the people plunged deep into immorality and wondered, “Lord, why don’t You judge Your people? Why aren’t you working? Where are you?”

I’m sure we’ve all experienced the same feeling when, in our judgment, God seems to be unconnected or not on His job. But a little further down here in chapter 1, Habakkuk received his answer, “For I will work a work in your days, which you will not believe, though it be told you” (v.5).

And just as in the days of Habakkuk, so God still governs in the affairs of men today. He is not slack, nor indifferent and all will still be made to answer for their trespasses and sins, but in His timing and not ours.  

The Truth: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

2 Timothy 4 “Make It Known”

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” (v.2)

In today’s text Paul charged Timothy to “Preach the Word.” This is not addressed only to preachers, however. The word, preach, means “to make it known.” God’s people can do this over a cup of coffee. We can make known the good news of what God has done for us wherever, whenever, and to anyone who is open to listening.

Therefore, let’s not be shy to “make known” what God has done for us! Share your story, then share the gospel – “make it known.”

The Truth: “God so demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

2 Timothy 3 "God's GPS"

 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (v.16)

Today’s text describes the Bible as a spiritual navigation system for our journey through life. It has been said of this passage that; Doctrine tells us which road to travel; reproof tells us when we are off the road; correction tells us how to get back on course; and instruction in righteousness tells us how to stay on God’s road.

It is easy to take a wrong turn in life. However, making a bad decision or choice, doesn’t mean one is lost forever. Just like your GPS travel directions can recalculate another route to your desired location, so too can our spiritual navigation system put us back on the right course in life by trusting God’s Word.

The mistakes and choices that detour us from the Lord are not to be taken lightly (and you can be sure God doesn't), so much so that the moment we (as His children) veer off on our own, His Holy Spirit is gives us a warning. Definitely not like the GPS warning of “recalculating,” but He urges us to return to the Father’s way nonetheless. 

If you've drifted off course, there’s no better time than right now to heed God’s voice and return to His road. Trust Him for your course correction. Then with God's Word as your map and His Spirit as your compass, you're sure to stay on His course. God bless.

The Truth: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

2 Timothy 2 "Mentor Others"

 “The things that you have heard from me, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (v.2)

According to Homer's Odyssey, when King Odysseus went off to fight in the Trojan war, he left his son Telemachus in the hands of a wise old man named Mentor. Mentor was charged with the task of teaching the young man wisdom. Today the word mentor has come to mean "a wise and responsible tutor"—an experienced person who advises, guides, teaches, inspires, challenges, corrects, and serves as a model.

Our text today describes spiritual mentoring and the Bible gives us many examples. Timothy had Paul; Mark had Barnabas; Joshua had Moses; Elisha had Elijah. This type of spiritual leadership is just as important today as it was then. There can be no greater calling than passing the torch to young believers, and working with God to help mold their character and accountability. Therefore, prayerfully consider whom you might help grow in their faith. Ask God to lead you to someone that needs a mentor and for His guidance along the way.

LORD, I thank you for your servant David E. Radford who recently passed into glory. He was a mentor who passed the light to many young men that went on to teach others. His was a life well lived and a race well run. Rest in peace my friend. See you one day on the other side in glory. 

The Truth: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:4)

2 Timothy 1 "Guard The Good Treasure"

 “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (vv.13-14)

Paul is now getting on in years and he is thinking about the future and what it may hold for Timothy when he is gone. Here in his second letter to Timothy he exhorts him to; “cling to the sound words” (the apostle’s doctrine), which he had heard from Paul (an appointed preacher, apostle, and teacher), and “guard the good treasure” entrusted to him.

This exhortation no doubt comes from Paul’s concern of “false teachers”, who would twist and turn this doctrine to their own interpretations. Therefore, he challenges Timothy, with the help of the “Holy Spirit” to, keep the “good news” pure and incorrupt, free from all the adulterations and mixtures of men, safe and sound, that it be not snatched away from the churches by false teachers.

As believers in Christ, we have been given this same Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. And, just like Timothy, we need to fight the good fight of the gospel, to defend it with truth, not allowing it to be snatched away by false teachings, but to “Guard the good treasure we have been given!”  

The Truth: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26)

Nahum 3 “Why Nineveh Will Fall”

“All because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the charming one, the mistress of sorceries, who sells nations by her harlotries and families by her sorceries. “Behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord of hosts; “And I will lift up your skirts over your face, and show to the nations your nakedness and to the kingdoms your disgrace.” (vv.4-5)

Here in chapter 3 Nahum gives three reasons why Nineveh deserved to be judged; 1) their ruthless bloodshed (vv.1-3), 2) their idolatry (vv.4-7), and 3) their pride and self-confidence (vv.8-19).

Nineveh, “The City of Blood,” was guilty of extreme cruelty, so profound that it demanded vengeance. History testifies to their (Assyria) bloody cruelties. They are alleged to have cut off enemies’ hands, feet, and noses; gouged out their eyes; flayed or skinned them alive; ripped open pregnant women; beheaded and then burned the bodies in huge piles; and carried out many massacres. 

Often in Scripture, idolatry is associated with prostitution, and when you consider that the chief deity of Nineveh was Ishtar, goddess of sexual passion, fertility, and war, you can understand why Nahum used this metaphor. Because of their spiritual blindness, the Assyrians were ensnared by this evil goddess and were under the control of lust, greed, and violence. People become like the god that they worship (Ps. 115:8), for what we believe determines how we behave. And their lust for power was just as strong as their lust for sex. Given all this, it’s no surprise that no one will mourn the destruction of Nineveh, no one will offer words of comfort. Instead, Assyria’s former victims will rejoice in their liberation (v. 7). 

Like the Book of Jonah, the Book of Nahum ends with a question: “for who has not felt you endless cruelty?” (v.19, NIV) Nahum emphasizes the same truth that was declared by the Prophet Amos: God punishes cruel nations that follow inhumane policies and brutal practices (Amos 1–2). Whether it’s practicing genocide, exploiting the poor, supporting slavery, or failing to provide people with the necessities of life, the sins of national leaders are known by God and He eventually judges. 

If you question that fact, go and search for Nineveh, you will not find it.

The Truth: “You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.” (Psalm 9:5)

Nahum 2 “I Am Against You”

“Behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord of hosts. “I will burn up her chariots in smoke, a sword will devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the land, and no longer will the voice of your messengers be heard.” (v.13)

Here in our text the LORD declares that He is against the Assyrian Empire and that their army is no match for Him; “I will burn up her chariots in smoke, a sword will devour your young lions.” 

Lions were a symbol of the Assyrian Empire in Bible times. A pair of enormous stone lions, for example, stood on either side of the entrance to a temple dedicated to Ishtar, Assyrian goddess of fertility and warfare. The lions measured eight–and–a–half feet high and more than seven feet across. Their mouths were open, as if they were roaring, and their expressions communicated power and ferocity.

Knowing that lions symbolized the Assyrian Empire shows today’s reading to be highly ironic. Like a marauding lion, Assyria had been on the prowl, hunting and conquering other nations. In Nahum’s prophecy the tables are turned and the hunter becomes the hunted; the fearless become the fearful. 

In verse 11 we find a taunting question, “Where now is the lions’ den?” To American ears this might sound like something we would describe as unsportsmanlike trash talk, but culturally and literarily it was an appropriate way to highlight the meaning of this significant event. The overthrow of Nineveh meant that God’s words were true and His sovereignty absolute. To look at this in terms of the overall biblical storyline, the supreme lion is the Lion from the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ (Rev. 5:5).

Assyria would experience a complete reversal of fortune (v.12). What a contrast with the Nineveh of Jonah’s day—from hearts open to God’s tender mercies to hearts determined to set them-selves up against God Himself. Once powerful, Nineveh would become helpless. Once rich, it would be plundered. Once in pursuit of fresh prey, it would become the prey of others. Once a place of security and stability, it would soon see war refugees fleeing for their lives. 

The results of opposing God are always disastrous. To reject His Word and His gospel is to make oneself His enemy. “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). And I for one would not want Him against me!

The Truth: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31)

Nahum 1 “The Book of Nahum’s Vision”

“The burden against Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. God is jealous, and the LORD avenges;
 The LORD avenges and is furious.
 The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries,
 and He reserves wrath for His enemies;
 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
 and will not at all acquit the wicked.” (vv.1-3)

A burden is a heavy message of weighty importance, heavy in the sense that it produces sorrow or grief. Here the prophet Nahum is called to the capital of the Assyrian Empire, the city that heard the preaching of Jonah a hundred years before and repented, to deliver a message of judgment. And this weighted heavy on his heart. 

This was more than a message communicated to Nahum in words or phrases from God. Because this was a vision, in some way Nahum saw it. When we see the vivid, descriptive way Nahum writes, we then will understand that the book records what he saw in his vision. This would not be the first time a prophet communicated a message from a vision sent by God. Isaiah 2:1 says: “The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah saw a word from the LORD, and in some sense Nahum did also.

Nahum now begins with a description of God’s character by saying that, God is jealous. Meaning He refuses to share the human heart with any rival, not because He is selfish and wants us all for Himself, but because He knows that upon that loyalty to Him, depends our very soul. Therefore, God is not jealous of us: He is jealous for us - to the point of taking vengeance on His adversaries. Man needs to understand that he can’t fight against a jealous God and hope to prevail. Everyone who sets them-selves up against God or His children will end up receiving His vengeance. Example: Of the thirty Roman Emperors and Governors who persecuted Christians, not one came to a peaceful end. 

Finally Nahum states that, “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” In the case of Nineveh He waited 100 years before acting. But His longsuffering is not a sign of weakness nor blindness. God is not like an unjust judge who simply lets the guilty go out of a false sense of compassion. Consequently one can’t just hope that God will say, “All is forgiven” when anyone passes from this world to the next. Sin must be accounted for, because He will not acquit the wicked. Every sin will be paid for – either in hell or at the cross – but God will not acquit the wicked. "The bill comes due!

Later, concerning God's great power, Nahum asks the question, “Who can withstand his indignation?” (v.6) No one of course. God’s wrath is like a consuming fire—it will destroy whatever He chooses. It made no difference that Assyria was a world superpower. This wicked nation would be utterly unable to stand against the righteous power of God. And while the message of God's judgment and destruction was bad news for Nineveh, it brought “good news” to the people of Judah, “Behold, on the mountains
 the feet of him who brings good tidings, 
Who proclaims peace!” (v.15). In this case the defeat of their enemies.  

Today, many people want to ignore the idea of God’s wrath and judgment. They say, “That’s the God of the Old Testament. The God of the New Testament is all about love.” They believe that grace abounds, liberties are endless, and all will be forgiven without cost. The truth is, there is only one God and He’s the God of the whole Bible. He is merciful and loving in both testaments, and holy and righteous in both testaments as well. 

However, because of His holiness, He cannot ignore or overlook sin. As Paul so clearly said in Romans, “The wages of sin is death.” In other words, there is judgment for unrepentant sin. But, as Paul goes on to say, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD” (6:23). 

While it was to late for Nineveh, it’s not to late for you. Repent and seek the LORD today. (See the prayer, "Connect with God" to the right of this page). God Bless.

The Truth: “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)  

 

An Introduction to the Book of Nahum

The book of Nahum is a Prophetic Oracle directed against Nineveh, which was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians, who were an extremely cruel people, had overthrown the northern tribes of Israel and were known for torturing and humiliating anyone they captured, provoking fear in all nations. 

The prophet Jonah had gone to Nineveh and preached against their horrible and ungodly practices 150 years earlier pronouncing God's judgment upon them. After initially repenting, the Assyrians are now back to their wicked ways and God has now sent Nahum to proclaim His judgment upon them.

Nahum begins with the words “The Lord is a jealous God and avenging…is slow to anger and of great might, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty” (chapter 1, verses 2–3).

From that beginning Nahum predicts the overthrow of Assyria and the devastating manner in which Nineveh will be destroyed.

Tomorrow we will begin our look at this small but interesting book. God bless.

1 Timothy 6 "True Contentment"

 “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (v.6)

"How can people find true contentment, no matter what their circumstances?"

True contentment is not in having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have. In other words, how much we possess is not as important as our attitude toward our possessions. And, whether we are rich or poor, as Christians we must humbly acknowledge Him as the source of all we have, and share willingly and generously with others (vv.17-18).

Few people seem able to treat their resources as a servant instead of a master, nor recognize the truth that, “we brought nothing into this world and we will carry nothing out” (v.7). But Paul tells us, “those who do good works, are generous and are ready to share, are storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (v.19).

The challenge with regard to contentment is living with thankful hearts to God and open hands to others. It isn’t getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have.

The Truth: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)