August 25, Reading 2 – Nahum 2, 3

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Consider the description of Nineveh in 3:1 – the City of Blood! The ancient Assyrians practiced terror and torture as instruments of government over its subject peoples. Rather than objecting to God’s strong language, we should take heart that such barbaric doings get Him angry!

SJA Notes

* Holy God, please show us wisdom from Your word today.

“And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, ‘Wasted is Ninevah; who will grieve for her?’ Where shall I seek comforters for you?”

Ninevah was a great city of the mighty Assyrian army.

The same nation that God used to bring His judgement on Israel, laying waste to the northern kingdoms.

And importantly the same city that God had worked a great revival over a century previously through the preaching of the prophet Jonah (the fellow who spent three days in a big fish).

From the king on down through all the city, they repented in sackcloth and ashes at the word of God preached to them.

And yet within a hundred years the city of Ninevah, and the Assyrian nation, has brought upon themselves God’s judgement.

This shows a deep truth that we must wrestle with.

You are not saved because of someone else’s faith. Even such a revival as was experienced in Ninevah did not mean salvation must have followed in successive generations.

We serve a God who has a personal relationship with each of us!

We serve a King who took on the burden of each of our sinful hearts!

We serve a Shepherd who knows each of us, His Spirit in each of us His people, growing us.

We cannot be saved because of someone else’s faith.

We are saved only through Jesus, each of us, knowing Him as Lord and Saviour – Trusting in and obeying our risen King!

We must be born again!

* Dear Lord God,

Thank You that we do not, and cannot, rely on any human for our salvation.

Thank You that we rely on You, the Almighty and Sovereign, Holy and Righteous, Gracious and Merciful God!

Thank You for saving us Lord God.

Please write Your word upon our hearts today.

Amen.

August 24, Reading 2 – Nahum 1

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Nineveh was the world power of the 8th century BC. Assyria was a vicious and deadly world power. Such forces do not last! Fear God more than such powerful forces. He does last!

SJA Notes

* Loving God, please teach us of Your love and mercy today.

“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

How good is this word!

Our God is GOOD.

He is a STRONGHOLD when trouble comes.

What then? What can we do with this?

TAKE REFUGE IN GOD!

A simple and deep truth, a wonderful hope.

Here Nahum echoes Isaiah’s exhortation to us, to be people who spread the good news,

“Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace!”

Let us be people who bring the good news of Jesus to those around us.

* God Above,

Please save our loved ones who are outside of the camp. Call them, hound them, draw them with Your irresistible grace.

Please strengthen and encourage us to be a people who are bringing the good news of Jesus to those around us, taking the opportunities You bring.

Amen.