Tuesday; January 11

          Most of us are familiar with the story of Jonah – well, at least the fun portions of it.  Jonah is best known for his adventure in the belly of a fish, but his story is more than a fish tale.  The background for Jonah’s adventure begins when he is sent to Nineveh to prophesy against Assyria for their evil ways.  When Jonah got around to fulfilling his mission he described God’s impending doom of the great city.  Yet, somewhere along their path of destruction, something incredible happens – the people repent and God relents.  While this is a great story, it is only part of it.  You see, the Assyrians did not live up to their newfound relationship with God and found themselves back in danger.  It would be the prophet Nahum who delivered the prediction of Nineveh’s fall – and this time there was no repentance and no reprieve.

          While the stories of Jonah and Nahum feature Nineveh, I believe it is God who takes center stage.  In the beginning of his prophecy Nahum observes, “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.  In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.” (Nahum 1:3).  Sometimes I wonder if we underestimate God.  Sure, we speak highly of His love and forgiveness, but we must also be aware of His requirement of obedience and His ability to punish those who don’t.  No, He doesn’t always get in a hurry, but He will always get it right!

          Whether as people or as a nation, we need to be mindful of the nature of God.  When we are, we are more apt to be on His patient side.

Think About It!

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