Old Testament in a Year

Nahum 1:1-3:19
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Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Nahum!  Nahum prophesied against Nineveh, about 100 years after Jonah prophesied against Nineveh.  Nahum was prophesying between 663 and 612 B.C., when Nineveh was at the height of its power.  Nineveh was capital of the Assyrian empire and it had control of the Fertile Crescent area.  Assyria had recently conquered Israel, the northern kingdom, and was threatening and causing much suffering to Judah.  Nineveh was eventually conquered by Babylon in 612 B.C., as Nahum prophesied.  A good overview of the book of Nahum is at bible.org at this link.  Below is an image of Nahum being called by God from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

Chapter 1 verse 7 stood out to me in today’s reading: “The LORD is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.”  This is a comforting verse.  Do you seek God when trouble comes?  Do you realize that he is a strong refuge – if you will seek him and let him be a strong refuge for you?  Do you know that God is good?  Do you trust in him?

Chapter 3 verse 18 jumped out at me for some reason today: “O Assyrian king, your princes lie dead in the dust. Your people are scattered across the mountains. There is no longer a shepherd to gather them together.” For some reason this verse made me very thankful that we do indeed have a shepherd to gather us together today.  The shepherd whose birth we will be celebrating in about a week.  A shepherd who was born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem.  Will you allow Jesus be your shepherd this Christmas season?  Will you allow Jesus to gather you together with others to celebrate his birth?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “How He Loves Us” sung here by David Crowder:

Do you know how much He loves you?  Click here for His eternal love!

Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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