Day 351
Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9
Trust in The Lord
“…for his steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136
Nineveh was sacked and razed to the ground in 612 BC, shortly after these oracles by Nahum. It was never rebuilt and today is merely an archaeological site. The hard judgments and consequences that God repeatedly warns and metes out upon Israel and/or her neighbors in much of the Old Testament are a difficult aspect of this “Bible Reading Challenge.” There are at least two points we should remember while trying to digest these sorts of passages.
First, it is because of Jesus that such passages are difficult for Christians. While themes of justice, mercy, and compassion are also resident in the Old Testament, Jesus embodies God’s Word of grace, truth, and love. His perfect love commands our concern for all others, including our enemies, and sorrow at their loss even as we are sobered by God’s judgment.
Second, it is through Jesus that humanity has a way out of such sorrows. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus from the consequences of sin. Surely the disciples at the foot of the cross didn’t understand the inscrutable ways of God. In time, they would witness Jesus’ glorious victory over sin and death. Then Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). This should inspire our urgency to share His Good News by word and action.
We must pray for understanding and trust The Lord to work His purpose out according to His perfect will, mercy, and judgment in His good time, “…for his steadfast love endures forever.” AMEN!
The Rev. Tim Nunez
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Belleview, FL