06 August 2016

Stone 30 - Micah and Nahum

Two more small books this time; Micah and Nahum. What do they have to share?


Micah
We start out with some judgement against Israel for their rebellion. Sound familiar? So many prophets came and shared a similar message.

**Many times, through many prophets, across multiple generations, God tried to warn the people of the coming consequences of their rebellion and gave them an opportunity to repent and follow Him.

Micah 3:1-2 shares an interesting tidbit that is not all that different from today regarding the leadership of the people. A great question is asked... "Aren't you supposed to know what is just?" and a statement made... "You hate good and love evil." Ouch.

In Micah 3:9 the leaders are accused of abhorring justice and of perverting everything that is right. Because of this, Micah states, Jerusalem will become ruins (Micah 3:12). However, we read that all is not lost. God will redeem His people and restore the nation with a new king (Micah 5:2).

Chapter 7 reveals the moral failings of the people and how one cannot trust even those in their own home (Micah 7:5-6).

God has the power to save, to redeem, and to heal but we must first come to Him.

Nahum
This book brings a two-sided message. On the one hand, God looks after those who take refuge in him (Nahum 1:7). On the other hand, God will bring justice against evil (Nahum 1:2-3).

In this message, the main event is centered on Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was known as a cruel nation that continually brought destruction to other nations for the purpose of gaining riches and power. Assyria was the nation that brought down the northern kingdom of Israel.

Eventually God brings justice to this oppressive nation. While this is a poetic book, it is not really what you would call a rated PG book. A great deal of violence is depicted here. Some may struggle with this aspect of God. God's justice against evil is necessary because He is holy, righteous, and just but his love is even greater. Seek Him and take refuge in Him.


**These are short books with quick messages. Please enjoy the videos about Micah and Nahum from the folks at Join the Bible Project. They do such a great job at bringing these messages to life.



Until next time.