Our scripture this morning is Nahum 1:3-7.
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished. He marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm; dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet. He shouts a battle cry against the sea and makes it dry up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; the blossom of Lebanon withers. The mountains tremble before him, the hills convulse; the earth is laid waste before him, the world and all its inhabitants are laid waste. No one can withstand his indignation! No one can resist his fierce anger! His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire, boulders are broken up as he approaches. The Lord is good – indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him.
Perhaps the writings of the prophet Nahum are not the first scriptures that come to mind when we think of the Bible. However, there is much wisdom in this inspired text. In this passage he makes clear the power of the Lord and why we are thankful to Him for our very existence.
While this may be a somewhat unsettling reading, it begins and ends with hope. We hear that “the Lord is slow to anger” and while His anger may be terrifying, “He protects those who seek refuge in him”. When we earnestly ask for His forgiveness, He is ready to be our fortress.
God is all powerful and we forget that to our peril. The fear of God is not intended as a scare tactic, it is better defined as “truth in advertising”, and respect is perhaps a closer translation to what is intended. It is not His nature to act in anger, and His love for us is immeasurable. We know as the prophet says, “the Lord is good”.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we fail to act as Your children. Forgive us and send us to share Your love with the world. Amen.
