For the Lord is about to restore the majesty of Jacob, as well as the majesty of Israel, though their enemies have plundered them and have destroyed their fields.
Into the Text
Nahum chapter 2 is hard to read. It describes the “destruction, devastation, and desolation” (2:10) Nineveh faced when the city was overthrown by Babylon.
When we come to chapters such as these, we shouldn’t just quickly brush past them. There is a hard reality we all must face. The judgment for those who have not placed their faith in Christ is real. It is similar to the judgment described here in Nahum.
While the reality and just punishment for sin is true, we also know that it is not the end of the story. As God promised rescue and restoration to Israel and Judah after exile, God promised to send an even greater rescuer for all people, Jesus Christ.
We cannot make up for our sin no matter how hard we try. No matter how many “good” works we try to perform, they crumble to nothing before a perfect, holy God. The problem with our so-called good works is that we so often have the wrong attitude while doing them, or we become proud because of them. Instead of leaving us in this state, God sent His very Son to rescue and redeem that which was lost.
Jesus came to earth and lived the perfect, sinless life that we never could. Though He never did anything wrong, He took our place by taking on our punishment for sin by dying on the cross. Three days later, Jesus conquered sin and death forever by resurrecting from the grave, demonstrating God’s acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Jesus’ death and resurrection allow us to be made right with God. All we have to do is confess our sins to Him, ask for forgiveness, and ask Him to be the Lord of our lives. In this moment, we are made right with God and cross over from death to life to an eternal hope that never perishes or fades. We have the promise of being with God forever one day and the opportunity to live an abundant life now.
Though the Assyrians faced the consequences of their wicked actions, you do not have to face the same consequence. Freedom and life can be found today in Jesus. Will you trust Him?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life for my sake and for the sake of the world. May my life be one of trust and thankfulness, knowing that my salvation is a gift of grace. Amen.