The prophet Habakkuk wondered where the Lord was when he saw violence and injustice in his nation. But the Lord was watching and responded. He raised up Babylon to invade Judah to conquer and lay waste. There is a limit to God’s patience with violence and injustice. The prophets warned Judah, but they did not repent.
Nahum prophesied against Nineveh, the city that repented under Jonah’s preaching but soon returned to its idolatry. Located East of the Tigris and the modern city of Mosul, this capital city of Assyria fell, never to be rebuilt in 612 BC. In this the Lord’s attributes are illustrated. He is infinitely patient, giving second and third chances to repent. But He is also omnipotent and just, not only able, but willing to correct wrongs. Like Jonah, we wonder if God will ever act to address the injustice of this world. But don’t mistake His patience for inaction. He offers many warnings for repentance before dispensing justice.
This is one of 300 Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ. Among them are those surrounding His birth: the star, born in Bethlehem, Son of God, virgin birth, line of David, out of Egypt, and even the execution of Rachel’s children. This is the Christmas story. It’s not just the angels, shepherds and wisemen. It’s also the worldly king Herod and the evil in mankind that would murder children. This is why Jesus came. He came to die for our sins, so that we could be set free from this death sentence.
The prophet Micah foretold a day when Judah would fall to Babylon and their children would be taken. Evil always targets the innocent. Didn’t the worldly king Herod kill all those under two years in Bethlehem, trying to kill Jesus? What happened in Newton, CT yesterday reminds us that evil is real and that humanity is fallen and that Jesus is our only hope of redemption.
Instead of going East to Nineveh, Jonah headed West. He didn’t want to do what the Lord commanded. But he found out that you can’t run away from God. Have you tried to run in the opposite direction from God’s call? How’s that working out for you?
What John the Revelator heard the 24 elders saying to the Lord as they lay down their crowns at His feet in worship. The elders represent the 12 tribes + the 12 disciples. Together, they represent the church complete, for Jesus has made both Jew and Gentile one in Him. They acknowledge the Lord as both Creator and Architect. For God not only created, He designed what He created. And it pleased Him, for He saw that “it was good” (Gen. 1:31). He made you because He wanted you. You are wanted.
Christ’s warning to the church at Laodicea. Because of its location half-way between the mountains and hot springs, Laodicea had trouble getting good water. The snow-capped Phrygian mountains above the city were a source of ice cold water, but b…
The Psalmist wrote this to be sung while climbing the steps to the temple in Jerusalem. A song of ascent for worshipers of YHWH (Yahweh). Perhaps we should have such songs to sing as we go to church, then we would bring our worship into the house with us. I’m not counting on my credit card, my job, my government, even my preacher… I’m counting on the Lord! I know He will come through for me!
This reminds me of how God told Abraham about His impending judgment on Sodom (Gen.18:17). This is a strong statement. The Lord “never… until he reveals…” God has revealed His intent and plans to us through His Word. I’m not sure why He does this. I know He doesn’t have to. It must be because He has chosen us (as He did Abraham) and therefore has decided to reveal his plans to those who are faithful. God reveals His plans so that we have the opportunity to repent and petition Him for ourselves and others.
John had a vision of the Lord Jesus in all His glory on a Sunday morning while exiled on the Isle of Patmos. This happened while John was worshiping on the Lord’s Day. May we encounter Christ in our worship this Sunday morning too!