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Weekly Bible Devotion By Books
Aug. 21-26, 2023
Enter the Presence of the Lord
(All)The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice.
(M)Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
The Lord has made known his salvation.
He has revealed his righteousness
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
(All)Sing praises to the Lord
(W) He will judge the world with righteousness and
The people with equity.
(All) Sing to the Lord with a new song.
(selections from psalm 97:1a, c; 98:1,2-3,5,9)
Scripture Reading Nahum
1: 2-3 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
1: 7-8 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.
1:15 Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.
Thoughts to share: “Peace”
The book of Nahum is a prophecy toward then world number one bully Assyrian Empire, but it was spoken to the nation of Judah around BC. mid-seventh century. As we read through it, we will instantly hear the harsh judgment tone and see the graphic war scenes. We come to recognize that God was a jealous God. His jealousy was to be expressed in the fiery anger and destructive action. Can God be angry? Yes, He was! In his righteousness and the covenantal love, God could not hide his face away from his children under oppressions and afflictions. He hated the injustice against him and his children. He was willing to take vengeance for them.
But amid the angry and warry text, there is a relieving announcement: “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him, who brings good news, who publishes Peace!”
What does that Peace mean? It is a life that the Judah people under oppression hoped for: “keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall be worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off. “ Surely this is a great, great good news to anyone who has been under bullies!
Here, how does that precious “Peace” in Nahum’s prophecy relate to the bully and violence of the world power such as Assyrian Empire? Later, we know that the Assyrian empire was wiped out by Babylonian empire. But we still cannot be convinced that the prophecy was fulfilled fully. Truly, it was a mystery how that promised “Peace” would come and how it would do. It was until the time when Jesus came that the prophecy can truly be comprehended. Jesus came to announce the good news, and published the Peace only he could give. He went to the death on the cross and bind up that strong man who did all evils. He rose again on the third day. He solved the sin of world and won over the strong man doing evil. Jesus showed us that he was our true defender and fighter. He watches his own children when they were oppressed. He takes vengeance for those who come to for help and who put trust in him. He showed us that he is the King of Peace.
Peace is a very precious gift. It has wholistic blessings on our entire being and our total existence. It is still something we are much longing for. Yes, bullies are still around in our world. We as individual need peace. We as a nation need peace. We as a human race need peace. Peace has been promised in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peace has come. It is possible that we can experience this peace. We are waiting for that day when the Bully is to be thrown into the Lake of Fire with the consummation of the Jesus’ kingdom.
Prayer suggestions
In the world where everyone does what is right in his own eyes, bullies are around us everyone. Where is that sense of rightness from? Where are we finding true righteousness? How long will we get out of all forms of the oppressions and violence? When shall we have a moment of peace? We can bring these quests before God. Let his words enlighten us.
Lord of Peace, your word opens our eyes to see there is a hope for peace amid all bullies and oppressions in our world. Thank you, Jesus, you have come. You are for your children. You already show us the Peace you promised long ago. Please, Jesus, remind us to be right with you. Remind us that you are that Lord who are also avenger and defender. We can run to you. We can stay under your wings. We can receive the blessing of Peace you promised to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
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