Nahum 1-3

This minor prophet’s (small book) message was directed to the city of Ninevah after Jonah had preached to it. Their repentance was not enduring. They were IN TROUBLE, because God said, “I am against you.”

God has a focus on cities … concentrations of many people in a certain location. What’s the character of your city? What is it known for? Is it headed in the right direction?

Seeing God’s attitude toward a city, we should therefore assume a prayer concern for OUR CITY. We should be involved with our local church’s evangelistic and benevolence outreach to that city.

God LOVES people and we should too. We should love our city and the people in it. We can begin with our neighbors.

Micah 7

THIS is a beautiful chapter revealing the hope and anticipation the prophet had for his future. Although he exposed the corruption present all around him, God gave him a spiritual optimism about the future.

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,  I wait for God my Savior;  my God will hear me.”

His expression, “I watch in hope for the Lord,” identifies a lifetime prayer posture. With every challenge life brings, we can likewise commit it to God in prayer and then watch in hope. This is a life of faith and trust. It pleases God and invites His victorious involvement in our daily lives.

Micah 5, 6

My children can all quote this verse … “Hear the rod and who hath appointed it.” I used it when they were being punished in our home. If a child doesn’t get the message the rod of correction brings, the discipline is somewhat wasted or can lead to resentment.

You can’t necessarily be correct without correcTION. For instance, when driving down the road, you can wander out of the lane. If you don’t correct your vehicle, you run the risk of hitting a pole or another car (parked or moving) or some other tragic object. Correction MUST be made. How much more important is a life than a car.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. [Heb 12:11]

Micah 1-4

We have an exciting glimpse of the Millennial Reign of Christ in Micah 4. It will be such a refreshing change from politics and power struggles rampant in our day. “That Day” refers to a period of time the Lord has prepared to cause the lamb to lay down with the lion. Justice will flow from Jerusalem, not Washington or Brussels or Beijing or Rome.

I doubt that anyone knows the exact sequence of events that will unfold for this to happen. God gives us, through His Word, looks at the last days and the hope of His righteousness ruling over all to sustain us.

We have the “Blessed Hope.” [Titus 2:13]

Jonah 4

When Jonah looked at Ninevah, he saw a repulsive people. When God saw Ninevah, He saw their need. Jonah was more concerned about his comfort and his reputation than God’s. It’s as if he considered the city God’s problem. God loved them so much that He sent Jonah with a message of hope.

Jesus looked upon Jerusalem with the Father’s compassion. He wanted to gather them to Himself, but they rejected Him.

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: [Jn. 1:12]

Obadiah 1; Jonah 1-3

God had asked Jonah to go to Ninevah to evangelize. Jonah refused and tried to get away from God’s call on his life. God dealt with Jonah through his dangerous sea journey and being swallowed by a great fish. After this trial, God renewed His request of Jonah.

God specifically wanted Jonah to go to Ninevah. Fred, Harry, or Louie were not God’s choices for the task. God had prepared this man Jonah for this task and wasn’t going to give up on him. So, God custom-made this trial to persuade Jonah.

God has a specific task and assignment for YOU. He is patient and will prepare circumstances that get you ready for your function. God won’t be late. He KNOWS how long it will take to get you ready.

Amos 8, 9

To this prophet was given special insight into the coming Millenial Kingdom, glorious things about God’s restoration process. Also, aspects of God’s judgement which are scary for His enemies. It is related, “I will never forget” the wrongs and evils perpetrated by ungodly kingdoms.

The ONLY WAY these transgressions can be erased is by the shed blood of Jesus. Christ’s cleansing blood must be applied to sin for it to be removed and forgotten. This process of redemption is the Good News about our chances for eternity.

Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.

Amos 6, 7

God showed Amos a plumbline that measured the straightness of buildings. God had the plumbline in His Hand. God evaluates every man’s work.

We are wise to establish personal standards of excellence that we can apply to anything we do. Dollars and cents not considered, we should have a high bar for everything we do. When we are done, we have a deep inner satisfaction that we gave it our best.

My dad had a new AC unit installed. My dad, a lifetime electrical contractor, and my brother, a lifetime craftsman of the highest level, both commented on the sloppiness of the install. The new unit works ok, but the installer could have revealed more personal pride in the way he ran the supply and power lines. Sadly, they won’t be able to recommend his work.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [Col. 3:23]

Work from your soul; give your best effort; willingly; with enthusiasm;

Amos 3-5

A great and notable day is coming … the Day of the Lord. From Amos’ perspective, it will be a day of judgement for God’s enemies.

We are wise to live with a Godly and heathy fear of that day. We witness to those who don’t know the Lord. We live avoiding sin and rebellion that displease the Lord. We embrace a lifestyle that is always looking forward, preparing for the end. We can ONLY live that way through God’s grace.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. [2 Cor. 5:11]

So always be ready, because you don’t know the day or the hour the Son of Man will come. [Matt. 25:13]

Amos 1, 2

Although there were some outward distinguishing characteristics, essentially a Nazarite was a person whose life was separated unto God, to doing His pleasure rather than their own. Parents could commit their child to God in this manner. Samson and John the Baptist were probably the most well known young men to have taken this oath.

They didn’t cut their hair and they didn’t drink fermented wine … ways they showed the world that they were separated unto God.

The outward appearance really has little import. The true value is in being a person who is dedicated to the Lord’s purposes, pursuing His will for their lives rather than nominally choosing their own career path.

They have the Hand of God all over their demeanor. He ordained their life’s course.