Readings for today: Nahum 1-3
I recently visited the British Museum. It was amazing. A person could spend days there. It houses one of the most extensive exhibits on the Assyrian Empire. As you walk through the different rooms, you see the enormous Winged Lions and Winged Bulls from the palaces of the kings. You see the reliefs depicting great victories over their enemies and hunts for lions. You see the Black Obelisk which documents military campaigns and tribute and contains the earliest mention in extra-biblical history of an Israelite. It’s a sobering reminder of the incredible power of the Assyrian Empire and the terror of their reign. At the same time, it’s also a reminder of how fleeting even the greatest empires are within the grand sweep of human history. The reality is the Assyrians only achieved and maintained their dominance for about three hundred years which is not much when compared to the Romans/Byzantines (over 1000 years), Zhou dynasty in China (almost 800 years), Pandyan Empire in India (1600 years), or the Ethiopian Empire (600+ years). And it certainly pales in comparison to the power of God.
“The Lord is a zealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and very angry. The Lord takes vengeance against His foes; He sustains His rage against His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished.” (Nahum 1:2-3 NET) A fundamental biblical principle is that God rules the nations. He is the one who allows empires to rise and fall. He is the one who raises up kings and emperors and brings them down. He is the one who establishes dynasties and brings them to an end. God used Assyria as His rod of judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel but then turned His wrath upon them to bring them down. “This is what the Lord says: Even though they are powerful - and what is more, even though their army is numerous - nevertheless, they will be destroyed and trickle away! Although I afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. And now, I will break Assyria’s yoke bar from your neck; I will tear apart the shackles that are on you.” (Nahum 1:12-23 NET)
Although terrifying, the Lord’s wrath against the wicked gives us hope. It serves as an important reminder that evil will not have the last word. God will not allow unrighteousness and injustice and oppression and exploitation to stand. This is as true today as it was in the ancient world. “The Lord is good - indeed He is a fortress in time of distress, and He protects those who seek refuge in Him.” (Nahum 1:7 NET) He will protect His people. He will deliver and save all those who seek Him. All those who cling to Him. All those who look to Him. Though we may endure pain and suffering. Though we may go through all kinds of trials and tribulations. God’s promise is sure. There will come a day when every tear will be wiped away. Every hurt will be healed. Every wrong will be made right. God will bring an end to all the evil and wickedness on the earth.
Readings for tomorrow: Zephaniah 1-3