Nahum 3, Titus 3

(Nahum 3)

This chapter shows us just how much God hates injustice. Not only does He speak judgment and warning to Ninevah through Nahum, but He taunts them. God takes it to another level in going from warning of destruction to saying He will “lift up your skirts over your face” and called their troops a bunch of “women”. I hope we don’t miss it, God is absolutely ticked at who they have become, what they are doing, and how they are treating others. Look at his accusation, “Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!”

So here is my thought: Be encouraged, you who have been hurt, mistreated, attacked, lied to, plundered, oppressed, abandoned, or abused. God is on your side. In His timing, justice will be served. It is not ours to serve, but our Holy God’s. But also, what a reminder to us as we focus on our private ambitions, to make sure and remember who we may be leaving in our wake of advancement. What a warning to us in how we treat one another for selfish gain. Here is one of my favorite commentaries on this passage:

“When proud sinners are brought down, others should learn not to lift themselves up. The fall of this great city should be a lesson to private persons, who increase wealth by fraud and oppression. They are preparing enemies for themselves; and if the Lord sees good to punish them in this world, they will have none to pity them. Every man who seeks his own prosperity, safety, and peace, should not only act in an upright, honorable manner, but with kindness to all.” – Matthew Henry

God, may we see history and may we be encouraged, led, and warned at the same time. May the fact that our God is a God of justice, warm our heart and set our course. May we see that standing idle to injustice and oppression as sin, and may we have the courage and spirit to do all that we can as representatives of Christ to help those in need. Dear Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours.

(Titus 3)

Paul spends a bit of time reminding Titus of their past. He reminded him that they once lived a foolish life and were enslaved with passions and selfish pleasures. He reminds him that they lived in jealousy and maliciousness with each other and hated and were hated by others. He wraps that up with reminding him that it is through Christ’s mercy that they have been rescued from that misery. This is not of their doing, but of God’s. Paul continuously brings his followers to a place of perspective. He then goes on to express some foundational doctrinal truths about justification. After reminding them of these two things, he leads them forward, “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

Father, may I see my past experiences, the emptiness, the incompleteness, and it’s reality of being temporary, and may I be thankful for your provision of eternity. God, in all our imperfection, we celebrate your perfection. Help me to be devoted to doing what is good, what is excellent, and what is profitable for everyone.