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Two books of the Bible in one post today!
22 June. Nahum.
Nahum’s prophecy is brief (barely two pages in my Bible) and to the point – Nineveh the capital of Assyria would be destroyed, and Judah could rejoice. This does seem to contrast with the story of Jonah, in which his preaching to the people of Nineveh to repent was so successful that they did just that, and were spared from destruction. Maybe (assuming Jonah to be based on historical events, which is not certain) they did repent but soon went back to their old ways, and Nahum tells of the city’s eventual destruction. If that is the case then it is a lesson for us all, for while God is indeed known for his compassion, patience and forgiveness, the other lesson that is clear from Nahum is that his anger at wilful sin is in great contrast to his mercy. There comes a point in the life of many individuals and nations when their thoughts and deeds are so hardened against the possibility of repentance that they cut themselves off from God’s mercy for ever. Either they will reap the consequences of that in this life, or the next.
22 June. Habbakuk.
If Nahum (the other prophet covered by today’s reading) saw clearly the clear distinction between those who deserve God’s favour and those who deserve his wrath, Habbakuk sees earthly events from different perspectives. At first he takes a human perspective, crying out to God at the injustices he sees all around him, as we well may at this time of terrorism, corruption and may other evils. When would God put things right? When would justice be done? We all want a solution as quickly as possible. That is only human.
But in the second part of the book he is privileged to see God’s perspective on the situation. He understands that for God, the right time for action is not always now, or even soon. That God will restore what is corrupted and punish evil is beyond doubt: but when, and how, are not for mortals to understand. “For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay” (2:3).
Finally, Habbakuk is moved to praise God in a psalm-like prayer which acknowledges God’s presence in the events that shape and shake the world, whether wars or natural disasters. This attitude of trusting God for the present and the future, and praising him even in the most difficult of times, does not come easily. But it is a mark of the true believer.