Slow Anger
Opening Prayer
God, help me to know You and trust You more, even when I don’t understand You.
Read Nahum 1:1–15
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. [2] 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. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. [4] He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. [5] The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. [6] Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. [7] The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, [8] but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness. [9] Whatever they plot against the LORD he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. [10] They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble. [11] From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and devises wicked plans. [12] This is what the LORD says: “Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be destroyed and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more. [13] Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.” [14] The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: “You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the images and idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.” [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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you ever struggled to understand a certain aspect of God’s character? The opening verses of Nahum strike with a blow. Christians claim to worship a God of love, buthere God is described as jealous, avenging, filled with wrath. These words do not sit comfortablywith contemporary faith in a loving and compassionate God.It is easier to understand these words when we think of the region around Nineveh today(modern Iraq). Christians who lived there for centuries in relative peace have been driven fromtheir land, many killed or suffering painfully. When we think of such events, we understandbetter the oracles of God’s anger: to bring about justice for his people and to punish those whohave brought suffering. But vengeance belongs to him, not to us.In the midst of this is the call to trust. Those who plot evil against the Lord and his people will bemade accountable. We need to leave room for God’s anger. But we also need to remember thatGod’s anger doesn’t just strike out on a whim. Good news, peace, the message of Jesus—thesehave the last word. Those who trust in him will never be put to shame (Psa. 25:3).The opening verses of Nahum strike with a blow. Christians claim to worship a God of love, but here God is described as jealous, avenging, filled with wrath. These words do not sit comfortably with contemporary faith in a loving and compassionate God.
It is easier to understand these words when we think of the region around Nineveh today (modern Iraq). Christians who lived there for centuries in relative peace have been driven from their land, many killed or suffering painfully. When we think of such events, we understand better the oracles of God’s anger: to bring about justice for his people and to punish those who
have brought suffering. But vengeance belongs to him, not to us.
In the midst of this is the call to trust. Those who plot evil against the Lord and his people will be made accountable. We need to leave room for God’s anger. But we also need to remember that God’s anger doesn’t just strike out on a whim. Good news, peace, the message of Jesus—these have the last word. Those who trust in him will never be put to shame (Psa. 25:3).
Apply
Think of a situation that makes you angry. Offer your anger to God, and pray for his justice and peace to prevail.
Closing prayer
Dear God, I don't always understand Your ways, but teach me to trust that You do all things well.
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