Our hyper-vigilant culture is full of warnings: warnings of what will happen if you take certain medicines, warnings not to use forbidden words in particular places, authoritative warnings against actions deemed inappropriate or illegal, and many more.
Though at times these warnings may feel harsh, unnecessary, or far too limiting, they exist to guide people to right decisions that are often best for them and the people around them.
The same is true with the warnings we find in the Bible, both those directed toward people in a particular place at a particular time and those generally made for all readers of all times. They exist as God’s reminder to us of what is ultimately for our good.
The warnings of Nahum fit this bill as well. These warnings come as stern and even harsh language through the prophet, intended to wake up a group of spiritually sleepy people who had again turned to their wicked ways. Nahum warned of a coming judgment and painful punishment. He warned of devastation and destruction as a consequence for sin.
Yet, these warnings stood as God’s gracious gift to rebellious people. Through the prophet Nahum, God told these people of His holiness, their sin, His pending consequences, and the urgency with which they ought to take heed to these warnings.
I can imagine that these people could have received these in much the same way that we often receive warnings today: frustrations with the limitations, severity, and apparent inconvenience they present; however, as we see throughout the pages of Scripture, these warnings serve as an invitation to people far from God to turn to Him for hope, joy, and peace that can only be found by His grace.
The next time you read the warnings of Scripture, celebrate the hope they bring as they demonstrate His good grace to show us a better way, the way to Him. Remember, God doesn’t desire devastation but true repentance that results in ultimate deliverance.
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