August 3

Nahum 1-3
This book of prophecy begins by reminding us that the Lord is a jealous and avenging God.  Why do you suppose that is?  A rebellious eighteen-year-old was telling me recently that God is narcissistic.  In his youthful ignorance he sees God as some horrible myth because He demands love and acceptance from His people.  In order for one to understand God’s jealousy and vengeance, one needs to understand His relationship toward us.  He created us for His very own.  We have been given the gift of life through Him.  Without Him we are nothing, we don’t even exist!  There is no greater gift that can be given, and He does this because of His desire to have a loving relationship with us.  He is our Father and our Husband, showering us with His love, mercy, and grace.  He is eternally faithful toward us, even when we aren’t.  Considering all that He has given, is it so much to ask that we love Him in return?  Because we are His very own children – His bride – He expects us to be faithful.  For the same reasons, He gets upset when others lead us astray.  Being both a father and husband, I can understand the Lord’s jealousy and vengeance.  Woe to anyone who would hurt or lead my loved one’s astray!  If that happens, it is good for me to remind myself that vengeance belongs to the Lord.  However, that doesn’t stop me from being jealous and desirous of the proper vengeance.