Scripture Text: Nahum 1:12-15
Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.
Nahum 1:15 (ESV)
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By any measure, Nineveh’s time had run out. God had been patient, but He is holy and will not tolerate evil forever. Though Israel was God’s chosen people, this hadn’t exempted them from His judgment on their sins. And though Assyria had been God’s instrument of judgment on the northern kingdom, this wouldn’t protect them from His judgment on their sins as well. Assyria’s military strength and numerous allies wouldn’t matter (v. 12). God’s judgment was a sure thing. This judgment would be more than a military defeat, though that was part of it. It would also be a spiritual defeat, in which false idols were destroyed and God’s supremacy vindicated. The prophecy included a cultural shocker—no descendants and a “vile” or “worthless” grave (v. 14). A family line or people group dying out was the worst fate imaginable.
Nahum spoke of Nineveh’s destruction as an accomplished fact (v. 15). From his point of view, the messenger was already arriving in Judah with the good news of peace—the good news that an antagonist had been defeated. For God’s people, it would be as though a yoke had been broken or chains removed (v. 13). The former conqueror, Assyria, would itself be overthrown and the nation would again be free to celebrate holy days and keep vows, that is, to pursue covenant faithfulness and worship the Lord. How complete would Nineveh’s destruction be? Centuries later, during a battle involving Alexander the Great, he would not even realize that it took place near the site of the former imperial capital.
Reflect
Are we being faithful to bring life-giving news to others and give glory to God?
Remember
Nahum’s picture of the “one who brings good news” (v. 15) reminds us of a picture of a person who spreads the gospel. In the words of Isaiah: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim . . . salvation.”
Dear readers, having “beautiful feet” and actively sharing the good news of the gospel is the calling of every follower of Christ. It is always such a sight to behold in the eyes of the Lord. If it’s His joy, then it is our joy as well.
Read
Isaiah 40:9-10; Romans 10:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Pray
Dear LORD, make me be faithful to Your calling to bring Your life-giving news to others that speak of Your glory that gives You glory. Increase in me the joy to share actively the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ knowing that it is always such a pleasing and beauty to Your sight. This I pray in Your Son’s name, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
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