Sunday Blog
The Personal Cost of Obedience
The Book of Nahum, though brief, delivers a powerful message about the personal cost of obedience to God's call. Written during a time of Assyrian dominance, Nahum prophesies the destruction of Nineveh, the capital city infamous for its cruelty and oppression. This prophecy highlights the courage and commitment required to obey God’s commands, even when faced with daunting circumstances.
Nahum begins by declaring God's wrath against Nineveh, illustrating the consequences of its wickedness and the impending judgment.
The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies! The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. Nahum 1:2-3 (NLT)
The personal cost of obedience becomes evident as Nahum delivers this unwelcome message, knowing it could provoke hostility and endanger his own safety.
The prophet's obedience also underscores a deeper spiritual truth—trust in God's justice and timing. Despite the seeming invincibility of Nineveh, Nahum assures that God will bring about justice and deliverance for those who trust in Him.
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 (NLT)
Nahum's prophecy challenges us to consider the personal sacrifices and risks involved in obedience to God's call. It urges us to confront the powerful forces of sin and injustice, knowing that obedience may lead to persecution or opposition. Yet, like Nahum, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and to proclaim His truth with courage and conviction.
Ultimately, the Book of Nahum reveals the personal cost of obedience as a testament to faithfulness and trust in God. It inspires us to count the cost, embrace the challenges, and remain steadfast in our commitment to obey God’s will, knowing that His purposes will prevail and His justice will ultimately reign.