“God Is Slow to Anger” Nahum 1:1-15 01/10/2010 Dr. Dane Boyles

“God Is Slow to Anger” Introduction We are going to look at the message of a prophet to Nineveh. Jonah is not the only book with prophecy against Nineveh. There is a relevant and encouraging message for us in Nahum.

“God Is Slow to Anger” God is a zealous avenger (1:2). 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 maintains his wrath against his enemies. (Nah 1:2, NIV)

“God Is Slow to Anger” Lit: - “A jealous God and avenger is Yahweh. An avenger is Yahweh, and master/lord of wrath. An avenger is Yahweh against his foes and a keeper of anger is he against his enemies.”

“God Is Slow to Anger” You may not like to think of God as a “Master of wrath,” an “avenger”... Nahum preached at a very turbulent time. It’s a comfort to know God would avenge his people.

“God Is Slow to Anger” Why is God so patient? Because He is in complete control. God is GREAT IN POWER, so He is slow to anger.

“God Is Slow to Anger” There are many different images to describe his power. 3 …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. (Nah 1:3b-4, NIV)

“God Is Slow to Anger” 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. (Nahum 1:5-6, NIV) Who can stand before Him?

“God Is Slow to Anger” God Is Good. 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. (Nahum 1:7a) To describe God’s goodness, we have the image of a stronghold or fortress. This is comforting to those afflicted by Nineveh.

“God Is Slow to Anger” This happened because God “knows” those who take refuge. 7 He cares for those who trust in him, (Nahum 1:7) This means He knows even our suffering and pain.

2 Corinthians 5:21 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Nahum 1:8 8 but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of [Nineveh]; he will pursue his foes into darkness.

“God Is Slow to Anger” God Acts on Behalf of his People. He will drown those who oppress his people as he did the Egyptians. There is a theology of history being taught here. Secular history = Rise and fall of Assyria due to human factors. According to Scripture, the rise and fall of nations is God’s will.

“God Is Slow to Anger” This includes Assyria’s rise to power. Enough is enough. 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. (Nahum 1:9-10, NIV)

“God Is Slow to Anger” 11 From you, [O Nineveh,] has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and counsels wickedness. (Nahum 1:11, NIV)

“God Is Slow to Anger” 12 This is what the LORD says: “Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be cut off and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, [O Judah,] I will afflict you no more. 13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.” (Nahum 1:12-13, NIV)

“God Is Slow to Anger” 14 The LORD has given a command concerning you, [Nineveh]: “You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.” (Nahum 1:14, NIV)

“God Is Slow to Anger” We can be assured that God’s purpose will stand on the earth. This should stand as a reminder and challenge for our nation.

“God Is Slow to Anger” God does not allow the wicked to go unpunished. This is also a challenge for us individually (Romans 11:22).

“God Is Slow to Anger” 9 …He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) The story will end on a positive note:

Nahum 1:15, NIV 15 Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.

“God Is Slow to Anger” The message of Nahum a positive one for those of us who take refuge in Him. May God bless us through the message of the prophet Nahum!

“God Is Slow to Anger” Nahum 1:1-15 01/10/2010 Dr. Dane Boyles