1. M AJOR L EARNING F ROM THE M INORS Thirsting for a God of Knowledge: Nahum Page 1451

2. Thirsty? C ONTEXT Nahum is a contemporary of Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk. He writes during the start of the Chaldean period between 625 and 612 BC. We dated the time frame of Jonah as 790-750 BC, so about 165 years later, and in many ways this is Jonah part 2.

3. Thirsty? T HINKING B ACK … Jonah had problems being called to the people of what city? Why did he not want to preach to them? What did he think they deserved from God? How is God described in the book of Jonah? “You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2

4. Thirsty? T HINKING B ACK … How did the people respond to God’s message through his reluctant messenger? How did Jonah respond to their response? How does the book of Jonah end?

5. Thirsty? A BOUT N AHUM I want us to look at it to see our Thirst for a God of Knowledge. God knows what is going on in your life and he knows when punishment is due and how to proceed once the time arrives.

6. Thirsty? N AHUM C HAPTER 1 P AGE 1451 Na 1:1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. Na 1:2 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.

7. Thirsty? R OMANS 12:17-19 Ro 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

8. Thirsty? N AHUM 1:3-6 3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. 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.

9. Thirsty? N AHUM 1:3-6 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.

10. Thirsty? N AHUM 1:7-10 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, 8 but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness. 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.

11. Thirsty? N AHUM 1:11-13 11 From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and counsels wickedness. 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.”

12. Thirsty? N AHUM 1:14 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.”

13. Thirsty? N AHUM 1:15 15 Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! (Romans 10:15) Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed. If God says he will take care of it, and take care of you, then trust Him!

14. Thirsty? R EVENGE !!!! We have a natural desire for revenge and vengeance when we are wronged. David expresses his desire for the punishment of the wicked in the Psalms including Psalm 109. This Psalm has a blend of wanting punishment for those who have wronged him and favor on himself during difficulty.

15. Thirsty? V ICTORY ! 1 C ORINTHIANS 15:54-58 (1791) When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

16. Thirsty? 1 C ORINTHIANS 15:58 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

17. Thirsty? T AKING I T H OME Let us be a blessing to those in our lives who are thirsting for a God who knows what is going on in our lives and who acts justly. No one who is unrighteous will be spared and no one who is righteous will be lost because of the grace of Jesus.

18. Thirsty? N EXT W EEK Habakkuk Thirsting for a God Who Listens.