If you ever read the book of Nahum, you’re likely to say, "There’s not much joy in that book!" That’s because Nahum spoke of the destruction of Assyria and its capital city, Nineveh.
Nahum revealed the angry side of God as He railed against Assyria (2:13; 3:5). Many years before, in mercy and for His own purpose, He had sent the reluctant prophet Jonah to preach to Nineveh. At that time the people repented, and the city was spared.
Few things are worse than repenting of repentance, but that’s what happened to Assyria. A later generation returned to their forefathers’ wicked ways. Assyria then attacked Israel, and God determined to punish her.
"The Lord is slow to anger" (1:3). But He is just and will not let sin go unpunished (1:3-6). Nineveh was about to find that out.
Maybe that’s why I was so disturbed after talking with an old friend. For many years he had professed to be a believer, but then he turned his back on Christ. His defection raises the question of whether he is a wayward Christian, or perhaps one who never truly believed. In either case, he will find out that the Lord does not let sin go unpunished.
Lord Jesus, I plead with You to protect me from ever repenting of my repentance. Amen. – Dave Egner
Our sinful ways can sap our joy
And isolate us from the Lord;
Confession and repentance, though,
Assure that we will be restored. – Sper
READ: Nahum 1:1-8
Once we turn away from sin, there should be no turning back.