Where is the Gospel in Nahum?
In chapter 1 we see redemption, we see a time when there is –
An end to God’s discipline in 1.12
Though I have afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more.
No more oppression in 1.13
And now I will break his yoke from off you
and will burst your bonds apart.”
and promises of Good News and peace in 1.15
Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him
who brings good news,
who publishes peace!
Michael J. Glodo, Theology Professor said this,
“as God’s excellencies are proclaimed in judgment (Nah. 1:2–7), the repentant hear and receive grace.”
Part of that grace is the redemption that comes too. The coming Good News and peace will redeem us from every bond, yoke, chain, and oppression that the world, the flesh, and the devil will try to get us with.
In His death and resurrection, Jesus brings an end to empires and puts to shame the powers who oppress.
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
Psalm 2.4
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Colossians 2.15
Ultimately, the message of Nahum shows the cup of God’s wrath that those who oppose Him will eventually have to drink, and, we’ve said this before, that as believers in Jesus, our future judgement has already been taken care of in the past. He drunk it for us.
If Jesus had not taken our place, the message of Nineveh here would be the message for you and for me.
Without faith in Jesus, the message of Nineveh would be the message for you and for me.
Without faith in Jesus, God is not for us, and if God is not for us, we see what happens, but, He is a God of steadfast mercy and love, slow to anger, desiring that none may perish, so we have examples to look back on, to adjust our lives now in light of, and with faith in Jesus God is for us.
Reading Nahum, we see the judgment that comes upon the wicked, and undeserved grace and redemption that is on offer to believers.
God has redeemed us from the consequences of our sins, and in the person and work of Jesus God struck that balance between wrath and love.
If we wait until the final judgement, if we go it alone, if we think we don’t need a Saviour, we will face it alone.
If we are in Christ, He faced the judgement for us.
He redeemed us, redemption is on offer.
Take the burden off yourselves, now and ultimately,
Jesus said
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11.28-30
The only way to escape God’s judgment is to repent of your sins and believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, believe in what He did, believe in what He does, believe in what He will do again, believe in what He says, believe in who He is, simply, believe in and on Him.
Come to Him, redemption is in Him. That is the Gospel in Nahum.
