The Unlikely Comforter

Introduction:

· Does Richard Dawkins: have a point? 

· Some people: “But the God of the NT is better” – and Dawkins: “No Cherry picking!”

NAHUM PRESENTS US WITH A PICTURE OF GOD’S JUSTICE – AND WE’LL SEE THREE THINGS: IT’S ALWAYS JUST, IT’S A SOURCE OF COMFORT, AND A SOURCE OF HOPE.

I) God’s Justice Is Always Just

A. God Takes Evil Seriously

i. “Has no one been untouched?” (vs. 20)

1. A cultured, fortified, and religious city, the capital of Assyria (MAP)

2. Yet, they used their power to exploit, dominate, crush (PICTURE)

3. EXAMPLES: Public executions, deportations, flaying…

ii. Cruelty towards others was an affront to God (Nahum 1:9)

Nahum 1:9 ESV

What do you plot against the Lord? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time.

1. The sins against the nations were an attack on the honor of God

2. We think we’re just hurting others – or maybe no one; in reality, our wrongdoing is directed at God

B. God Responds to the Seriousness of Evil

i. A Fuller Vision of God: A Just God hates Evil

1. While we prefer to soften, diminish, and reduce Godà HOLY!

2. APPLICATION: Abuse; racism; nations that oppress…

3. God uses nations & world events to bring justice (vs. 19, 1:9-13)

ii. A Just God responds Justly to the Presence of Evil

1. Our Problem: We’re biased; inconsistent: Sins today wer enot yesterday…

2. EXAMPLE: Racism & sexuality

3. God responds to evil precisely in proportion

GOD’S JUSTICE IS ALWAYS JUST – BUT MORE THAN THAT, IT’S ACTUALLY A COMFORT.

II) God’s Justice Is a Source of Comfort

A. God’s Concern for Justice Speaks to the Oppressed

i. Nahum: “A prophet of comfort?

1. Nahum is a name that means “comfort” – how can this be?

1. Throughout the book, God promises comfort – how can this be?

i. Those who are oppressed long for God’s vindication

1. If you’ve never been oppressed = makes no sense; if you have, you get it!

2. EXAMPLE: child/spousal abuse; School shooters who never face justice; DOES GOD CARE? YES!

3. THUS: Those oppressed by Syria clap & Cheer!(VS. 19)

B. God’s Concern for Justice Gives Hope For The Righteous

i. Knowing that the enemy will go down to defeat: Serve God! (Nahum 1:15)

Nahum 1:15 ESV

Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.

1. God tells his people to worship, sacrifice, because they will be judged

2. Why? When you are oppressed, you live in fear; THEY control you!

3. BUT: If you know the enemy’s days are limited, THAT will control you

ii. APPLICATION:

1. Those who are WEARY: cynical, discouraged: “Hope!”

2. Those who are wary…”OBEDIENCE!”

THAT LEADS US TO THE FINAL POINT.

III) God’s Justice is a Source of Hope

A. Nahum points to a Greater Day of Justice

i. The language of Nahum about Nineveh prefigures Babylon

1. Revelation 18:2 picks up similar language to describe a greater battle

Revelation 18:2 ESV

And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.

2. The meaning: One day there will be a greater city brought to pieces under the power of God’s justice

ii. The greater enemy will be destroyed

1. isn’t a city, an empire, a culture – but the domain of the evil one

2. BUT: the gates of hell will not prevail against it!

B. The Assurance of Justice and Mercy

i. If Justice Will Be done:

1. If you trust Jesus, the true judge will come, you can forgive more freely

2. EXAMPLE: Miroslav Volf

ii. i. Two books, two questions: Justice, or mercy? (Jonah 4:11)

Jonah 4:11 ESV

And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”

1. Even as God will do justice, he has also rich in mercy

2. Jesus received the mortal wound justice so that now, there is no condemnation for us, when I am crushed under the weight of my guilt

Transition:

Conclusion

asd