Good God
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· 8 viewsWho/Whom do you place your trust when the LORD God's slow anger is unleashed?
Notes
Transcript
Scripture
Scripture
7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
Introduction
Introduction
Good god has several meanings in modern culture:
(idiomatic word in the UK,US, and Canada which could be considered mildly blasphemous)
Expression of contempt, outrage, disgust, boredom,
Could also mean
(God almighty) and is informally used to show that you are surprised, angry, shocked, puzzled, frustrated, annoyed, or amused, or to emphasize what you are saying “Oh God,”
Transition To Body- The day when God’s enemies say Good God and God’s people say the same but for different reasons
Transition To Body- The day when God’s enemies say Good God and God’s people say the same but for different reasons
The name NAHUM means “comfort”, similar to Nehemiah, which means “Yahweh comforts”
God’s naham also leads to the contra-intuitive translation “avenge.”
When victims are rescued from the hands of a violent, oppressive enemy, therefore, the root nhm contains a dual meaning- compassion on the victims through vengeance on the oppressor
Proclamation Of Vengeance Against Adversaries- Nahum 1
Proclamation Of Vengeance Against Adversaries- Nahum 1
The LORD’s people’s adversaries are the LORD’s enemies
The LORD’s people’s adversaries are the LORD’s enemies
God avenges his people
God avenges his people
2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.
Jealous- only one can put their hands on God’s people is God
Jealous- only one can put their hands on God’s people is God
Illustration: Parents not wanting anyone to discipline their children but themselves- because a parent disciplines in love
jealous, i.e., pertaining to a state of ill will ranging event to anger, based on a perceived advantage, or a desire for exclusivity in relationship
12 Thus says the Lord, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 13 And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.”
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
For faithful followers of God, their enemies are God’s enemies
For faithful followers of God, their enemies are God’s enemies
The LORD’s Magnificent Majesty Manifested In Nature- vv3-5
The LORD’s Magnificent Majesty Manifested In Nature- vv3-5
3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
God gives time for his enemies to get right
The LORD’s Unbearable Indignation- v6
The LORD’s Unbearable Indignation- v6
6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.
indignation- a curse that demonstrates extreme anger
Plotting against God’s people = plotting against the LORD?
Plotting against God’s people = plotting against the LORD?
9 What do you plot against the Lord? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time.
Restoration Of Covenant People’s Majesty- Nahum 2
Restoration Of Covenant People’s Majesty- Nahum 2
2 For the Lord is restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel, for plunderers have plundered them and ruined their branches.
vine branch, relatively flexible and not woody part of a vine branch
The LORD God turns the tables
Celebration For Removing Wicked People- Nahum 3
Celebration For Removing Wicked People- Nahum 3
Body- The Prophet Nahum comforts the people by Proclaiming Good God because The LORD God Provides (in just one verse)
Body- The Prophet Nahum comforts the people by Proclaiming Good God because The LORD God Provides (in just one verse)
7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
Faith’s Impenetrable Fortress
Faith’s Impenetrable Fortress
Illustration: Superman’s Fortress of Solitude
The Fortress of Solitude is a fictional fortress appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Superman. A place of solace and occasional headquarters for Superman, the fortress is typically depicted as being in frozen tundra, away from civilization.
The general public in Superman's world is either unaware or at best only vaguely aware of the existence of the Fortress, and its location is kept secret from all but Superman's closest friends and allies (such as Lois Lane and Batman). A trademark of the Fortress is that it contains a memorial statue of Jor-El and Lara, Superman's Kryptonian parents, holding a large globe of Krypton.[3] Although Superman has living quarters at the Fortress, his main residence is still Clark Kent's apartment in Metropolis.
The church is a fortress of solitude which you come every week
Your prayer & meditation is a fortress of solitude
Your study of scripture
a stronghold in the day of trouble
stronghold
stronghold
protection, formally, place of refuge, i.e., the means of being safe in a situation of danger as a figurative extension of a fortress
fortress:
fortress:
a military stronghold, especially a strongly fortified town fit for a large garrison.
a person or thing not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance.
elevated area of ground
helmet, formally, head of protection, i.e., an armor piece to protect the head
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
Concerning the day of trouble
Concerning the day of trouble
time period, formally, day, i.e., an indefinite time period, ranging from relatively short to very long, years and beyond
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Compassionate Caring Surveillance
Compassionate Caring Surveillance
7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
he knows
he knows
he cares for, he protects, he is close to
see
23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Safe Shadowing Shelter
Safe Shadowing Shelter
he knows- he is close to
those who take refuge in him
take refuge in, i.e., go to a place where one will find safety, rest, or comfort, implying the place of refuge is a place to be trusted to keep one safe
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
those who take…refuge in him
those who take…refuge in him
1979 Who Can I Run To by The Jones Girls (Xscape)
As I stand here contemplating,
On the right thing to decide.
Will I take the wrong direction,
All my life, where will I go,
What lies ahead of me?
I have strong determination,
And I'm not afraid of change.
I have yet to find that someone,
Who would care to satisfy me,
To stay right by me.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Transition To Close
Transition To Close
God Rewards those who seek him
Illustration: The Prodigal Son
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Without Faith...
Without Faith...
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Will Not God give justice to his elect
Will Not God give justice to his elect
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
Close- Therefore...
Close- Therefore...
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.