THE PROPHECY OF NAHUM

I think that I have mentioned before that I journal every day except Sunday. That's the way I learn, listen, see, experience at many levels the Word of God. I usually read from THE MESSAGE as the word pictures from today's language seems to stick with me more, and it also makes the words and ways of Jesus easier for me to understand.

Having said that, I want to share with you a few phrases that hit home while I was reading today. It hasn't to do with particular people (this is not about politics!)but it does seem to fit with our times, today's times, the major problem and situation--the war in Afghanistan. So, the following is a quote from THE MESSAGE, Introduction to Nahum.

"The stage of history is large. Larger-than-life figures appear on this stage from time to time, swaggering about, brandishing weapons and money, terrorizing and bullying. These figures are not, as they suppose themselves to be, at the center of the stage--not, in fact, anywhere near the center. But they make a lot of noise and are able to call attention to themselves. They often manage to get a significant number of people watching and even admiring: big nations, huge armies, important people. At any given moment a few superpower nations and their rulers dominate the daily news. Every century a few of these names are left carved on its park benches, marking rather futile, and in retrospect pitiable, attempts at immortality.

"The danger is that the noise of these pretenders to power will distract us from what is going on quietly at the center of the stage in the person and action of God. God's characteristic way of working is in quietness and through prayer. If we are conditioned to respond to noise and size, we will miss God's word and action.... Don't admire or be intimidated by this enemy. They are going to be judged by the very same standards applied to us."

Of course, Nineveh/Assyria was the world's central concern in the time of the prophet Nahum. But, Israel's sins needed to be addressed as well. In Jesus time, it was the Romans, but the Jews missed the mark even more. Not so different today. Nahum gives us all something to think about. "A good skunk smells his own hole first." (quote from Grandpa Eaton circa 1940's)

So, I'm going to do a lot of praying. No one in today's conflict is perfect. Praying for the truth through education on all sides of our current conflict just may get us to someday live together peaceably. What God's will is in this we do not know. I only know that He's the One in charge.

Until next time, jo