Nahum 1:12-15 – Hope & Doom

butterfly image superimposed with HOPE endures on blue background

Read Nahum 1:12-15

Our last reading set the theological context for what Nahum’s message is all about. In this reading, we see clearly two messages, one to Nineveh and one to God’s people, Israel. The same message was heard differently, depending on the perspective. God’s promise of hope and doom were wrapped up in this communication.

Despite the viewpoint, God’s prophecy must have sounded unbelievable. The might of the Assyrian empire was seemingly invincible. The people would see this prophecy play out and realize that God was not only true to his word, but that he was truly invincible. That’s the picture I have of God and I don’t need to witness the crumbling of a mighty nation to understand. The oracle pronouncing this judgment on Assyria would bring peace, freedom, and restoration from the oppression God’s people had endured.

As followers of Christ, we see how Jesus’ victory over death in the resurrection has set us free. We can live with the assurance of being part of God’s kingdom and life everlasting. For those who don’t know Jesus, this same message means doom for them, not hope.

In addition to wanting to be on the positive side of the continuum between hope and doom, we can stand in awe of God for what he is claiming here. Here are some things I learned about the Assyrian capital of Nineveh that resonate with me when I consider God’s proclamation: “[T]hey will be destroyed and disappear.” Nineveh had a massive wall surrounding the city, eight miles in circumference that could accommodate a population of 300,000. Beyond the walls were moats and canals strengthening their defensive position.

As I understand it, Nineveh was first besieged by the Medes, who then joined forces with other tribes, including the Babylonians. It was when the wall was finally breached that the city was taken. The total collapse is known to have happened in 609 B.C. God has a way of using who he wants to so that his prophecies are fulfilled.

As readers of this prophecy after the fact, we know when such destruction was likely to have taken place. People today are digging through what is believed to be the ruins of the city of Nineveh to gather more clues about this ancient civilization. We also have the promise of hope that has been given to us directly from God himself through his Son, Jesus.

Our living hope is in Jesus. Peter says it so brilliantly in 1 Peter 1:3-4, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” The hope we have for eternal life should be enough to keep us focused for our whole lifetime here on earth. These verses and those that follow are profound encouragement.

The hope Jesus brings ushers in our access to the Father and eternal life with him forever. Having this head knowledge about our promised future is not enough, it must absorb into our souls. You know when you’ve been successful at this when you automatically walk into each situation with your devotion to Jesus and Biblical truth clutched in your hand.

If we don’t choose the hope Jesus gives, we’re likely to end up doomed. That’s simply not a risk I want to take. I choose life in Christ. No matter what the evil world around us wants to do, I know I am secure and in alignment with the person God designed me to be to further encourage and nurture his kingdom dwellers.

How about you? Do you choose hope?

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Let’s pray … Father God, I not only choose hope, but I cling to your promise and rely on you for each and every breath I take. Thank you for this life you have given me here. May I continue to strengthen myself in your Word. Thank you for how each message seems to sink into my soul and give me hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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