I.
This week we take up part of the “oracle” and “vision” of the Prophet Nahum concerning Nineveh, Judah, and God.

Let’s first spend time with the words of Nahum and listen to them without any judgment on our part.  Just try to take it all in and hear the prophet.

II.
Nahum 1:1-3

An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.

A jealous and avenging God is the Lord,
    the Lord is avenging and wrathful;
the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries
    and rages against his enemies.

The Lord is slow to anger but 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.

Nahum 1:6-8

Who can stand before his indignation?
    Who can endure the heat of his anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire,
    and by him the rocks are broken in pieces.

The Lord is good,
    a stronghold in a day of trouble;
he protects those who take refuge in him,
    even in a rushing flood.

He will make a full end of his adversaries,
    and will pursue his enemies into darkness.

Nahum 1:12-13

Thus says the Lord,
“Though they are at full strength and many,
    they will be cut off and pass away.
Though I have afflicted you,
    I will afflict you no more.

And now I will break off his yoke from you
    and snap the bonds that bind you.”

Nahum 1:15

Look! On the mountains the feet of one
    who brings good tidings,
    who proclaims peace!

Celebrate your festivals, O Judah,
    fulfill your vows,
for never again shall the wicked invade you;
    they are utterly cut off.

III.
Now that you have listened to Nahum, let’s listen to him two more times.

First, pay attention to his words of “vengeance” and “anger.”

What stands out to you the most as you listen with that filter turned on for your hearing and reading.

Second, listen again and pay close attention to any words of consolation and hope from Nahum.

 What words carry the most hope for the people he addresses?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}