IV.
We’ve read this passage several times and return to it today to read again paying attention to what it says about God.

V.
Nahum 1:1-3, 6-8, 12-13, 15

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.

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.

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.”

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.

VI.

Here we read about God as – 

One … who brings good tidings,
    who proclaims peace!
 … will break off his yoke from you
    and snap the bonds that bind you.”
 … is good,
    a stronghold in a day of trouble;
he protects those who take refuge in him,
… will make a full end of his adversaries,
    and will pursue his enemies into darkness.
…  is slow to anger but great in power,
    and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.
…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.

V.

Does that seem to “fit” together for you?

Do you find comfort or discomfort in these images of God?

Have there been times in your life when you wanted (or needed) to hear such images of God?

charles

{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}