Passage Read: Micah 5 - Nahum 1
Meditation Verse: Nahum 1:15
Thought
This verse, which Paul quotes later to describe the blessedness of those who preach the Gospel, is about announcing the destruction of Nineveh! That's the good news referenced in its original context: The removal of foreign rulers who do not love or fear God, who oppress the people and promote idols. It is peace not God with man, but freedom from the power of evil men and their influence, freedom to walk with God and celebrate His goodness and His ways. Anyone who brings good news is blessed and always welcome. Peace with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood pays our debt of sin and makes us holy people who delight in God and enjoy His favor, that is the greatest of all possible news. But there is this other promise behind those words, the original promise, that those who hate God and hinder our worship of Him will forever be removed from our presence and from control of our lives. That is part of the hope of the Gospel and the final task remaining for Jesus to complete.
Application
So I had better be someone who loves the Lord and His ways, who hates evil and longs for the reign of righteousness, when doing good and right is praised and the norm, rather than opposed and despised. I don't want to be counted among those who hate God and His ways. Neither is that an excuse to put off doing what is right in God's eyes, waiting until Jesus reigns to walk in His ways. Now there is a natural pressure to keep to myself in order to avoid sparking the ire of those who hate true goodness, but the Gospel needs to be preached. People need to be warned of judgment and offered peace with God through Christ. Sin needs to be rebuked and righteousness taught and praised, even though it may bring me trouble.