TO CHEW ON: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness." Nahum 1:7-8
Remember Nineveh, the city where Jonah went to preach? Though the people turned to God after hearing Jonah’s warnings, they were soon back to their idol worshiping, cruel and warring ways. God gave the prophet Nahum a message about Nineveh.
Nahum explained that God was patient and good. But there would come a time when He would act.
God had used Assyria (the country of which Nineveh was the capital) to discipline the people of Israel and Judah. But that didn’t mean God wouldn’t make them pay the consequences of their idol worship and cruelty. Nahum prophesied that the city of Nineveh and the nation of Assyria would be completely destroyed. And this is exactly what happened.
Illustration by Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.
Today, Nineveh is only a mound called Tell Kuyunjik which means ‘the mound of many sheep.’
God hasn’t changed in His fairness. He still watches individual people and whole nations. There will come a time when He will judge each one of us, our cities and countries and the whole world. Let’s turn to Him now, while we have the chance. Let’s pray that the people in our city and country turn to God too.
PRAYER: Dear God, I pray for my city ________ and my country ________ that they will honor You and obey Your ways. Amen.
MORE: What Can You Do?
As one single person, it’s easy to feel small and powerless to change the ways of your city let alone your country. But even one single young person like you can make a difference. Here are some ways. Can you think of more?
1. Pray for your country’s leader. His/her name is ___________
2. Pray for other leaders.
State Governor or Provincial Premier _________
Mayor_______
School Principal _________
Pastor __________
3. Join the Christian club at your school to find encouragement and multiply your influence.
4. Join with others (family, friends) to work on projects that honor God like visiting the sick and elderly, and helping the poor.
***********
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS are available too at Other Food: daily devo's.
No comments:
Post a Comment