#judgment against Nineveh

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Judgment Against Nineveh

1 Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey! 2 The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot! 3 Horsemen charging, flashing sword and glittering spear, hosts of slain, heaps of corpses, dead bodies without end— they stumble over the bodies! 4 And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms. 5 Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts, and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness and kingdoms at your shame. 6 I will throw filth at you and treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. 7 And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her? Where shall I seek comforters for you? 8 Are you better than Thebes that sat by the Nile, with water round her, her rampart a sea, and water her wall? 9 Cush was her strength; Egypt too, and that without limit; Put and the Libyans were her helpers. 10 Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity; her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; for her honoured men lots were cast, and all her great men were bound in chains.

11 You also will be drunken; you will go into hiding; you will seek a refuge from the enemy. 12 All your fortresses are like fig trees with first-ripe figs— if shaken they fall into the mouth of the eater. 13 Behold, your troops are women in your midst. The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire has devoured your bars. 14 Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay; tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mould! 15 There will the fire devour you; the sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the locust. Multiply yourselves like the locust; multiply like the grasshopper! 16 You increased your merchants more than the stars of the heavens. The locust spreads its wings and flies away. 17 Your princes are like grasshoppers, your scribes like clouds of locusts settling on the fences in a day of cold— when the sun rises, they fly away; no one knows where they are. 18 Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria; your nobles slumber. Your people are scattered on the mountains with none to gather them. 19 There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil? — Nahum 3 | English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Anglicised Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Cross References: Leviticus 26:37; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Kings 8:12; 2 Chronicles 12:3; 2 Chronicles 16:8; 2 Chronicles 32:3-4; Job 6:27; Job 9:31; Job 27:23; Job 30:8; Job 39:22; Psalm 62:10; Psalm 76:5-6; Psalm 105:34; Isaiah 2:10; Isaiah 2:19; Isaiah 19:6; Isaiah 19:16; Isaiah 23:8; Isaiah 34:3; Isaiah 45:1-2; Isaiah 47:2-3; Isaiah 51:19; Isaiah 51:27; Isaiah 66:15-16; Jeremiah 15:5; Jeremiah 25:19; Jeremiah 30:12; Jeremiah 46:3; Jeremiah 47:3; Jeremiah 51:14; Ezekiel 24:6; Revelation 6:13; Revelation 9:7; Revelation 17:1-2; Revelation 18:3

Commentary on Nahum 3 by Matthew Henry

[jessdyet]

I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and make thee a sight. Bible word, Nope , Jordan Peele (Foreword)

Hearing this, the people of Nineveh began to pray and supplicate and were converted. They asked for forgiveness for their sins. God forgave .Because .The essence of love is to 'get tired' of something, so a love and effort are inseparable. A man loves what he labors for and he works for what or whom he loves... Love is active concern for the life and development of the person or thing we love." (Erich Froom: The Art of Love, excerpt)

[walkswithmyfather]

Jonah 1:1-3 (NLT). [1] “The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: [2] “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” [3] But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.

Jonah 2:1-4 (NLT). [1] “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. [2] He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! [3] You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. [4] Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’”

“Saying Yes (When We Want to Say No)” By In Touch Mysteries:

“We don't have to worry about what happens if we obey God—He will take care of us.”

“In a fish’s belly, Jonah recommitted himself to the Lord’s purpose. But the popular Bible story about the consequences of disobedience doesn’t end with Jonah obeying God. The book actually concludes with him acknowledging why he didn’t want the job—and with the Lord chastising him for his selfish reasons.

Jonah was afraid that the Ninevites—who were a threat to the Jews—might actually repent, and God wouldn’t destroy them. Jonah admitted he wanted to see them wiped out: “Therefore in anticipation of [their salvation] I fled to Tarshish” (Jonah 4:2).

Believers resist doing God’s will for many reasons. Sometimes we say no because we dislike the probable outcome of obedience. Like Jonah, we also can lose sight of spiritually important things and focus on our own desires. But if the Lord calls us to act, He will take care of the end results. Our job is to obey.

What form of selfishness might be keeping you from obeying the Lord? Maybe you are too angry with your spouse to work on your marriage or too hurt to welcome back a repentant child. But we’re not to be ruled by feelings, no matter how strong they are. The heavenly Father calls us to obey Him. The final results may surprise you, particularly how blessed you will be for having followed Him.”

[twiggy-in-pink]

“The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.”

Matthew 12:41

[saltoftheearth5x2]

Luke 11

Over the 24 days leading up to Christmas, I'm going to be posting a chapter of Luke every day. I encourage you to read through Luke's gospel and reflect on Jesus's time here on earth. Perhaps you'll find something new.

Masterlist

Luke 11 (NIV)

Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

3 Give us each day our daily bread.

4 Forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.’”

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Jesus and Beelzebul

14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.

17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.

23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

24 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

The Sign of Jonah

29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

The Lamp of the Body

33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Woes on the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law

37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.

39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”

45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”

46 Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

47 “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. 48 So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49 Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’ 50 Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.

52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

53 When Jesus went outside, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54 waiting to catch him in something he might say.

....

All of this was taken from the Bible Gateway, which is an online Bible that you can easily search up. For those of you who do not have Bibles of your own, I encourage you to use online resources like Bible Gateway to read God's word.

Happy Holidays!!!

If you have any questions regarding the Christian faith, please ask me in my ask box. I am not a perfect person, but I will try and answer your questions as best as I can. We all have much more to learn, myself included. So please, do not be shy.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Nothing Is Going To Hold Me Back!

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Ephesians 5:8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Galatians 5:7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM LETTING NOTHING HOLD ME BACK

I AM STRONG

I AM NOT COMPLAINING

I AM NOT AFRAID

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READ TIME: 9 Minutes & 55 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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   A lot of things can hold us back from achieving our goals , if were in school , our grade can , if we constantly making F's we will most likely not pass that grade,  even getting a house if our credit score isn't high enough it could us back from getting a car or a house , this is just to name a few things I am pretty sure it’s more to but those examples will do , a lot of us are allowing the schemes of the enemy to prevent us from growing , we are allowing his ways and tricks to stop us from progressing in the lord and when this happen we will always be held back .

The lord can’t elevate us if we are constantly getting fooled with the same  schemes , the enemy loves when he can hold us back he loves to distract us from connecting with God , and sometimes we do it by what we do during the day the moments we could be worshipping God we decide to go out and shop or we decide to binge watch Netflix , the moments we could be praying instead we are constantly picking up our phone to see who called . These things are what's holding us back from God.

  Galatians 3:1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as apparent to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross.

  He asks them who has cast a spell on them; he even called them foolish because he wonders what was so great that it pulled their eyes off the truth. Often times , we can allow sin, people, and things to pull us away from the gospel of truth. Paul had told them this; that they knew of this, but why were they getting fooled? We allow ourselves to get fooled by the comfort of sins. It's people who know what they are doing is wrong and won't stop because they feel like it makes them feel good ;why should I stop? It makes me happy; Having this mindset will pull you away from God every time because happiness lasts for so long; curiosity only happens for so long; we must stop allowing the enemy to hold us back and start fighting back.

 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

  This is what we must do when the enemy strikes, and he will; we must cast down every imagination, every high thought that is against the knowledge of God; a lot of us cast it down, but we still let it stay; we still allow it to hold us back, and to cast anything down or to rebuke anything we must be ready to rebuke it and send it back, don't allow the thoughts the enemy try to place in our heads to stay, because as long as it stays, it will hold us back from our true goal which is worshiping God.

  True repentance comes when we truly consider what we did and ask God to forgive us; we learned this week that the city of Nineveh knew they were wrong after Jonah got through talking with them about the judgment of God, and they knew what they must do to achieve repentance.

  Jonah 3:7-8 Then the king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city:

"No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything. 8 People and animals alike must wear mourning garments, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence.

  Every person and every animal wore a garment and mourned; they prayed to God earnestly to forgive them of their ways; that's how you seek repentance so that it won't hold you back; a lot of us don't want to say we are sorry or to confess with our mouth about what we did because we are so fixated on other things. Paul is saying today, stop being foolish; you know the truth of God, you know what the truth is, and you know that listening to the things of this world is only going to push you back.

   Matthew 8:19-20 Then, one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

20 But Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head."

   We also learned this week that walking in Christ is hard because we must deny ourselves. That's it, point blank , and a lot of people don't want to deny themselves to follow Him; he says in his word to become a disciple, we must deny ourselves, we must pick up our cross DAILY and say Father, please help me

A lot of us don't want to do that we don't want to pick it up because we feel it’s too heavy and yes it will be heavy. We must deny what we desire to follow him, and a lot of people made excuses why they couldn't, and he gave them an excuse why they could; there is nothing in this life that should be stopping us from following Christ.

  1 Peter 3:12   The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.

  The Lord hears our cry, and he watches over those who do right and hear our prayers; a lot of time, we are curious: does he hear me, or did he love us? This verse tells us he watches over the ones that do right, loving your neighbors, praying, reading your read, keeping peace with all man, etc. When we do those things, do what is right, and do not seek vengeance on people, we live the way Christ wanted us to.

  Another topic we talked about is grumbling and complaining; it's hard not to complain about things we feel are wrong, but God wants us not to complain so much; he wants us to say what we have to say, and that's it, a lot of us grumble just like the Israelites we ask for one thing then we complain he gives us something else then we complain even more, see its no way of satisfying someone that is constantly not happy with what's going on.

Deuteronomy 1:34-36 When the Lord heard your complaining, he became very angry. So, he solemnly swore, 35 'Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors.

  With their complaining, the lord stopped them from coming into the land he swore they wouldn't and that none of them would get in but the ancestors; the lord will hold up our blessing because we are complaining, and the lord will stop our destiny from coming forth because of our grumbling we must learn to be content in everything, a lot of us don't have a lot because we aren't grateful of what we have.

 ***Today, the lord wants us to remember who we are, what he has given us, and what he has done for us; we can't complain every day about the things we are going through and the things that are in our lives because as long as we are complaining the lord will not move in our life, sometimes we must be content with everything and accept what the lord has done as a blessing. This is one of the many other things that can hold us back from the truth; we allow other things to cloud our mind, and we lose focus on who we are and what we are supposed to be doing, and that's being what God has called us to be in him.

  Romans 6:17 Thank God! Once, you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

  We were once a slave to our sins, but now we obey God, and we listen to his teaching; obedience is something we all must have when we are following Christ; it sounds easy to do what we want, it sounds easy to be led away by our selfish ways , but it's easy not to read our word it's easy to not to pray. Still, we can't do the easy thing, my friends; when we do the easy thing, we say, whatever the enemy throws at me, I will accept. We can't; we must be willing to hold on to God and wait on him.©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for today. We ask you to help us to be more like you. Lord, help us take this week's devotions and apply them to our lives. We are so grateful for the things you give us. Lord, help us not to complain and grumble. Lord, help us to be more grateful for what we have; we love you. Thank you. Lord, remove anything that's in us out that's not of you. Lord, continue to change us each day so we may evolve into what you want of us; lord, we submit to you everything in Jesus' Name, amen

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REFERENCES

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 + Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

+ Matthew 13:21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

+ Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,

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FURTHER READINGS

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 Proverbs 19

Zechariah 11

Ephesians 1

Galatians 1

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[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Thursday, December 14, 2023

december 1_december 14

HOLY PROPHET NAHUM (7th c. B.C.)

The Holy Prophet Nahum, whose name means “God consoles,” was from the village of Elkosh (Galilee). He lived during the seventh century B.C. The Prophet Nahum prophesies the ruin of the Assyrian city of Nineveh because of its iniquity, the destruction of the Israelite kingdom, and the blasphemy of King Sennacherib against God. The Assyrian king Ashurbanipal died in 632 B.C., and over the next two decades, his empire began to crumble. Nineveh fell in 612 B.C.

Nahum differs from most of the prophets in as much as he does not issue any call to repentance, nor does he denounce Israel for infidelity to God.

Details of the prophet’s life are unknown. He died at the age of forty-five, and was buried in his native region. He is the seventh of the Twelve Minor Prophets.

The Prophet Nahum and Saint Nahum of Ochrid (December 23) are invoked for people with mental disorders.

RIGHTEOUS PHILARET THE MERCIFUL (792)

Righteous Philaret the Merciful, son of George and Anna, was raised in piety and the fear of God. He lived during the eighth century in the village of Amnia in the Paphlagonian district of Asia Minor. His wife, Theoseba, was from a rich and illustrious family, and they had three children: a son John, and daughters Hypatia and Evanthia.

Philaret was a rich and illustrious dignitary, but he did not hoard his wealth. Knowing that many people suffered from poverty, he remembered the words of the Savior about the dread Last Judgment and about “these least ones” (Mt. 25:40); the Apostle Paul’s reminder that we will take nothing with us from this world (1 Tim 6:7); and the assertion of King David that the righteous would not be forsaken (Ps 36/37:25). Philaret, whose name means “lover of virtue,” was famed for his love for the poor.

One day Ishmaelites [Arabs] attacked Paphlagonia, devastating the land and plundering the estate of Philaret. There remained only two oxen, a donkey, a cow with her calf, some beehives, and the house. But he also shared them with the poor. His wife reproached him for being heartless and unconcerned for his own family. Mildly, yet firmly he endured the reproaches of his wife and the jeers of his children. “I have hidden away riches and treasure,” he told his family, “so much that it would be enough for you to feed and clothe yourselves, even if you lived a hundred years without working.”

The saint’s gifts always brought good to the recipient. Whoever received anything from him found that the gift would multiply, and that person would become rich. Knowing this, a certain man came to Saint Philaret asking for a calf so that he could start a herd. The cow missed its calf and began to bellow. Theoseba said to her husband, “You have no pity on us, you merciless man, but don’t you feel sorry for the cow? You have separated her from her calf.” The saint praised his wife, and agreed that it was not right to separate the cow and the calf. Therefore, he called the poor man to whom he had given the calf and told him to take the cow as well.

That year there was a famine, so Saint Philaret took the donkey and went to borrow six bushels of wheat from a friend of his. When he returned home, a poor man asked him for a little wheat, so he told his wife to give the man a bushel. Theoseba said, “First you must give a bushel to each of us in the family, then you can give away the rest as you choose.” Philaretos then gave the man two bushels of wheat. Theoseba said sarcastically, “Give him half the load so you can share it.” The saint measured out a third bushel and gave it to the man. Then Theoseba said, “Why don’t you give him the bag, too, so he can carry it?” He gave him the bag. The exasperated wife said, “Just to spite me, why not give him all the wheat.” Saint Philaret did so.

Now the man was unable to lift the six bushels of wheat, so Theoseba told her husband to give him the donkey so he could carry the wheat home. Blessing his wife, Philaret gave the donkey to the man, who went home rejoicing. Theoseba and the children wept because they were hungry.

The Lord rewarded Philaret for his generosity: when the last measure of wheat was given away, an old friend sent him forty bushels. Theoseba kept most of the wheat for herself and the children, and the saint gave away his share to the poor and had nothing left. When his wife and children were eating, he would go to them and they gave him some food. Theoseba grumbled saying, “How long are you going to keep that treasure of yours hidden? Take it out so we can buy food with it.”

During this time the Byzantine empress Irene (797-802) was seeking a bride for her son, the future emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (780-797). Therefore, emissaries were sent throughout all the Empire to find a suitable girl, and the envoys came to Amneia.

When Philaret and Theoseba learned that these most illustrious guests were to visit their house, Philaret was very happy, but Theoseba was sad, for they did not have enough food. But Philaret told his wife to light the fire and to decorate their home. Their neighbors, knowing that imperial envoys were expected, brought everything required for a rich feast.

The envoys were impressed by the saint’s daughters and granddaughters. Seeing their beauty, their deportment, their clothing, and their admirable qualities, the envoys agreed that Philaret’s granddaughter, Maria was exactly what they were looking for. This Maria exceeded all her rivals in quality and modesty and indeed became Constantine’s wife, and the emperor rewarded Philaret.

Thus fame and riches returned to Philaret. But just as before, this holy lover of the poor generously distributed alms and provided a feast for the poor. He and his family served them at the meal. Everyone was astonished at his humility and said: “This is a man of God, a true disciple of Christ.”

He ordered a servant to take three bags and fill one with gold, one with silver, and one with copper coins. When a beggar approached, Philaret ordered his servant to bring forth one of the bags, whichever God’s providence would ordain. Then he would reach into the bag and give to each person, as much as God willed.

Saint Philaret refused to wear fine clothes, nor would he accept any imperial rank. He said it was enough for him to be called the grandfather of the Empress. The saint reached ninety years of age and knew his end was approaching. He went to the Rodolpheia (“The Judgment”) monastery in Constantinople. He gave some gold to the Abbess and asked her to allow him to be buried there, saying that he would depart this life in ten days.

He returned home and became ill. On the tenth day he summoned his family, he exhorted them to imitate his love for the poor if they desired salvation. Then he fell asleep in the Lord. He died in the year 792 and was buried in the Rodolpheia Judgment monastery in Constantinople.

The appearance of a miracle after his death confirmed the sainthood of Righteous Philaret. As they bore the body of the saint to the cemetery, a certain man, possessed by the devil, followed the funeral procession and tried to overturn the coffin. When they reached the grave, the devil threw the man down on the ground and went out of him. Many other miracles and healings also took place at the grave of the saint.

After the death of the righteous Philaret, his wife Theoseba worked at restoring monasteries and churches devastated during a barbarian invasion.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

TITUS 1:5-2:1

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you- 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

LUKE 20:9-18

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: "A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.' 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it they said, "Certainly not!" 17 Then He looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written:'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone'? 18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.

[hiswordsarekisses]

I have never read anything more convicting in my life… “All the books about prophets in the Bible are written about their message – except Jonah. The book of Jonah is about his defiant heart and the merciful heart of God.

Jonah lived when Judah was a vassal of Assyria. Strategically located on the Via Maris, the major trade highway, Judah also served as a buffer between Assyria and Egypt. The Assyrian capital, Nineveh, was known as “the city of blood”. The Assyrians invented crucifixion. They put hooks in the mouths of captives, dragging them into exile and enslaving them. They flayed their enemies and lined walls with human skins. They cut out tongues, cut off ears and testicles, gouged out eyes, and disemboweled victims. They dashed babies’ heads against stones.

When God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and announce His judgment against it, Jonah turned his back, went to Joppa, bought a ticket, and boarded a ship going to the furthest reaches of the known world – Tarshish. Was he afraid? Who wouldn’t be afraid to be sent to such a cruel people? But another possibility seems more likely. Jonah knew God. God is just and merciful. God is love. God’s Word is powerful and can transform lives. It seems more likely Jonah wasn’t running away out of fear. He was running because he hated the Assyrians and didn’t want to be the one to bring them an opportunity to repent. If the Assyrians repented, God might show His loving mercy.

It takes a powerful storm that threatens the lives on board the ship, being tossed overboard, swallowed by a fish, and stubbornly sitting inside for three days before Jonah cries out to God. All that gives us an idea of how deep Jonah’s hatred went. And how persistent God is. God didn’t let go of Jonah. Jonah was still His prophet. So, Jonah is puked up on the beach, now willing to listen and obey. God repeats the same call. Judgment is about to fall on Assyria.

I imagine Jonah shouting the message gleefully, relishing the judgment. Once given, he goes outside the city and sits on a hill where he can see watch (gloat over) the destruction. Ah, but Assyrians hear the Word of the Lord, believe it, and show heart-felt repentance. Jonah is furious and rails at God. “I knew You were merciful and compassionate….!” God is merciful and patient with Jonah. It’s hot. God provides a shade plant for him. Jonah is grateful for the plant, but still watching for Nineveh to be destroyed. Then God sends a worm to eat the plant. Jonah mourns the death of the plant, but still hopes for the death of thousands. God sends a scorching east wind. The last we hear from Jonah; he’s telling God he is still “angry enough to die”.

What I learned from Jonah: It wasn’t Jonah’s ability as a speaker that brought about mass repentance. He was just the mouthpiece. It was the power of God that changed lives from the inside out. There were 120,000 Ninevites who were saved because God opened their minds and hearts to receive His Word. Jonah spoke, and God empowered His Word by the Holy Spirit and lit a fire of repentance in the Assyrians (the same way He did in the Jews at Pentecost).

And so, I pray: Oh, Lord God, please call more Jonahs to take Your message of salvation to Hamas, Hezbollah, Isis, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and all those who live by hate, who dwell in darkness and on the precipice of hell. And may there be Jonahs ready to speak to the terrorists who have come over our southern border. Only You can change their hearts. In the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”

~ Francine Rivers

[thedalatribune]

© Paolo Dala

Unavailable

Now, the reason he, [Jonah], is running:

"Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish; for I knew that Thou art a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repentest of the evil." (Jonah 4:2)

...[Jonah] knew God was gracious, and he knew that even though the message against Nineveh was judgment, even Nineveh repented, God would forgive Nineveh, and he couldn’t stand the thought of heathen people being forgiven. He couldn’t stand the thought of any Gentile nation that was an oppressor and aggressor against Israel being forgiven. I mean that is prejudice that runs very, very deep.

The real issue here was not so much the fear, although we can understand that that may have been there - the fear of going into the city of an enemy. The real issue here was he ran away because he knew that if they repented God would forgive them, and he couldn’t stand the thought. He had come instead – now listen to this – he had come to the point in his life like so many of his contemporaries, that instead of loving the lost, he hated them. He despised them. Sad, tragic attitude.

...He felt the Ninevites deserved judgment. He felt that they deserved condemnation, not salvation, and he was afraid of the mercy of God, and he was afraid of the grace of God. And he felt the Gentiles would corrupt Israel’s privileges. And especially, as a prophet of God, did he know that if the Ninevites repent, they’re going to be in a better position than the Israelites who are apostate.

And he could see the scene,

“If I go and preach and they repent, they’ll step into the place of blessing and Israel, that is filled with sin, will be out of the place of blessing, and God will turn to the Gentiles, and my people will be lost to His blessing.”

You see his dilemma? I mean it’s nationalism to the hilt. He feared the end of Israel’s special election.

But here we’re concerned with his disobedience. Now, he knew that God was omnipresent. He knew that God was everywhere, and you can’t get on a boat and run away from God. You remember what it says in Psalm 139:

“Whither shall I go from Thy presence, from Thy Spirit? Whither shall I flee?”

"Where am I going to go that You’re not going to find me..." No place, but at least he was getting out of Israel, and at least he would get himself so far from Nineveh that God would have to get somebody to go if He wanted somebody to go. He would be physically unavailable even though he knew God would know.

He’s not saying:

“I’m running from the presence of the Lord in the sense that I don’t believe in omnipresence.”

“I’m running from availability. I want to get out away from this, and God will have to use somebody else.”

And I suppose all of us have struggled with that to one extent or another. How many Christians have felt that God has called them to a task, God has called them to a preparation, God has called them to be a certain person, in a certain ministry, in a certain place – maybe a missionary, maybe a pastor, maybe a teacher, maybe someone who works in a Sunday school class?

All of us He has called to reach the people around us for Christ; and we have, instead of accepting that calling, run from it, hiding from the call of God. We know that God can see us and know that, but we run the other way. If we can just get involved in our work, busy in our activities, tied down, then we can’t go. I’m sure there are people – and I have known some - who when they sense the call of God, got themselves so entrenched in where they were in order that they might not be able to be extricated to fulfill the call they knew God gave. But that’s like trying to flee from light. The only thing you’re going to end up in is darkness. That’s like trading wealth for poverty. That’s like trading wisdom for ignorance, or joy for sorrow, or peace for chaos, or usefulness for uselessness. That’s like trading fruit for leaves, reward for punishment.

John MacArthur The Tragedy of an Unwilling Missionary

[preacherpollard]

Nahum: Comfort (III)

The End (3:1-19) Neal Pollard Nahum: Comfort The End (3:1-19) Neal Pollard Actually, Nahum three continues the judgment against Nineveh, but the whole of the chapter spells the ultimate end of the Assyrian Empire and its dominance. The chapter appears to break down into three major sections, verses 1-7, verses 8-11, and verses 12-19. While all three sections deal with the doom of this…

[marvelshifter111]

Luke 11 - retold version

Jesus Teaches About Prayer

One day, as Jesus was praying, one of his disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus said, “When you pray, say:

‘Father, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.’”

Then he told them a story:

“Suppose you go to a friend at midnight and say, ‘Lend me three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has come on a journey, and I have no food to offer him.’ Your friend might say, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked, my family is in bed, and I can’t get up to give you anything.’

But if you keep knocking, he will eventually get up and give you whatever you need because of your persistence.

So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you, who are imperfect, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Jesus and Beelzebul

Jesus cast out a demon that had made a man mute, and the man began to speak. The crowd was amazed, but some accused Jesus of using Beelzebul, the prince of demons, to drive out demons. Others demanded a sign from heaven to prove his authority.

Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself will fall. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? If I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

When a strong man guards his house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

When an impure spirit leaves a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and then returns to the house it left. If it finds the house clean but empty, it brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and the final condition of that person is worse than before.”

True Blessing

As Jesus spoke, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you!”

Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

The Sign of Jonah

The crowd kept asking for a sign, and Jesus said, “This generation is wicked. It asks for a sign, but none will be given except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.

The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment and condemn this generation because she came from far away to hear Solomon’s wisdom, and now someone greater than Solomon is here. The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching, and now someone greater than Jonah is here.”

The Lamp of the Body

Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and hides it. Instead, they put it on a stand so that those who come in can see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your body is full of darkness.

Make sure the light within you is not darkness. If your whole body is full of light, it will be completely bright, as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Woes on the Pharisees and Experts in the Law

A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner. When Jesus didn’t wash before eating, the Pharisee was surprised.

Jesus said, “You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. Foolish people! Didn’t the one who made the outside also make the inside? Be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

Woe to you Pharisees! You tithe even herbs like mint and rue but neglect justice and love for God. You love the best seats in synagogues and being greeted in public. You are like unmarked graves that people walk over without realizing.”

An expert in the law said, “Teacher, when you say this, you insult us too.”

Jesus replied, “Woe to you as well! You burden people with heavy loads but do nothing to help them. You build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, showing you approve of what they did. God’s wisdom said, ‘I will send prophets and apostles, and some they will kill and persecute.’

This generation will be held accountable for the blood of all the prophets, from Abel to Zechariah. Woe to you experts in the law! You take away the key to knowledge. You don’t enter yourselves, and you hinder those trying to enter.”

When Jesus left, the Pharisees and teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and tried to trap him in his words.

[freebiblestudyhub]

How Many Years Between Jonah and Nahum?

The books of Jonah and Nahum in the Old Testament tell the stories of God's interaction with the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Jonah, the reluctant prophet, delivers a message of repentance to Nineveh, warning the city of its impending destruction, while Nahum, much later, delivers a prophecy of judgment against the same city, proclaiming its eventual fall. The time gap between these two prophecies raises an important question: How many years passed between the ministries of Jonah and Nahum?

Understanding the timeline between Jonah’s prophecy and Nahum’s is key to appreciating the larger story of God's mercy and judgment, especially concerning Nineveh. This article will explore the historical context, the dating of these prophets’ ministries, and the theological implications of the time gap between them.

The Book of Jonah: Historical Context and Ministry

The story of Jonah is well-known. The reluctant prophet is commanded by God to go to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, and deliver a message of repentance. Nineveh was infamous for its wickedness, and God had determined that the city would be destroyed unless it repented.

Historical Setting:

Jonah’s ministry took place during the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel, around 760 BCE (2 Kings 14:25). The Assyrian Empire was powerful but not yet at its peak. During this time, Israel was experiencing a period of political stability and prosperity, but spiritually, Israel had wandered far from God.

Jonah's Prophetic Mission:

Jonah’s message to Nineveh was simple: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned” (Jonah 3:4). Despite his initial reluctance and flight to Tarshish, Jonah eventually obeyed God’s command. His prophecy led to an unprecedented response. The people of Nineveh, from the king to the common folk, repented, and God relented from His judgment, sparing the city (Jonah 3:10).

Repentance and Mercy:

Nineveh’s repentance spared them from immediate destruction. The story of Jonah is a powerful example of God’s mercy and willingness to forgive even the most sinful cities when they genuinely repent. The people of Nineveh were given a second chance, but how long would this last?

The Book of Nahum: Historical Context and Ministry

The book of Nahum presents a stark contrast to Jonah’s story. Where Jonah brought a message of mercy and repentance, Nahum prophesied the ultimate destruction of Nineveh.

Historical Setting:

Nahum’s prophecy was given around 150 years after Jonah. While Jonah’s message was delivered during a time of relative peace, Nahum’s prophecy came at a time when the Assyrian Empire was in decline. Nineveh had once repented and turned to God but had since reverted to its wicked ways. The Assyrian Empire was infamous for its brutality, and by the time of Nahum’s prophecy, Nineveh had returned to its violent and idolatrous ways.

Nahum’s Message:

Nahum’s prophecy was a declaration of God’s judgment. He prophesied the destruction of Nineveh by the Babylonians and Medes, and he vividly described the city’s downfall. Nahum 3:7-8 portrays Nineveh as a city that thought it could escape judgment, but the message was clear: God would not overlook its sin forever.

“Woe to the city of blood,

full of lies, full of plunder,

never without victims!

The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels,

galloping horses, and jolting chariots!” (Nahum 3:1, NIV)

The Fall of Nineveh:

Nahum’s prophecy foretold the fall of Nineveh, which would come in 612 BCE, as the Babylonians and Medes combined forces to destroy the city. The fall of Nineveh marked the end of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of the Babylonian Empire as the dominant power in the ancient Near East.

Determining the Gap Between Jonah and Nahum

To understand how many years passed between Jonah’s and Nahum’s prophecies, we must consider the historical data provided by the Bible and other ancient sources.

Jonah’s Ministry (c. 760 BCE):

Jonah’s ministry occurred during the reign of Jeroboam II, around 760 BCE, when Nineveh was spared due to its repentance. However, after Jonah's prophecy, Nineveh quickly returned to its sinful ways. The Assyrian Empire would go on to conquer Israel (the northern kingdom) in 722 BCE, further solidifying its power and brutality.

Nahum’s Ministry (c. 612 BCE):

Nahum’s ministry occurred about 150 years later, around 612 BCE, during the final days of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians had long since abandoned their repentance, and God’s judgment was now inevitable.

Time Gap:

Therefore, the time gap between Jonah’s prophecy and Nahum’s prophecy is approximately 148 years.

The Significance of the Gap: A Tale of Repentance and Apostasy

The time gap between Jonah and Nahum is significant both theologically and historically. It highlights the consequences of turning away from repentance and the nature of God’s judgment.

Jonah: A Call to Repentance

Jonah’s ministry demonstrates the incredible mercy of God. The people of Nineveh, led by their king, repented when confronted with their sin, and God spared the city. However, the response of Nineveh was not permanent. Over the course of the next 150 years, the city and its leaders reverted to their wicked ways. This lapse into sin set the stage for Nahum’s prophecy of judgment.

Nahum: The Justice of God

Nahum’s prophecy underscores the idea that God’s patience is not limitless. While He is slow to anger and rich in mercy (Exodus 34:6), there comes a point when judgment must be executed. Nahum’s message is a stern warning to all nations that no empire, no matter how powerful, can escape God’s justice forever.

"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..." (Nahum 1:7-8, NIV)

A Warning to Israel and the Nations

The fall of Nineveh also serves as a warning to Israel and other nations. For Israel, the Assyrians were the conquerors who had devastated the northern kingdom, and the message of Nineveh’s fall was a reminder that no nation is beyond the reach of God’s judgment. For the surrounding nations, Nahum’s prophecy pointed to the truth that God does not ignore wickedness, even when nations appear to thrive.

Key Themes from the Time Gap Between Jonah and Nahum

The Patience and Justice of God:

The story of Nineveh’s rise and fall demonstrates both the mercy and the justice of God. While He is patient and willing to forgive, His justice will prevail in the end. This dual aspect of God’s character is important to understanding His dealings with humanity.

The Call to Repentance:

Jonah’s message to Nineveh was one of repentance, and it led to the city’s temporary salvation. However, repentance is not a one-time event; it requires a sustained commitment to turn away from sin. Nahum’s prophecy shows what happens when a society does not continue in repentance and turns back to sin.

The Consequences of Apostasy:

The gap between Jonah and Nahum serves as a warning that spiritual revival can be fleeting. A society or individual that experiences God's mercy must remain faithful, or the consequences of apostasy will follow.

Conclusion

The time between Jonah’s and Nahum’s ministries was approximately 148 years, during which Nineveh went from repentance and salvation to wickedness and judgment. Jonah's prophecy offered hope and mercy, but Nahum's message proclaimed the inevitable judgment of God upon the city. This gap emphasizes the importance of sustained repentance and the reality that God’s justice will eventually be served. The history of Nineveh serves as a reminder to all nations and individuals that while God is patient and merciful, His judgment is certain if repentance is not maintained.

The story of Nineveh challenges us to examine our own response to God’s mercy and to remain faithful to Him, knowing that His patience will not last forever.

[wisdomfish]

Probation in Eden...

We start with the obvious fact that Satan was instrumental in the fall of our race during a time of probation in Eden (Genesis 3:1-24). A fierce adversary is introduced into the biblical narrative from the very beginning, although it is foretold that this adversary ultimately will be defeated by the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15).

According to the subsequent chapters of Genesis, Satan managed to deceive much of the world soon after Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the garden, although an elect line did remain—the line of Seth, as recounted in Genesis 4:26.

The first city was built by Cain in the land of Nod, and named for his first born son, Enoch. The Cain-Enoch genealogy in Genesis 4:17 ff. implies that the city became a center of unbelief and opposition to the purposes of God. Then we read of the Nephilim (Genesis 6), followed by YHWH’s judgment upon “the world that was” in the form of the flood (Genesis 6:9-9:29).

No sooner did Noah and his family leave the safety of the ark, we read of the rise of two more cities hostile to God’s purposes and his people, Nineveh (Genesis 10:11-12) and Babel (Genesis 11). The early course of redemptive history is characterized as a period of increasing human wickedness, manifest in city-states hostile to God due to the spiritual darkness of satanic deception (Genesis 6:5).

As the course of redemptive history continues to unfold throughout the balance of the Old Testament, we read of repeated instances of various nations and empires arising and persecuting the people of God. The list is long, but includes the Egyptians and its pharaoh, followed by the various Canaanite tribes, most notably the Moabites, then the Assyrians and the fall of the northern kingdom (Israel), before Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and destroys the city of Jerusalem and its temple.

Although Jerusalem and the temple were rebuilt in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, the people of God now find themselves as tenants in their own land, living under the rule of a series of pagan Gentile empires. These are nations who fell under Satan’s sway, did his business, and marshaled their resources against the people of God. This extensive evidence from the biblical narrative points in the direction that Satan’s influence upon the nations during their opposition to God’s purposes is very likely in the background of John’s vision when he refers to nations being freed from satanic manipulation.

~ Kim Riddlebarger

[yhwhrulz]

Worthy Brief - November 7, 2024

Be God's messenger!

Jonah 3:5-9 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.9Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?

Jonah preached his 8-word sermon and the Ninevites were struck with the fear of the Lord and moved to complete repentance.

The king stood up (a sign of his serious intent), removed his royal robes (a sign of humility), covered himself with sackcloth (a sign of mourning), and sat in the dust (a sign of repentance). Then, according to the King's edict, every soul in Nineveh responded with desperate fasting. It's hard to imagine that level of conviction coming upon an entire metropolis of over 120,000 people. But what followed was the greatest revival in history. Everyone in the city got saved! This seems so impossible at every level. The whole story of Jonah is utterly fantastic from beginning to end…almost like a fairytale.

But we know it isn't a fairytale. The Lord Himself clearly refers to Jonah's ministry as a historical fact; [Luke 11:29-30].

Through it, God is inspiring us for the days we live in. Look around, isn't the whole world going the way of ancient Nineveh? Isn't the wickedness and moral erosion around us just as horrifying as the evil deeds of the Assyrians? Can God’s judgment be far away?

And what were the chances of Nineveh's revival taking place? If Jonah, who knew God's mercy and grace as a prophet, was against it, who would give the Ninevites a ghost of a chance for salvation? Many of us undoubtedly feel the same way about most of our modern cities. We've stopped believing that God can reach the unreachable or do the impossible. Instead, we say, "It's Nineveh. It's hopeless?" What can we honestly expect in these "Days of Noah and Lot"?

The prophet Daniel, I believe, has an answer for us in these End Times: "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever; [Daniel 12:3]. It took Jonah a while to get there, but he finally did shine the righteousness of God into a wicked city; and he led many to righteousness.

Pete, our God still has some plans with "fairytale" dimensions. If we can get over our cynicism, apathy, judgmental attitude, and unbelief, there are still a few Nineveh's in our future, I believe. I have no illusions about the strength of those negative qualities in us, or the desperate evil in our modern cities. But there are some whose identification with the Lord in His death, just like Jonah, who will lead many to righteousness, just as he did.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Melbourne, Florida)

Editor's Note: Latest YouTube video published: Worthy Brief - November 7, 2024

Pete, be God's messenger!

Jonah 3:5-9 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.9Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?

Jonah preached his 8-word sermon and the Ninevites were struck with the fear of the Lord and moved to complete repentance.

The king stood up (a sign of his serious intent), removed his royal robes (a sign of humility), covered himself with sackcloth (a sign of mourning), and sat in the dust (a sign of repentance). Then, according to the King's edict, every soul in Nineveh responded with desperate fasting. It's hard to imagine that level of conviction coming upon an entire metropolis of over 120,000 people. But what followed was the greatest revival in history. Everyone in the city got saved! This seems so impossible at every level. The whole story of Jonah is utterly fantastic from beginning to end…almost like a fairytale.

But we know it isn't a fairytale. The Lord Himself clearly refers to Jonah's ministry as a historical fact; [Luke 11:29-30].

Through it, God is inspiring us for the days we live in. Look around, isn't the whole world going the way of ancient Nineveh? Isn't the wickedness and moral erosion around us just as horrifying as the evil deeds of the Assyrians? Can God’s judgment be far away?

And what were the chances of Nineveh's revival taking place? If Jonah, who knew God's mercy and grace as a prophet, was against it, who would give the Ninevites a ghost of a chance for salvation? Many of us undoubtedly feel the same way about most of our modern cities. We've stopped believing that God can reach the unreachable or do the impossible. Instead, we say, "It's Nineveh. It's hopeless?" What can we honestly expect in these "Days of Noah and Lot"?

The prophet Daniel, I believe, has an answer for us in these End Times: "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever; [Daniel 12:3]. It took Jonah a while to get there, but he finally did shine the righteousness of God into a wicked city; and he led many to righteousness.

Pete, our God still has some plans with "fairytale" dimensions. If we can get over our cynicism, apathy, judgmental attitude, and unbelief, there are still a few Nineveh's in our future, I believe. I have no illusions about the strength of those negative qualities in us, or the desperate evil in our modern cities. But there are some whose identification with the Lord in His death, just like Jonah, who will lead many to righteousness, just as he did.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Melbourne, Florida)

Editor's Note: Latest YouTube video published: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QThFC-2LJJ0

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. https://t.me/worthywatch/ Be sure to check it out!

Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!

Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.

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Comfort...

The book of Nahum comes some one hundred years after the prophecy of Jonah. During this time, Nineveh had repented of its repentance, and had begun to do the same things again that called forth the threat of judgment through the prophet Jonah. The prophet Nahum was sent to minister to the southern kingdom of Judah at the time of the invasion of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. King Sennacherib who came from the capital city of Syria, Nineveh, invaded Israel at the time of the prophet Isaiah, and it was from this great city in the north that the armies of the Syrians frequently came against the land of Judah and of Israel. But God moved to protect his people and met and destroyed these enemies of the king overnight. Nahum means "consolation," or "comfort," and as the Assyrian army was spread out around the city of Jerusalem, the prophet was given a message of consolation. You can imagine how consoling it was when the armies were right there with their terrible reputation as ruthless warriors, burning and destroying, raping and pillaging, killing the children and sparing no one, to have this prophet stand up in Jerusalem and declare to them that God would destroy Nineveh, the capital city of their enemies. ~ Ray Stedman

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THE BIBLE BOOK OF GOD

Zephaniah 2

Judgment on Judah's Enemies

2 Gather together, yes, gather,     O shameless nation, 2 before the decree takes effect     —before the day passes away like chaff— before there comes upon you     the burning anger of the Lord, before there comes upon you     the day of the anger of the Lord. 3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,     who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility;     perhaps you may be hidden     on the day of the anger of the Lord. 4 For Gaza shall be deserted,     and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod's people shall be driven out at noon,     and Ekron shall be uprooted.

5 Woe to you inhabitants of the seacoast,     you nation of the Cherethites! The word of the Lord is against you,     O Canaan, land of the Philistines;     and I will destroy you until no inhabitant is left. 6 And you, O seacoast, shall be pastures,     with meadows for shepherds     and folds for flocks. 7 The seacoast shall become the possession     of the remnant of the house of Judah,     on which they shall graze, and in the houses of Ashkelon     they shall lie down at evening. For the Lord their God will be mindful of them     and restore their fortunes.

8 “I have heard the taunts of Moab     and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted my people     and made boasts against their territory. 9 Therefore, as I live,” declares the Lord of hosts,     the God of Israel, “Moab shall become like Sodom,     and the Ammonites like Gomorrah, a land possessed by nettles and salt pits,     and a waste forever. The remnant of my people shall plunder them,     and the survivors of my nation shall possess them.” 10 This shall be their lot in return for their pride,     because they taunted and boasted     against the people of the Lord of hosts. 11 The Lord will be awesome against them;     for he will famish all the gods of the earth, and to him shall bow down,     each in its place,     all the lands of the nations.

12 You also, O Cushites,     shall be slain by my sword.

13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north     and destroy Assyria, and he will make Nineveh a desolation,     a dry waste like the desert. 14 Herds shall lie down in her midst,     all kinds of beasts; even the owl and the hedgehog     shall lodge in her capitals; a voice shall hoot in the window;     devastation will be on the threshold;     for her cedar work will be laid bare. 15 This is the exultant city     that lived securely, that said in her heart,     “I am, and there is no one else.” What a desolation she has become,     a lair for wild beasts! Everyone who passes by her     hisses and shakes his fist.

Zephaniah 2

Diane Beauford