THE FALL OF THE DOLLAR AND THE RISE OF EUROPE!

LATEST: European Union foreign ministers agreed on Tuesday that Jerusalem should be the capital of both Israel and a future Palestinian state, as part of a negotiated settlement, E.U. diplomats said. - 8th December 2009!

There had not been so much coordinated attacks on the US dollar as in recent times. Russia, China, Middle Eastern countries and even United Nation itself have recently voiced out on the dominance of the Greenback. Some countries are hard pressed to find ways to steer away from its dominance as their international reserves are in Dollar, afraid that one day it may just collapse. On the other hand, nations like Iran, Venezuela and some Muslim majority states want to see the demise of the Dollar because they didn’t like the United States and want to see its power diminished. Today, USA is still the only superpower nation of the world and through the eyes of the world, it is not being highly esteemed. In fact, if not because of the Church with its righteous people and the strong leadership today, the United States will immediate implode. Immorality, out of control of guns and narcotics, dysfunctional families and not to say the thriving population of gays and lesbians have all been the contribution factors for the eventual fall of its hegemony of the world.

That fall will occur for another to rise as predicted by the Bible. The “feet and toes” of the vision of Daniel speaks about the last world empire before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (Daniel 2). It will be the ‘last leg’ of the earth’s kingdom before the fulfilment of the prophecy, “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:15). The fourth kingdom depicted in the Daniel’s statue prophecy represented by the Roman Empire which set up a powerful dominant force all across the known civilization. And when Prophet Daniel interpreted the toes, he aligned it with the feet signifying a revived Roman Empire, a dream today similar to a single Europe confederation.

Although Rome had lost all its glory but there remained a desire to colonise and dominate in the form of a united Europe. Recently, every nation in the European Union states had signed up for the establishment of the European Constitution, a treaty for Europe to take another giant step into becoming a single entity. The progressive revelation of God to Daniel revealed the fourth beast in another vision (Dan. 7), speaks more vividly of the last kingdom, a coordinated nations, partly of iron and partly of clay that was prophesied earlier. Ten toes or ten horns in Daniel chapter 7, don’t necessarily speak of numerically 10 nations but a complete number of countries coming together. Some countries will obviously be weaker than others and there will be infighting amongst the nations. The revived single Europe will rise to take control over the world’s economy as the Dollar falls. As expected, the nation which takes over the economy today takes control of the world.

"While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully” (Dan. 7:8).
As predicted, a man will rise up from the Revived Roman Empire, the rise of the Anti Christ and Paul called him, “The Lawless One”.

"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness" (2 Thess. 2:8-11).

Paul knew about the power of the words spoken by the Anti Christ as also John, who wrote in the Book of Revelation, a conqueror, riding on the white horse with bow without arrows. The conquest will be accomplished by him with eloquent words and will deceive multitudes. Eventually, he will brutally wage war against the weaker nations, trying to take control. The Anti Christ will try to win over many hearts by solving the most contentious crisis ever on the face of the earth, the Israel and Palestinian issue. The ultimate fight is not so much about the Palestinians or Israelies but about Jerusalem. If anyone wants to know the greatest sign of the Second Coming of Jesus, it will be Jerusalem!

However, when Jesus Christ comes, the Lawless One shall be overthrown and God’s truths will reign, like the water covers the seas. The lies of the Anti Christ shall crumble like dominoes when the Word of God comes! The kingdom of Christ will take over the earth and righteousness will once again thrive!

We are on the verge of seeing the coming last kingdom prophesied by Daniel as a united Europe will flap its powerful wings, flying high in the world, only to be brought down by the next kingdom, the Kingdom of God and of Christ!

What can Christians do before the time of the end?

1. Christians must live a simple life.

2. Christians must stand firm for what they believe in.

3. Christians must share the Gospel so that more souls can be spared from the Great Tribulation or the Abomination of the Desolation decreed by God in His Word.

PROPHET DANIEL

Angel Gabriel descended gracefully towards Prophet Daniel as he knelt with his hands lifted towards Jerusalem. The prophet’s face was still moist with tears of repentance. “As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed,” the heavenly visitor spoke.

It was a moment of intense grieving for many Israelites who were exiled by the Babylonians. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. By the river of Babylon they would sit and cry. Yet even amongst the exile, many still rebelled against God’s Word to submit to chastisement. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel were voices of God that often went unheeded. But Daniel understood Jeremiah’s 70-year exile message and he knew that God alone would have the final say. Instead of rising to complain, Daniel went down on his knees. God often revealed his plans to those who sought him earnestly and Daniel knew the secret to God’s secrets: prayer.

From day one when he became the first group to be taken to Babylon, Daniel kept his faith in Yahweh intact. The idolatrous and gluttonous cultures of the day were perpetually shunned by him and some of his Israelite friends. And as he continued to surrender to God, Daniel rose to great prominence in the palace of the king. Magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers all were not in his league when God empowered Daniel. Even King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon turned to Daniel for counsel! What a transformation, from an exile to being an advisor of the palace!

Prophet Daniel's adventurous life continued to rumble the Babylonians. Yet, he never kept any glory for himself but always lifted up the name of Yahweh! Daniel’s dream was to let the nations know that his God was in control and always would be. Nothing could stop Daniel from realising his dream, no furnace of fire, and no lions!

The solid character of Daniel made him the perfect choice to more of God’s visions and the revealing of the future. Never in a time had God revealed so much to a single prophet with such clear predictions of future happenings in the world. Daniel was privileged to view future kingdoms of Persia and Medes, Greece, Romans and also the last coordinated world kingdoms. In fact, the prophet even saw the eternal kingdom of God triumphed over the kingdoms of the world! He saw God's Messiah set forth his everlasting kingdom!

Daniel proclaimed victoriously, "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed”.

Overwhelmed with such intensity of those prophecies, Daniel was understandably perplexed. Although God would ultimately triumph, it would not be without bloodshed and destruction of many people. An abomination of desolation, a great tribulation had been pronounced in Jerusalem before the finest hour of the Messiah! However, on that day, deliverance would come to all righteous believers!

God declared, "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered.”

Daniel could not understand everything that he prophesied because it concerned the end of time. But God left words for all who were willing to listen and obey, “Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”

Finally, God gave a final assurance for all righteous people, especially for his beloved prophet, "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

What would Prophet Daniel say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. Prayer works! God answers prayers!
2. No matter how difficult or dangerous circumstances may be, keep your faith in God and you will be rewarded.
3. Our God controls the nations today, tomorrow and the end of time!
4. The righteous can rest secure even when the world falls into absolute turmoil.
5. The eternal inheritance in heaven is waiting for all who serve God and giving Him glory on the earth.

Next: Prophet Obadiah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html

PROPHET EZEKIEL

“The city has fallen! The city has fallen!” a cry rang out eerily from a desperate and broken man. The messenger who had seen the carnage and massacre in Jerusalem garnered whatever strength that was left in him to proclaim to his hearers, the first remnants of Israelites taken by the Babylonians.

The news had become the darkest hour in Israel’s history. The walls of Jerusalem crumbled beyond recognition. What was more horrifying to the chosen nation was the destruction of the temple of God, built by the mighty King Solomon. Many of those heard went away in disbelief but not Prophet Ezekiel, who was amongst those taken away from a losing war with the Babylonians. In fact God had shown him this day before it even happened.

Prophet Ezekiel was called to be a prophet in a world filled with international upheavals. The rise of the Babylonians had caused many countries in the region to tremble especially powers like Egypt, Syria and Judah. Many of these countries fell like dominoes when ruthless Babylon wielded their swords against them. When Israel was finally subdued, only some righteous ones knew that it was Yahweh who made it happen. Not because the Babylonians were invincible but the blatant sins of Judah had caused its own downfall.

Before the shock devastation, God had transported his prophet Ezekiel to witness many treacherous scheming and wicked deeds being performed by so called chosen ones without an ounce of remorse. Such audacity of wantonness was unthinkable to the mind of any righteous man or woman, let alone a prophet priest like Ezekiel. God always showed his close ones the secret why he did what he had to do! And Ezekiel understood perfectly! The prophet even witnessed the departing of the glory of God from the temple, signifying the end of God’s presence with the rebellious people!

When God’s glory departed, his judgment fire would follow. Yet, when they heard of the consuming fire of God being prophesied, they laughed it away as ridiculous! Ezekiel complained, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! They are saying of me, 'Isn't he just telling parables?'" The prophet knew of their heart of stone when Yahweh spoke, “Son of man, this is what the Sovereign LORD says to the land of Israel: The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.”

The despair could be seen in Ezekiel’s face! If God did not stop the fire, it could destroy his people completely. The most heart breaking moment came when God uttered these words to his prophet, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found NONE.” Not even one! The judgement of God was obviously justified.

Yet with all the doom and gloom Ezekiel saw and heard, God sprinkled hope upon the weary prophet like a refreshing shower! The soothing Word came forth from the throne room of God’s amazing grace, "'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.” Surely Ezekiel would have heard of the remnant theology but coming out personally from above was exhilarating. More than that, God made sure Ezekiel got a rock solid assurance when he showed the prophet a vision of the dry bones being brought back to life, piece by piece and ultimately through the breath of God! God as usual, remembered the promised made to Abraham although his people forgot.

“I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms,” the all compassionate Yahweh declared! One nation, one King, one God! On that day, when God restored Jerusalem under his awesome power, no nation could stand against it!

As a prophet from a priestly line, Ezekiel would invariably be burdened with worship and secretly yearning for a temple. Then he got more than he asked for. Instead of showing him the vision of the rebuilding of the temple after the 70-year exile, God bypassed it and showed him the millennium temple where the Messiah, the son of David, began his rule! (See my opinion on another blog post - Will the third Jewish temple be built?)

What would Prophet Ezekiel say to us if he were still alive today?

1. God’s judgment will never be unjust for God is a just God!
2. Submission to God leads us to a great future with God.
3. Do not let the world’s wickedness alarm you and keep you away from God for He is still in control!
4. Stand in the gap for unsaved men and women today and keep them from the fire of judgment that is to come.
5. Nothing is impossible for God! What is seemingly dead can be revived if God so desires!

Next: Prophet Daniel
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-daniel.html

PROPHET HABAKKUK

"Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay,” the soothing voice replied to prophet Habakkuk’s complaints.

God caught the distress signal of his beloved prophet. Yahweh knew exactly how a righteous man would feel after the destruction of Israel, the southern kingdom and the impending doom of the north. Prophet Habakkuk’s heart received a double blow, a complete rebellion from his countrymen and the invading force of idolatrous Babylonians! Like every psalmist would, he vented his frustrations at the God of the Universe, the one who held the earth as his footstool. A vertical release was less dangerous than horizontal ones. To God, anger was part and parcel of the human psych. He was more than able to take the blows of righteous anger and exchange them with comfort of his words.

Habakkuk knelt down as he received God’s words and cried. “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy,” the prophet prayed with an air of confidence. He knew that God had to do what he had to do. God Almighty could stop the advancement of the Babylonians instantly and let Judah escape. That would be counter- productive and improper.

Yes, the gloom and doom were inevitable but Yahweh had a solid future plan! A righteous man or woman needed to wait upon God. A thought came to Habakkuk’s mind, from the words of prophet Isaiah, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Perhaps his contemporary peer, prophet Jeremiah did help with a God-given 70-year time frame of exile. Prophet Habakkuk believed that in the end of everything, the earth would be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters covered the sea. The righteous must live by faith that God would make things right in his own righteous ways!

God gave Habakkuk a clear picture how he would deal a death blow to the Babylonians. After many God-given victories in their conquests, the Babylonians thought that they were superior people and their gods rule supreme. “The cup from the LORD’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory,” the voice of God thundered against Babylon! Habakkuk had to make it plain and simple on tablets, in order for God’s messengers to unmistakably deliver the good news to all!

Then Habakkuk straightened up and burst out singing, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

What would Prophet Habakkuk say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. Anger is a normal emotion but don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.
2. Let our anger and frustrations be made known to God and let His Word comfort you.
3. Do not be happy or gloat over someone who is facing consequences for his/her actions
4. Let us clearly understand the message of the gospel as we seek urgently to transform lives with it.
5. Let us run the race with faith and not by sight.

Next: Prophet Ezekiel
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-ezekiel.html

PROPHET JEREMIAH

“For twenty-three years--from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day--the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention,” Prophet Jeremiah declared angrily. The disheartened man of God was the last call of Yahweh to the stiff-necked people of Judah. The cup of God’s wrath against Judah was almost tilted to pouring.

Jeremiah was called to be a voice of God in an unprecedented time of rebellion. It was even dangerous to live a righteous life, what’s more, to be a prophet. Time was so bad that Jeremiah himself was so overwhelmed by it that he fell into a short depression. His heartfelt prayer for his beloved nation often bounced back from the brazen heavenly roof. God told him not to pray for this people anymore, and said even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before him, his heart would not go out to them. Jeremiah felt as if a knife had plunged right into his heart. But the Lord restored his prophet gently, asking Jeremiah to repent from deep anger and a sense of hopelessness.

When Jeremiah started out, God told him how he had given a certificate of divorce to Israel, the northern nation. It was supposedly to be an object lesson to Judah but alas, it was taken without even a tinge of fear. “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah,” God spoke to the prophet, signifying a more drastic judgment soon to be unleashed. Then, the merciful God declared through Jeremiah what seemed to be the last call for reason, "Return, faithless Israel. I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful. I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt-- you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favours to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me.”

King Josiah’s reform during the ministries of Jeremiah and Zephaniah did prompt some changes but it was too little too late. Kings after Josiah, officials, priests, prophets and people were all responsible for the impending wrath. The remnant concept was conceived prior to the destruction of Israel, but under Jeremiah’s ministry, it was prominent and clear. The prophet saw in a vision from God two baskets of figs, one very good and the other rotten. The bad figs represented deadly and fearful wrath of God to be poured out on Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, its officials and all those who sinned against him. There would be no escape! Then God told Jeremiah about the good figs, “The exiles from Judah whom I sent away from this place to the land of Babylonians, my eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land.” In fact, it even had a time frame for their punishment, a whopping 70-year exile. It was the turning point for Jeremiah, widely known as the weeping prophet, to continue to trust God. With confidence, Jeremiah even bought a field in preparation for the return of the exiles.

His prophecies of doom did not augur well with kings and often followed with anxiety of death and imprisonment. Their perception was contrary to a 'weak stance' taken by Jeremiah that the invincible Yahweh could let Judah be taken into exile by a foreign nation. The great irony was that the kings of Judah did harm to prophet Jeremiah while the Babylonians showed mercy to him. Finally, the time came for the end of a great era of the Davidic kingdom, for the time being. Not only doom politically, when the temple was burned to the ground and all the articles taken, it was also a religious calamity.

But God preserved Jeremiah and shielded him from being taken from Jerusalem in the aftermath of the Babylonian defeat of Judah. From there, he sent a letter and encouraged the remnant.

“This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

The remnant theology was not only settled with the return of the exiles from Babylon, it would stretch out even to the final days where a righteous Branch, sprout from David’s line would come. “In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness,” Jeremiah proclaimed God’s Word like a fire trapped inside him! As promised, God would restore the kingdom of David to its greatest heights one day!

What would Prophet Jeremiah say to us if he were still alive today?

1. We do not know everything about what God is doing but we can trust Him in everything.
2. If God takes away every consequence of sins, we will forever live in darkness.
3. God is not mocked. We will reap what we sow.
4. The truths of God must be proclaimed even though the whole world may go against them.
5. God always plans the best for us, even sometimes we may not like it. It helps us mature!

Next: Prophet Habakkuk
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-habakkuk.html

PROPHET ZEPHANIAH

When Prophet Zephaniah saw those words flashing through his mind, he stood up from his kneeling position, put his whole trust in the Lord. Judah had been a pain to him ever since King Manasseh took over from King Hezekiah. The southern nation had plunged headlong into religious chaos! God’s chosen ones had once again bowed to Baals and made Asherah poles for worship. Manasseh even sacrificed his sons to the fire, practising sorcery, divination and witchcrafts, and worshipped all the starry hosts! When he was captured by the Assyrians and then repented, God in his amazing grace, bestowed mercy on him. Although the ruler restored some semblance of Yahweh worship but sins had already snowballed. No thanks to his son, King Amon, the nation continued to slide downhill.

“Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm,” Zephaniah spoke passionately. God had begun turning his prophets beyond present Israel and Judah and had them focussed on the final days. The King of Israel would be the Messiah, prophesied to rule supreme. Jerusalem would fear no more! What a comfort indeed to those righteous ones who had not soiled their garments to idolatry and immorality.

The prophets of late knew that God’s wrath would eventually come upon this darkened nation, a nation that supposed to shine. Yet deep in the heart of prophet Zephaniah, he hoped and prayed for mercy of God for his beloved Judah. “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger,” he cried. Perhaps, he saw something in young King Josiah, the son of wicked King Amon who might yet turn things around.

To Zephaniah, all other ungodly nations might not understand the covenant of Yahweh but not Judah! In fact, God ordered him to prophesy against the surrounding nations, especially Assyria whom cruelty was well-known. His contemporary, prophet Nahum had already prophesied Nineveh’s doom. The nations might have heard of the voices of the prophets but they couldn’t care less. But Judah had no excuse for ignorance! They had a covenant with God. Could Jerusalem escape God’s coming wrath? The destruction that had crushed the northern kingdom previously made prophet Zephaniah feared the worst!

“That Day” was the favourite theme of Zephaniah’s prophetic ministry. “The great day of the Lord is near – near and coming quickly,” the prophet proclaimed. “Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end to all who live in the earth,” he added without mincing his words. Zephaniah’s God would have a final say on the earth! The prophet looked on with hope for the future of Jerusalem. “At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honour and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD.

God would eventually restore Jerusalem! If not today, then it would be “that day”.

What will Prophet Zephaniah say to us if he were still alive today?
1. The righteous will triumph in the midst of chaos!
2. God gives grace to the humble but humbles the proud.
3. The nations can twist and turn but God will have the final say.
4. Let the wicked repent before the wrath of God pours!
5. The future of the righteous is not only secure but they will have a place in the future plan of God!
Next: Prophet Jeremiah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-jeremiah.html

PROPHET NAHUM

“It’s about time!” Prophet Nahum uttered softly. He was waiting and praying like most inhabitants who were affected directly and indirectly by the extremely brutal Assyrians. Extreme terrorism with nothing short of demonic cruelty was Nineveh’s policy and practices toward any foreigner. Their war strategies would have lions of men shrivelled into scampering mice.

“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished,” the man of God cried confidently! Nahum reminisced of the salvation of Nineveh more than a hundred years ago through the prophet Jonah. “How could they forget the mercy of God?” Nahum was upset over the short-memory syndrome of mankind. Obviously the strength and prowess of their military might erased all the humility that once portrayed in their history.

Nahum knew of the mighty fortress of Nineveh’s city walls, surrounded by moat to deter any invading armies. In fact, the Assyrians could have invincibility in their thoughts with so many victories and subjects all across the region, including the destruction of God’s people in the northern kingdom. They might even laugh in scorn of Nahum’s prophecies of troubles brewing in their shore. If only they understood previous prophecies that the nation was just instrument in Yahweh’s mighty hand, they might have a slight chance of redemption. But to God and Nahum, it would be all over!

“With an overwhelming flood, Yahweh will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness,” the prophet spoke sternly. “‘I am against you’, declares the Lord Almighty,” he continued, echoing the words of Yahweh. The atrocities that Nineveh committed were not just normal earthly warfare but their stench went right up to the living God! His right hand was raised and this time, he would not send another Jonah. Scores must be settled. Wrongs righted. No moats could stop God from penetrating; no walls could deter God from destroying. Justice would be served, through flood and fire!

Nahum and all the inhabitants breathed a huge relief. “Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has nor felt your endless cruelty?” the man of God gave his final words to Nineveh.

Judah, the only kingdom left to light up Yahweh’s name got some breathing space after Nineveh’s demise. “Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfils your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed,” Nahum, his name meant ‘comfort’ encouraged his fellow southerners. The destruction of Assyria was not just a prophecy of relief for them but also a warning of turning against the living God and his covenant.

What would Prophet Nahum say to us if he were still alive today?

1. Don’t treat God’s patience and grace for granted.

2. Build your house upon the Rock (God) because all other grounds are sinking sand.

3. Watch out for signs of pride. Pride comes before a fall!

4. Trust in God even when you see so much of terrorism and wickedness in this world today.

5. Be an encourager today to someone who needs comfort.

Next: Prophet Zephaniah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-zephaniah.html