August 3 - When God is Unmoved

 Read today’s texts first: Nahum 1-3; John 5

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

When we move away from God?
Good luck with that! 

Yesterday we saw how easily God’s heart is moved when we move toward Him. But what happens when we move away from Him? The city of Nineveh and the religious rulers in our readings today provide clear examples.

About 100 years before Nahum’s prophecy, Jonah had a whale of a visit in Nineveh. When he was vomited up on their shores, seaweed in his hair, his skin bleached from stomach acids, the entire city repented. Evangelists today should try that look instead of $1000 suits - it may be more effective. But things changed a century later as once again the citizens of Nineveh set their hearts arrogantly against God.

This is what Nahum said to them: The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of [Nineveh]; he will pursue his foes into darkness (1:7,8). In 612 BC, Nineveh was so devastated by the Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians that it was completely leveled and covered by desert sands. Archaeologists doubted it even existed until A. H. Layard began excavations in 1845. Once again, Bible history and prophecy was confirmed!

Fast forward to the story of Jesus healing the lame man in Bethesda. It is a moment of incredible compassion and power, and you would think everyone would be ecstatic. Not so much, especially the religious leaders. Jesus healed the man, and the man picked up the bed he had lain on for 38 years, on the Sabbath, of all days. Gasp, how terrible! (Jesus performed a lot of healings on the Sabbath - makes you think!).

As they tried to stir up the crowd against Jesus, he said this: You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts (5:39-42). When you refuse to come to Jesus, watch out! Death awaits.

“Lord, where else can I go? Who else has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). I set the course of my life to draw closer to You each day!”