Nahum and the Modern Church

A theologian I know lamented that “the church is functionally Marcionite…it treats the bulk of the Old Testament as non-canonical.” 

In other words, there is a prevailing attitude in the modern church
that Jesus is the enduring “good God” of the New Testament.

Oh, at one time there was a wrathful angry God of the Old Testament. But He doesn’t hold sway anymore because we’re in a New Testament era with the triumph of love in His Son Jesus.  To those who slice and dice Scripture, the God of “Genesis through Malachi” has been sent out to pasture at the Old God Home to be isolated with His “hate” and medicated for His Old Testament outbursts and to keep Him from hurting anyone in a new age of love and forgiveness.

(Uh…Not even close).

I agree with this professor, seeing what passes for church teaching and finding only trouble ahead for such a church’s future that ignores the Old Testament and its importance. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

We’d be wise to heed that knowledge. God does not change (“I the LORD do not change.” Malachi 3:6) and Jesus is God who existed with God before all time. Scripture says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).

Therefore, we’re going to look at Nahum. (Say what?) Nahum, a minor prophet…about 6 books before the end of the Old Testament and the silent interlude before the New Testament heralds the birth of Christ Jesus.

Why Nahum?  You’ll see.  There is a frightening similarity between Nahum’s days and our own.  Judgment is on its way and friends don’t let friends believe that nice New Testament Jesus won’t do it.  (See Revelation 19:11-21)

“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:2-3)

Questions for deeper study:

What approach do we take to evil in our culture?  Read Romans 12:17-19 for ideas.  “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19).

Sin is not preached with the same fire of conviction as it once was.  Why is that?

What about God’s jealousy for His holiness and righteous living might be offensive to the unbelieving world, particularly those who diminish sin?  Is it an act of love to preach the truth no matter how offensive it might be?

Should it be offensive to Christ-followers to proclaim God’s holiness and wrath against sin?

Will the guilty be punished? How certain is that?

Are love and wrath mutually exclusive?  In other words, would God be righteous and holy if He gave (for example) child abusers and murderers a smile and a pat on the back and say, “It doesn’t matter.  I love you!”? 

How does Jesus’ payment for sin make it possible for guilty sinners to be recipients of grace?  Do all sinners receive His forgiveness or only those who repent and believe? How should holy fear of God’s wrath against the unrepentant guilty motivate us to preach sin and forgiveness in Christ?