Nothing Received from the Lord James 1:7

James, the servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, told his readers who “lack wisdom” to “ask of God” who would give to them “liberally” so they would know how to “count it all joy” in their “temptations”. They were to “ask in faith, nothing wavering” because otherwise they shall be as “a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed”. In chapter one verse seven of his letter, James declared that people who “ask” God in an unbelieving and “wavering” manner will not “receive any thing of the Lord”. We read:

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

The verse begins, “For let not that man think...” James began with the word “for” which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore, verily and yet” “let not that man” or “do not allow that a human being whether male or female” “think” which means “to suppose or imagine”. James didn't want any unbelieving or “wavering” person to “suppose, wonder or imagine” concerning that which he is about to declare.

The verse goes on to say, “...that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” James continued, “that he shall receive” or “take with the hand, lay hold of, carry away, claim or procure for one's self” “anything” which means “any certain something or object” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God who is the Messiah”. The person who “wavers” in their “asking wisdom” of the Lord should not expect to “procure or claim” anything from Him.

When we consider these words of James, we should find ourselves warned against “unbelief” and “wavering” when we ask God for “wisdom”. Doubting God puts us in direct opposition to the answer, and should we vacillate between hope and fear, we shall “receive” nothing from the Lord. God Almighty sent His Son Jesus into the world to save sinners from their sin, and when we receive Him as Savior and Lord, we have access to to His gift of “wisdom”. If we are “doubting” Him, let us ask Him to help us to be solid and stable in our requests - “Lord, help my unbelief”.

Next time James tells his readers about a “double minded” man, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Unwavering Faith James 1:6

“James, the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” knew his readers required the “wisdom of God” to “let patience have her perfect work” in trials and temptations. He encouraged them to “ask God” for “wisdom” because he promised to “give to all men liberally and upbraids not” when they ask. In chapter one and verse six of his letter, James told his reader to “ask” for “wisdom” with “unwavering faith” where we read:

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed

The verse begins, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” James added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “let him” or “the person who asks” “ask” which means “begs, call for, craves, desires and requires” “in faith” or “conviction of the truth and belief with the predominate idea of trust”, “nothing” which means “not at all or in any whit” “wavering” or “being at variance with one's self, hesitating and doubt”. When people “ask” “wisdom” of God, they should do so in full belief and trust without any smidgen of doubt or unbelief.

The verse goes on to say, “For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” James continued with the words “For he” which refers to “the person who asks” “that wavers” or “is at variance with themselves, hesitating and doubt” “is like” which means “resembles, matches and copies” “a wave” or “a dashing, surging and violent agitation of the sea” “of the sea” which refers to “used of the sea in general and specifically of the Mediterranean or Red Sea” “driven with the wind” which means “agitated, motivated and impelled by the wind” “and tossed” or “to raise or put air in motion, tossing it to and fro between hope and fear”. When people doubt and hesitate while asking wisdom of God, they make themselves like the wishy-washy waves of the oceans or seas.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we see his directive for asking “wisdom” of God. We should never “doubt” and be in unbelief of the God of the universe who promised to “give wisdom” to those who ask Him. When we align ourselves with His plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ His Son, we become the “children of God”, and He loves to dote upon His kids. Lest we dash back and forth between hope and fear, let us hear the clarion call of God to ask for His “wisdom”, and when we do, let us believe in His character that will readily supply.

Next time James tells his readers what the person with “wavering faith” can expect, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Lacking Wisdom? Ask God James 1:5

James the apostle told the “scattered” members of the “twelve tribes” to “count it all joy” when they fell into “divers temptations” because the “trying of” their faith “works patience”. They were to allow “patience to have” it's “perfect work” so they could be “complete” and “lacking nothing”. In chapter one and verse five of his letter, James shared what they were to do if they“lack wisdom” where we read:

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,

that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.

The verse begins, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,...” James began with the words, “If any of you” which refers to “the scattered abroad from the twelve tribes” “lack” or “leave behind, forsake, lag in, be destitute of” “wisdom” which means “broad and full intelligence and knowledge in very diverse matters”, “let him ask” or “beg, call for, crave, desire and require” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. James gave the presumptive condition that there would be those among his readers who “lack wisdom” especially when they were challenged by the idea of “counting it all joy” when they face trials.

The verse goes on to say, “...that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.” James continued, “that gives” or “grants, supplies and furnishes” “to all men” which means “to each, every, any, the whole and everyone” “liberally” or “openly, frankly and sincerely”, “and upbraids not” which means “does not reproach, revile or cast in one's teeth”; “and it shall be given” or“him” which means “his or her own self”. The Lord “openly furnishes wisdom” to all who “ask” Him for it, and He does not “reproach or revile” them for asking.

When we consider these words of James, we understand there are times where we do not have the “wisdom” to handle situations and circumstances. God, who has all knowledge and wisdom, desires that we come to Him, and He is eager and willing to share “wisdom” with us. The greatest “wisdom” He affords to those who ask Him is salvation through Jesus Christ His Son. We make our most “wise” decision when we choose to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Once we do that, the Lord is ready to provide the “wisdom” it takes to make difficult decisions, endure life, face challenges and obey what He commands. As we “count it all joy” in our “trials”, let us remember, God has abundant “wisdom” available for us to know how to manage them.

Next time James tells his readers to ask in“faith” “without wavering”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Perfect Work of Patience James 1:4

James the apostle and half-brother of Jesus told the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” to “count it all joy, when” they “fall into divers temptations”. His reason was “the trying of” their “faith” would produce “patience”. In chapter one and verse four of his letter, James continued his discussion concerning “patience” as he instructed them to “let patience have her perfect work” where we read:

But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The verse begins, “But let patience have her perfect work,” James began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated “let patience” or “have, hold, allow, own and possess steadfastness, constancy and endurance” “have her perfect” which means “have, hold, own and possess that which is brought to an end, finished, and wanting nothing necessary to completeness” “work” or “business, employment and that which anyone is occupied”. James' readers were to allow “complete and finished” “patience” in their lives which was produced through many “trials”.

The verse continues, “that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James added, “that you may be” or “that those within the twelve tribes scattered abroad might be” “perfect” which means “brought to an end, finished, and wanting nothing necessary to completeness” “and entire” or “complete in all it's parts and in no part unsound or incomplete”, “wanting” which means “leaving behind, lacking, forsaking, lagging and being made inferior and destitute” “nothing” or “in no one, none or anything”. The reason for allowing “patience” to have it's “perfect work” was so they would be made “complete and finished without lacking anything” themselves.

When we consider James' words in this verse, we are encouraged to allow the “trials” we face to “produce perfect patience” within us. Now that may be an ideal state, but nonetheless it is our standard. The Lord Jesus desires for His followers to be more and more like Him every day, and to do so, we must realize the fashioning of our “patience” or “complete dependence” upon Him must be “allowed” in our lives. “Trials and temptations” will come against everyone, and the question is, “will we realize that God has a purpose through these trials to fashion us according to the image of His dear Son?”

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Next time James tells his readers what to do if they “lack wisdom”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Faith that Works Patience James 1:3

As James wrote to “the twelve tribes scattered abroad”, he greeted them and told them to “count it all joy” when they encountered “divers temptations”. In chapter one and verse three of his letter, James told them the benefit of their “faith” being “tried” where we read:

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.

The verse begins, “Knowing this”, James began with the word, “Knowing” which means “to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of, perceive, understand and feel” “this” which means “because of, concerning, and how”. James desired for his readers to “perceive and understand” what he is about to declare.

The verse continues, “that the trying” or “proving and testing by trial” “of your faith” which refers to “his readers' conviction of the truth and belief that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ” “works patience” which means “performs, accomplishes, fashions and works steadfastness, constancy and endurance”. The result of their “faith” being tried would “accomplish” “steadfast endurance” in their lives.

When we think through these words of James, we see his attempt to show the benefit of “trials”. They produce “patience” in all who “count them joy”. Patience is a concept that can be understood and yet so difficult to fulfill. Jesus was “patient”, and He endured more “trials” than any other. If we are to become more like Jesus Christ as we are instructed in the scriptures to do, we must learn that the “trials” of our “faith” are meant to produce the “steadfast endurance” that was exemplified in our Savior and Lord.

Next time James tells his readers, “let patience have her perfect work”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Count Trials All Joy James 1:2

As James began his letter to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad”, he greeted them and proceeded to give them instructions concerning “trials”. In chapter one and verse two of his letter, James told his readers to “count it all joy” when they encounter “trials” where we read:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;

The verse begins, “My brethren, count it all joy...” James began with the words, “My brethren” or “James' fellow believers and countrymen”, “count it all” which means “rule, have authority over, consider, deem, account and think each, every, any, the whole, everyone and all things collectively” “joy” or “gladness, cheerfulness and calm delight”. James directed his “fellow countrymen” to recon everything they encounter with “gladness and calm delight”.

The verse goes on to say, “...when you fall into divers temptations;” James continued, “when you fall” or “whenever, as long as and as soon as his readers were encompassed and surrounded” “into divers” which means “various, variegated and manifold” “temptations” or “trials, experiments, attempts and proving”. Whenever James' reader encountered “trials and proving times”, they were to experience them with “cheerful” hearts and minds.

When we think through these words of James, we may find this a very difficult verse not only to understand, but also to obey. We must remember the Holy Spirit inspired James to write these words, and whenever He gives a directive, He also supplies the ability to do what He commands. Those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior are no more exempt from “trials” and “temptations” than the most evil person in the world. These “testings” are from the Lord, and they are not to let Him know how we are doing, but rather for us to know the maturity of our walk with Him. Let us read, study, meditate and ask for the Lord's help to “count it all joy” when we are tried.

Next time James tells his readers how“the trying of your faith works patience”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

James, A Servant of God James 1:1

As we begin our study in the book of James, we shall find it a very practical book with many instructions for daily living as Christians. James was the “half-brother” of Jesus according to the flesh and became the head of the church in Jerusalem. The book was written between A.D. 45-50 and begins by James identifying himself as a “servant of God” where we read:

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

The verse begins, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,...” James began with his name, “James” which means “supplanter” and was “the “half-brother” of Jesus according to the flesh and became the head of the church in Jerusalem”, “a servant” which is the Greek word “doulos” and means “a slave, bondman or man of servile condition” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity which is comprised of God the father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “and of the Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, Savior of mankind and God incarnate “Christ” which means “the anointed One, the Messiah and Son of God”. “James” identified himself as a “bond-slave” of “God and the Lord Jesus” rather than his “half-brother”. He knew his true position was in servanthood to God and Jesus His Son and not as a relative of significance.

The verse goes on to say, “...to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” James continued, “to the twelve tribes” or “the twelve persons descending from one of the twelve sons of the patriarch Jacob” “which are scattered abroad” or “dispersed and spread out”, “greeting” which means “rejoice exceedingly, be glad, rejoice, thrive well, hail and salutations”. James' words were directed toward his fellow Jews who were “scattered” throughout the world.

When we consider these words of James, we admire James' position of humility. Although he was indirectly related to Jesus as a “half-brother”, he didn't identify himself that way. He did not position himself in an advantageous orientation just because he was related to Jesus, but he took on the voluntary position as a “bond-slave”, and directed his attention toward the Jewish believers who would read his words. We can learn from James' humble identification with Jesus, and all those who will follow after Jesus should find themselves bent unto his example.

Next time James tells his readers, “count it all joy when” you encounter trials, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Bruises, Wounds, Bruits and Continual Wickedness Nahum 3:19

As Nahum concluded his prophesy concerning the city of Nineveh, he shared how the “shepherds” or “overseers and teachers” of Nineveh would be “drowsy and sleepy”, the “nobles” would “dwell in the dust” and the “people” would be “scattered upon the mountains” where “no man gathers” them. In chapter three and verse nineteen of his prophesy, Nahum offered “no healing” to the “bruises, wounds, bruits and continual wickedness” of the city of Nineveh. We read:

There is no healing of your bruise; your wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of you shall clap the hands over you: for upon whom have not your wickedness passed continually?

The verse begins, “There is no healing of your bruise; your wound is grievous:” Nahum began with the words, “There is no healing” which means “quenching, dulling, lessening and alleviation” “of your bruise” or “breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin and shattering”; “your wound” which refers to “blow, slaughter, stripe and scourging” “is grievous” which means “to be or become weak, sick, diseased, grieved and sorry”. Nahum declared there was no “quenching or lessening” of the “ruin and crushing of the sick and sorrowful state” that was to come upon the city of Nineveh

The verse continues, “all that hear the bruit of you shall clap the hands over you: for upon whom have not your wickedness passed continually?” Nahum added, “all that hear” or “perceive by the ear, pay attention to, have interest in and understand” “the bruit of you” which means “the hearing, sound, rumor, announcement, abstractly, audience, fame and report of the Ninevites” “shall clap” or “blow, strike, sound, thrust and blast” “the hands” which means “palms, soles, hollow or flat of the hand”: “over you for upon whom have not your wickedness” which means “bad, evil, disagreeableness, malignant, unpleasant and displeasing misery” “passed” which means “passes over or through, alienated, bring or carry away, take away and transgress” “continually” or “perpetually and properly”. Nahum shared how all who heard about the destruction of Nineveh would celebrate by clapping, and his final question was to consider how they had “passed” their “wickedness” upon everyone they encountered.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we see the final declaration upon the Ninevites who had afflicted others. Because the people of Nineveh had wickedly wronged others and brought evil upon them, they were judged completely by the LORD. The law of reciprocity was to come upon Nineveh, and thus it shall be for all who have not received Jesus Christ as their Savior and LORD. Jesus came to save people from their sins, and if they humble themselves before Him, repent and receive Him as Savior, they shall be “saved” from the judgment to come. If not, those whom they have harmed will rejoice over their destruction, and their “continual wickedness” shall be “grievous” and without hope for “healing”.

Next time we travel back to the New Testament book of James, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Shepherds, Nobles and People Nahum 3:18

The people in the city of Nineveh were to be judged by the LORD for their rebellion against Him. Nahum the prophet told them their “crowned are as the locusts” and their “captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day”. When the battle came upon Nineveh, these exalted ones would “flee away” to where their “place is not known where they are”. As Nahum nears his final words to the Ninevites, he shared concerning their “shepherds, nobles and people” where we read:

Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: your nobles shall dwell in the dust: your people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathers them.

The verse begins, “Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: your nobles shall dwell in the dust:” Nahum began with the words, “Your shepherds” which means “Nineveh's tenders, rulers and teachers” “slumber” or “are drowsy and sleepy”, “O king” which refers to “the royal ruler” “of Assyria” which means “a step” and refers to “the descendants of Asshur and the country occupied by them”: “your nobles” or “great, majestic and chief ones” “shall dwell” which means “settle down, abide, establish, fix, abide and lay” “in the dust” or “the earth”. Those who were given the responsibility to watch over Assyria, including the king and “nobles”, were to be banished to abide in the “dust” of the earth.

The verse goes on to say, “your people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathers them.” Nahum continued, “your people” which refers to “the people of Nineveh” “is scattered” or “sprung about, frisked and spread” “upon the mountains” which refers to “the hill country and range of hills”, “and no man gathers them” which means “assembles and gets them together”. All the people of Nineveh were to be “spread about throughout the mountain ranges” of Assyria.

When we meditate upon these words of Nahum, we understand that no one was exempt from the LORD's pending judgment against Nineveh. The “shepherds” or “teachers” of Assyria were to be destroyed, and the “people” themselves were to be spread everywhere. The idea that position or place would prevent the “judgment” of God was totally refuted. Some people believe their stations in life will prevent them from facing God's judgment, however, this is not true. Those who have refused Jesus Christ as their Savior and LORD will stand before Him alone, and regardless of their position over others, they shall give an account for every word and action they have spoken and done.

Next time Nahum declares “there is no healing of your bruise”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Crowned and Captains Fleeing and Unknown Nahum 3:17

The prophet Nahum continued to pronounce the destruction that was to come upon the people of Nineveh. He told them though they “have multiplied” their “merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm” would “spoil” them and they would “fly away”. In chapter three and verse seventeen of his prophesy, Nahum shared concerning “the crowned and the captains” fleeing away to where their “place is not known”. We read:

Your crowned are as the locusts, and your captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, but when the sun arises they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.

The verse begins, “Your crowned are as the locusts, and your captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day,.” Nahum began with the words, “Your crowned” which refers to “the princes, anointed and consecrated ones” “are as the locusts” which means “are like grasshoppers which are insignificant and have sudden disappearance”, “and you captains” which refers to “the scribes, officials and marshals” “as the great grasshoppers” or “the locust from it grubbing as a larvae” “which camp” or “encamp, pitch tents, abide dwell, lie and rest” “in the hedges” which means “walls and sheepfold” “in the cold day” or “in the cool division of time defined by evening and morning”. Those who were “the princes, scribes, officials and consecrated ones” were like the hidden “locusts and grasshoppers” within the “sheepfolds” of the city.

The verse goes on to say, “but when the sun arises they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.” Nahum added, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written, “when the sun arises” or “at the time of the sun-rising or breaking forth” “they flee away” which means “depart, move, wander abroad, stray and flutter”, “and their place” or “standing place, station, post, office, city, land and region” “is not known” which means “perceive, find out and discern” “where they are” or “their location and place”. Once the “morning light” came forth, the “crowned and captains” run away to “unknown” places.

When we consider these words of Nahum, we see how the ranking people and hierarchy within the city of Nineveh positioned themselves in high places until the “heat of the battle”. At that point, they run, and no one can find them. Thus is the case with everyone who enjoys great positions among men and does not know Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD. No position, authority or exalted one will be able to use their station as a defense against the battlement and judgment of God. The time for humility and repentance is now, and no matter what place we hold among men let us allow the LORD Jesus to be our defense before we seek to “run and hide”.

Next time Nahum shares about “the shepherds, the nobles and the people”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Multiplied Merchants Spoiled by Cankerworms Nahum 3:16

Though the people of Nineveh fortify themselves with “strongholds” made of “clay, mortar and brickklin”, according to Nahum the prophet, “the fire” shall “devour” them, “the sword shall cut” them “off” and “eat them up like the cankerworm” even if they “multiply” themselves as the “locusts”. In chapter three and verse sixteen of His prophesy, Nahum shared concerning “multiplying” their “merchants” and the “cankerworms” that would spoil them as well. We read:

You have multiplied your merchants above the stars of heaven:

the cankerworm spoils, and flies away.

The verse begins, “You have multiplied your merchants above the stars of heaven:” Nahum began with the words, “You have multiplied” which means “become great, many and numerous” “your merchants” or “those in Nineveh who went about trafficking and trading” “above the stars” which refers to “with numerous progeny, personification and blazing” “of heaven” or “the abode of the stars, the visible universe and atmosphere; the abode of God”. The people of Nineveh were “greatly increased” with “traders and businesses” which were so abundant it was though they reached into “heaven” itself.

The verse continues, “the cankerworm spoils, and flies away.” Nahum added, “the cankerworm” or “young locust or caterpillar” “spoils” which means “strips, invades, dashes, raids and spreads out”, “and flies away” or “cause to fly to and fro shining forth”. Regardless of how abundantly wealthy the Ninevites were economically, they would be “spoiled” by “cankerworms” and their riches would simply “fly away”.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we see how the wealth and riches of the people of Nineveh would not be sufficient to resist their enemy. Thus it shall be with those who have the “riches” of this world and are not rich toward God. Though monetarily they excel and seem to be secure within their wealth, none of their money will help them avoid the judgment of God. Jesus Christ is the only “appeasing sacrifice” for God Almighty's wrath, and those who are wise submit to Him and acknowledge Him as Lord. Let all who read these words yield to the Holy Spirit who draws any who will to this truth.

Next time Nahum shares about “the crowned and the captains”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Fire, Sword, Cankerworms and Locusts Nahum 3:15

Though the people of Nineveh had repented at the preaching of Jonah, they subsequently rebelled and faced the judgment of God. The prophet Nahum declared the destruction that was to fall upon the city of Nineveh which included penetration within their “water” barriers, their “strongholds” and their “clay, mortar and brickklin”. In chapter three and verse fifteen of his prophesy, Nahum uses the examples of “fire, the sword, cankerworms and locusts” to share concerning their pending destruction. We read:

There shall the fire devour you; the sword shall cut you off, it shall eat you up like the cankerworm: make yourself many as the cankerworm, make yourself many as the locusts.

The verse begins, “There shall the fire devour you; the sword shall cut you off, it shall eat you up like the cankerworm:” Nahum began with the words, “There shall the fire” or “flames, altar-fire and supernatural fire” “devour you” which means “eat, burn up, feed, destroy and consume the Ninevites”; “the sword” or “knife and cutting tool” “shall cut you off” which means “eliminate, kill , hew and permit the Ninevites to perish”, “it shall eat you up” which means “devour, burn up, feed and consume the people of Nineveh” “like the cankerworm” which refers to “young locust or caterpillar”. When the “flame” of God's judgment come upon the people of Nineveh, it would “consume and devour” them as completely as the “young locusts” destroy vegetation.

The verse goes on to say, “make yourself many as the cankerworm, make yourself many as the locusts.” Nahum added, “make yourself many” which means “weighty, grievous, hard, honorable and burdensome” “as the cankerworm” which refers to “young locust or caterpillar”, “make yourself many” or “weighty, grievous, hard, honorable and burdensome” “as the locusts” which refers to “a locust swarm and activity”. Nahum's charge was to multiply themselves like the “cankerworms and locusts” do, but even this would have no effect against the LORD's invading army.

When we consider these words of Nahum, we see how completely the LORD brings judgment upon a rebellious and wicked people. This wasn't God's first desire as He was compassionate and forgiving when they repented under the prophesy of Jonah. However they turned again to their evil ways, and the judgment of God was upon them. The LORD appeals to “whosoever” today, and if they humble themselves, repent before Him and accept His Son Jesus as their Savior and LORD, they shall be saved from His future wrath. May everyone who reads these words yield to Him lest they be the food of consumption by “cankerworms”.

Next time Nahum shares about “multiplied merchants” being “spoiled” by “cankerworms”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.