Nahum 1:3
If God was not patient with humanity, would any of us be alive right now? Most of humanity goes through their days with barely an acknowledgment of God’s existence. Fewer respect God. Some even deny that God exists. Yet God’s favor allows the sun to rise every morning, and our lungs draw in the air he provides. The Gospel continues to be preached, and God graciously saves sinners showing love we do not understand. Our lives depend upon God’s mercy, and at the same time, no one is criticized and doubted like God.
God is patient with sinners, communicating his Gospel that Jesus saves sinners, and showing his kindness in our lives, hoping that we will turn away from our sins and turn toward his Son, Jesus (1 Timothy 2:4). Without God’s patience no one would have an opportunity to be saved; however, unredeemed humanity mistakes God’s patience for either God’s absence or God’s casual attitude toward our disrespect. The prophet Nahum testifies that both of these misunderstandings are very wrong.
Just because God has decided in his great mercy to be patient does not mean that God is not very aware of the wrong we do. No sin is hidden from God. In our sinfulness, we have interpreted God’s patience as an opportunity to indulge in our selfishness, but Nahum declares that God will punish everyone guilty of neglecting God’s claim on our lives.“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).” Will your repent of your sin and turn toward Jesus?
