Presumptuous or Penitent? Nahum 1-3 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 Theres a saying in business: Its easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. This same attitude seems to be prevalent among some Christians. The problem with this approach is that every time we take Gods forgiveness for granted, we are more likely to tolerate what weve done, and less likely to see it as sin that needs to be repented of. Apparently this is what happened to the city of Nineveh, and the prophet Nahum had a message for them about Gods judgment. About a hundred years before, Jonah had gone to the city. The people turned to God and the city was spared. Later, the people of Nineveh turned back to their old ways and became worse than before. In Nahum 3:1, the prophet says, Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims! In the midst of Ninevehs violence and deception, God sent a prophet to tell them He would not always strive with man. While God is good and merciful, it is dangerous to presume upon His goodness. It is the goodness of God that should lead us to repentance, but if we persist in our sin, God will respond in judgment. Christian, if you are acting like the people of Nineveh, figuring that youll get forgiveness later for deliberate wrongs today, theres only one solution. Confession! To confess means to say the same thing about sin that God says. When we agree with the Lord about the sin in our lives, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to restore our fellowship with Him Prayer Lord, show me how I take Your goodness for granted, and help me turn from my sin of presumption. Amen. To Ponder What does Gods goodness mean to me?
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 08:09:45 +0000
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