Nahum 1
As I sit at my post, between the web updates, television, and radio, trying to keep my colleagues informed and equipped for the latest tropical storm, I cannot help but think about the power of the natural forces God put into motion. One member of my agency pointed out that the rush of flood waters can reach twenty-two miles per hour, and compared that to the Nantahala River, famous for its white water rafting, which races at an average of nine miles per hour. Rain and winds are blowing past my door, which is open so I can keep lookout against tornadoes. As I think about the fierceness of the storm, I am reminded that this is not even a sneeze compared with the power of God. I was looking up storm references in the concordance and I was reminded of Nahum’s prophecy.
(Nahum 1:3-4)
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
While we in Northeast Florida are praying for Him to dry up a few of the flooded streets and highways, it is comforting to know that He, who makes the rivers run dry, is just the One to get it done. Other thoughts about who God is came to me as I meditated on the phrase, “His way is in the whirlwind and the storm.”
1. The Whirlwind and the Storm are Organized
Floridians know that when a storm system becomes “organized” it’s time to bring in the lawn furniture and batten down the storm shutters. The more defined a tropical system is, the more devastating its effect. Even now, as Tropical Storm Fay loses organization, we are already breathing, to a certain extent, a sigh of relief. God is not one to act without a plan. He has always ordained and condoned structure. From the day He formed the oceans and bound them by divine instruction, “This far you will come and no farther,” (Job 38:11) to the organizational structure for which John was told to write commendations and rebukes regarding the churches, on the Isle of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9-11) In whatever He does, we can rest assured that He has chosen a systematic approach. As Paul pointed out, “God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
2. The Storm’s Destructive Power is Undeniable
The windblown news reporter stands just outside some safe structure as close to the beach as humanly possible, apparently bent on getting his microphone wet to show you how brave he is and how devastating the winds of the current storm are. “I’m Gayle Force, coming to you from ground zero, where the beaches and anything around them are being pounded by this storm!” The scene, with flying debris in the background, is ridiculously predictable, and painfully obvious. Invariably, however, when the storm comes, someone feels the need to demonstrate to you, by the flapping of his rain-suit and the wetness of his hair, that the storm has a power that should not be experienced by mere mortal humans. God’s power is so much more powerful than that sandblasted tele-journalist could describe! Nahum continues:
Nahum 1:5-6
The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.
Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
3. The Whirlwind and the Storm Refresh the Surface
There is a strange cleanness that is evident after a storm. In the air the freshness is palatable with every breath. Anything weak, dead, or dying is cleared away. Brown palm fronds litter streets and yards, leaving nothing but healthy green on the trees. Only the strongest branches and best rooted trees remain. Rough surfaces are smoothed over by erosion. Beaches are redefined. After the changing of a few tides and the arrival of the waste removal teams, the area is left with a sparkle of aesthetic gleam that would rival any household cleaner commercial. Likewise when God moves, the breath of His Spirit erodes away all our rough surfaces, breaks away any weakness, clears out all that hinders, and makes room for a fresh, new growth.
Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
When God revealed Himself to Moses, He covered him with His hand in a rocky crag until the devastation of His presence had passed by. Then He allowed Moses to look at His back as He moved away. I thank God for His goodness that accompanies His power. Even though He has the power to make the universe tremble and melt, He gently picks me up and cradles me with His loving care, polishes me clean, and finds there something worth dying for. That is why I love Him.
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.
As I sit at my post, between the web updates, television, and radio, trying to keep my colleagues informed and equipped for the latest tropical storm, I cannot help but think about the power of the natural forces God put into motion. One member of my agency pointed out that the rush of flood waters can reach twenty-two miles per hour, and compared that to the Nantahala River, famous for its white water rafting, which races at an average of nine miles per hour. Rain and winds are blowing past my door, which is open so I can keep lookout against tornadoes. As I think about the fierceness of the storm, I am reminded that this is not even a sneeze compared with the power of God. I was looking up storm references in the concordance and I was reminded of Nahum’s prophecy.
(Nahum 1:3-4)
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
While we in Northeast Florida are praying for Him to dry up a few of the flooded streets and highways, it is comforting to know that He, who makes the rivers run dry, is just the One to get it done. Other thoughts about who God is came to me as I meditated on the phrase, “His way is in the whirlwind and the storm.”
1. The Whirlwind and the Storm are Organized
Floridians know that when a storm system becomes “organized” it’s time to bring in the lawn furniture and batten down the storm shutters. The more defined a tropical system is, the more devastating its effect. Even now, as Tropical Storm Fay loses organization, we are already breathing, to a certain extent, a sigh of relief. God is not one to act without a plan. He has always ordained and condoned structure. From the day He formed the oceans and bound them by divine instruction, “This far you will come and no farther,” (Job 38:11) to the organizational structure for which John was told to write commendations and rebukes regarding the churches, on the Isle of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9-11) In whatever He does, we can rest assured that He has chosen a systematic approach. As Paul pointed out, “God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
2. The Storm’s Destructive Power is Undeniable
The windblown news reporter stands just outside some safe structure as close to the beach as humanly possible, apparently bent on getting his microphone wet to show you how brave he is and how devastating the winds of the current storm are. “I’m Gayle Force, coming to you from ground zero, where the beaches and anything around them are being pounded by this storm!” The scene, with flying debris in the background, is ridiculously predictable, and painfully obvious. Invariably, however, when the storm comes, someone feels the need to demonstrate to you, by the flapping of his rain-suit and the wetness of his hair, that the storm has a power that should not be experienced by mere mortal humans. God’s power is so much more powerful than that sandblasted tele-journalist could describe! Nahum continues:
Nahum 1:5-6
The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.
Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
3. The Whirlwind and the Storm Refresh the Surface
There is a strange cleanness that is evident after a storm. In the air the freshness is palatable with every breath. Anything weak, dead, or dying is cleared away. Brown palm fronds litter streets and yards, leaving nothing but healthy green on the trees. Only the strongest branches and best rooted trees remain. Rough surfaces are smoothed over by erosion. Beaches are redefined. After the changing of a few tides and the arrival of the waste removal teams, the area is left with a sparkle of aesthetic gleam that would rival any household cleaner commercial. Likewise when God moves, the breath of His Spirit erodes away all our rough surfaces, breaks away any weakness, clears out all that hinders, and makes room for a fresh, new growth.
Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
When God revealed Himself to Moses, He covered him with His hand in a rocky crag until the devastation of His presence had passed by. Then He allowed Moses to look at His back as He moved away. I thank God for His goodness that accompanies His power. Even though He has the power to make the universe tremble and melt, He gently picks me up and cradles me with His loving care, polishes me clean, and finds there something worth dying for. That is why I love Him.
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.
1 comment:
Thanks for your insight into the positive results of giant storms in our lives. I do, so, like the last two lines in your writing. Of course, it's all quite thought-provoking, and encouraging, so that the 'new life after the storm' and the power to continue afterward and grow, is made very clear.
Thanks, and enjoy your day.
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