November 8, 2020
SERMON: THE LORD IS GOOD
Nahum 1:7
Introduction: Far too often when people discuss God, they ignore His justice and judgment and emphasize only His love. This is dangerous, for God’s nature is both loving and just. In fact, God’s justice and judgment are based upon His love. It is God’s love for all who truly believe in and trust Him that arouses His righteous judgment to strike against those who mistreat His followers. Furthermore, God loves His Holy name and all that his name stands for: love, joy, peace, and righteousness.
Nahum, from the town of Elkosh, lived at the time of Zephaniah and the young Jeremiah. His name is related to the name of Nehemiah, which means, “the Lord comforts.” The book of Nahum provided comfort for the people of Judah upon the destruction of Nineveh.
This book is a sequel to the book of Jonah. About 100 years earlier, Jonah was sent to the city of Nineveh, which was the capital city of the nation of Assyria. Jonah entered their city preaching a message of certain, impending judgment. When the Ninevites heard the message of Jonah, they repented of their sins and the Lord spared the city. Now, a century has passed, and they have turned away from the commitment they made to the Lord.
We can relate to this because we make commitments and have attempted to bargain with God.
· Lord, if you take me through this Surgery - I will go to Church more often.
· Lord, if you help me graduate College -I will go to Sunday School.
· Lord, if this medical test comes out good -I will Tithe like I should.
· Lord, if you touch the judge tomorrow - I will serve you until I die.
· Lord answered our cry, and we make the change for a few months.
· After a few months we returned to the former state and forget all about what God has done for us.
While Nahum’s message is one of judgment and wrath, there is one bright spot. I am referring to verse 7. In the midst of all the words of wrath, anger and doom, this verse stands like a shining beacon of hope on a dark and stormy night.
Text for today is:
1. A message of tranquility in a time of trouble
2. A message of comfort in a time of chaos
3. A message of peace in a time of peril
This morning I want to park in verse 7. Nahum said, “The Lord is good.” In this verse, we are going to see some reasons why the Lord is good.
I.
WE HAVE HEAVENLY ASSURANCE
THE LORD IS GOOD…REVEALS THE PERSONALITY OF THE LORD.
What good news! God is good! This should encourage us today, because our nation, like the ancient Assyrians. Has wandered far away from God. The Assyrians were the vilest, meanest people of that era. But they were no more vile and evil than the people of America are today. We have reviled God’s law, we have ignored God’s word, and we have found countless ways to cut God out our lives. As a result, America is a nation under judgment today. Even in the midst of judgment. THE LORD IS GOOD! The word” good” means “pleasant, agreeable, rich and valuable,”. That word describes the very character of God. THE LORD IS GOOD! That is the assurance we have in all situations. Circumstances, and conditions of life.
II.
WE HAVE HEAVENLY ASSISTANCE
A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE…ANNOUNCES THE PROTECTION OF GOD
“A stronghold in the day of trouble.” The word “strong” means, “ a place of safety, protection, and refuge; a safe harbor in the storm.” We have a place to which we can flee in the days of trouble, a place where the hurts and horrors of life cannot follow us. There is a place of safety for the people of God.
When the storms of life rise against you, and the winds of adversity knock on your door, you will discover that there is a place of refuge for the child of God.
Trouble comes to every life, but the Lord meets us there:
1. Times of sickness
2. Times of emotional stress
3. Times of depression
4. Times of financial reverses
THE LORD IS A STRONGHOLD IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE!
III.
WE HAVE HEAVENLY ACQUAINTANCE (Knowledge)
The text says that, “He knoweth them that trust in Him.” The word “knoweth” means, “To know intimately to know by experience.” The word “trust” means, “to flee for protection; to trust in God.” “He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Speaks of a personal walk with God! It is a privilege to be known by God. Do you know God and does God know you? Do you trust in God and do you have a close relationship with Him?
Conclusion: One day a little boy was telling his grandmother how “everything” in his life was going wrong. He told her about his problems with school, family, friends, etc.
Meanwhile, his grandmother is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack. Which of course he does.
“Here, have some cooking oil”, grandma offers.
“yuck” says the boy.
“How about a couple raw eggs?” Grandma asks him.
“That is gross, Grandma! He says.
“Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?”
“Grandma, those things are all yucky!” The boy says.
To which Grandma replies: “Yes, all these things seem bad by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way. They make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times, we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But as we trust in Him despite the circumstances, Eventually, together all things will make something wonderful!”
Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
TELL YOUR NEIGHBOR THAT “THE LORD IS GOOD!
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