God's Justice and Mercy: An Introduction to Nahum | Nahum 1:1-8 Stu launches our new series "Storming the City" by tackling Nahum, a confronting book about God's anger, jealousy, and judgment on the Assyrian Empire. But this isn't a different God from the New Testament, it's the same God who is just, powerful, patient, and our refuge. A hundred years before Nahum, God sent Jonah to preach judgment to Nineveh. Shockingly, they repented. God showed mercy. But a century later, they'd returned to their evil ways. Nahum reveals what happens when mercy is ignored: delayed judgment is not cancelled judgment. Don't mistake God's patience for permission. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant world power, ruling through fear, violence, and psychological terror. Their capital Nineveh seemed untouchable. But in 612 BC, floodwaters from the Tigris River weakened the city walls and the empire fell, never to rise again. What God declares through Nahum, God brings about. Stu unpacks God's jealousy (not a character flaw, He's jealous for His glory and for creation being used properly), God's terrifying power over creation (His way is in the whirlwind and the storm), and God's heart as our refuge for those who trust Him. All that anger toward sin is toward those who oppose Him, but for those who turn to Christ, there is refuge. This isn't just ancient history. Just like Noah's flood, just like Nineveh, one day God will enact justice on this world. People will be unprepared. But mercy is real, just as real as judgment. The message is clear: Don't ignore God's justice, don't underestimate His power, and don't miss His invitation. Series: Storming the City (Nahum) Speaker: Stu Scripture: Nahum 1:1-8
