Sat.’s Devo - The Seventh Seal -

Read: Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9 Nahum means “consolation” and “vengeance”. Nahum was the seventh of the minor prophets which also means “consolation” so this was the consolation in the book for God’s people. It was also God’s vengeance to come on his enemies, namely Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrians. God brings warning on his enemies and assurance to the Jews that although the Assyrians were close and they had already carried away the ten tribes of Israel, the Assyrians would fail in their attack on Jerusalem. Instead, their own capital would be taken and overthrown because of their sins. Nahum is believed to have lived during the time when Hezekiah was king. His prophecy didn’t come true for another 100 years. He begins by talking about the character of God against sin. God never lets the guilty go unpunished. He uses all his creation to execute his vengeance over the earth. No one can oppose him and win. But, he is a refuge to those who trust in him and comforts them. The Lord asks Sennecherib why he is scheming against him. Even though Sennecherib has many allies, they will not help against God. Assyria will have no more children to carry on their name and all their idols will be destroyed. Verse 15 tells us that a messenger would come from the mountains around Jerusalem with the good new of the fall of Assyria. This verse also parallels the Messiah that would come from the mountain of God - heaven with the good news of Salvation and defeat of Satan, which is much better news. The Destroyer was coming to crush them but God will restore their honor and splendor. It will not be so for Nineveh. They will be destroyed with out remedy. All their wealth will be taken and their people will watch in terror. Nineveh had been a city of murder and lies, crammed with wealth and never without victims. She had enchanted the people with her magic and beauty but she was about to be exposed for what was hidden in secret. This reminds me of today’s Hollywood and Disney. The world will see how vile they really are. Nahum told Assyria to prepare for the siege by storing up food and water and even making bricks ahead of time to repair the wall as it would be torn down during the siege. Even in preparing for what was coming, it would not help. There is no healing for their wound; their injury would be fatal. When other nations hear about what happened to them, they will clap for joy. All the world had suffered their cruelty so they would rejoice in their downfall. This is such a picture of the end of time when the Anti-christ’s kingdom falls. In Revelation, the seventh seal is broken and all heaven is silenced. Seven angels were given seven trumpets. Another angel came forth with a gold incense burner and stood at the altar. He was given much incense which was mixed with the prayers of God’s people. The angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down to earth manifesting in an earthquake. Then the angels with the trumpets began to blow their trumpet in order. The first trumpet was sounded and hail of fire and blood fell down to the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire burning up the trees and grass. Trees and grass represent leaders and common people. The second trumpet caused a great mountain of fire to be shown into the sea. One-third of the creatures of the sea died and one third of the all the ships were destroyed. The third trumpet sounded and a great star fell from the sky like a torch and fell on one-third of the rivers and springs of water making the water bitter and poisonous. It killed many people who drank it. The fourth angel sounded and a third of the sun, moon and stars were struck. One-third of the day was dark and also one-third of the night. This darkness was like the darkness that fell on Egypt during Moses’ day. It was a darkness you could feel. He heard an eagle crying loudly warning of the terror to come on all who belonged to this world because of what would happen when the last three angels blew their trumpets. We give thanks to you, Lord, for your faithful love endures forever!