Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

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  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is i...

Nahum - "The LORD is our Stronghold"

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In Psalm 62, David explains why he rested on GOD’s protection from his enemies. With GOD as his “rock”, “salvation”, “stronghold”, and “refuge” (Psalm 62:2, 6-8), David found comfort and confidence in GOD saying, “I shall not be greatly shaken” (Psalm 62:2, 6).

Similar to the message of Psalm 62 was the herald of Nahum the prophet. Nahum, whose name means “The LORD is my Comfort,” rested on GOD as His stronghold (Nahum 1:7). GOD and His character stand as the basis of his prophetic book. He proclaimed GOD’s judgment towards the cruel and ungodly nation of Assyria and brought comfort to the LORD’s afflicted people, Israel.

Nahum’s ministry occured more than a century after the preaching of Jonah. By that time, the nation of Assyria had returned to their evil and wicked ways. They were known for the atrocities they committed against the nations they conquered which included God’s people, Israel (Nahum 3:1-3; Cf. Hosea 13:5). Nahum preached to the Assyrians GOD’s message of judgment and imminent doom (Nahum 2 and 3). Their fortresses and military would be destroyed (Nahum 2:3-4); their wealth, ransacked (2:8-10); their children killed (3:10); and their honorable men humiliated (3:10).

Nahum clearly proclaimed the awesome attributes of GOD:  the LORD is holy, all-powerful and jealous (Nahum 1:2-11). As He is a GOD Who punishes the wicked and will take vengeance for His own (1:2-8). Nahum calls GOD’s people to rest and trust in Him. The LORD is the most dependable stronghold for protection in times of trouble (Nahum 1:7).

Whom do we trust when trouble comes? Do we rely on ourselves, our own abilities or resources? Or do we come and take refuge on the One Who is the indestructible, invincible Fortress of our souls? One hymn writer rightly describes Nahum’s message when he says:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

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