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PROCLAIMING PEACE (NAHUM 1:12-15)

REFLECTION

“Proclaiming peace” is the theme for our reflection. Peace is freedom from disturbance, suppression, war or chaos. Proclaiming peace means receiving the assurance or promise of peace in times of turbulence, war or suppression. We shall reflect on the fact that we experience peace when God intervenes and fights our battles for us.

Dear friend in the Lord we receive an assurance or proclamation of peace when God intervenes and fights our battles for us. We experience peace when the Lord grants us victory over our enemies. Again we experience peace when we overcome the challenges responsible for the disturbance and frustrations in our lives. Nineveh or the Assyrians represent a source of disturbance and fear in the lives of the Israelites. They had attacked the Israelites, precisely the Northern Kingdom and destroyed Samaria. They nearly destroyed Jerusalem the capital of the Judah in the Southern Kingdom. However the prophet Nahum gave a message of hope to the Israelites and a message of judgement to the people of Nineveh, “The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:

“You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the images and idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.” 15 Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed” (Nahum 1:14-15) Dear friend, we are usually too feeble and defenceless in the face of our challenges. Sometimes our enemies manifest spiritually, emotionally and physically to cause us pain, disturbance and frustration. However, David has assured of the peace of the Lord on the battlefield when he boldly said to Goliath the Philistine, “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hand.” (1 Samuel 17:46-47) We are greatly encouraged not to focus on the battle and the enemy but pray and focus on our God and almighty Warrior who can deliver us and grant us “…the peace… which surpasses all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7)

In summary, we have learnt that peace comes from God who intervenes, fights and grants victory and peace in our battles. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that we are powerless and feeble, may You continue to intervene in our battles and grant peace and victory over our enemies. Amen.