Prayer: Father, there is no one greater than You. You are above all. There is none above You. Amen.
Bible Project: Book of Nahum Summary | Watch an Overview Video (bibleproject.com)
Reading: Nahum 1 key: vs. 9-11 “What can you scheme against Adonai? He will make a complete destruction. Distress will not arise twice. For even like tangled thorns they will be consumed, or like drunkards who are drunk, or like stubble that is fully dry. Out of you has come a schemer of evil against Adonai, a counselor of Belial.” TLV
Attention: For those who listen to the video summary overview provided by the Bible Project, I want to point out that not all translations are the same. The Tree of Life (TLV) version specifically says in 1:1, “The oracle concerning Nineveh—the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.” If you have not read my book, Choose Life Journal, I provide background regarding the TLV version. Specifically, TLV is a translation which relies heavily on manuscripts which Hebrew priests have used for centuries. Because of their focus on the Hebrew roots, there is a greater degree of accuracy than English translations.
My focus today is on the word “scheme” and “schemer.” Adonai through Nahum, characterizes the existence of a “scheme” and a “schemer.” Two words which are used in scripture to paint a picture of a mutual enemy of Adonai and man, is “scheme” and “schemer.”
In Ephesians 6, the Holy Spirit speaks through Paul to the Ephesian follower’s of Yeshua, saying “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist when the times are evil, and after you have done everything, to stand firm (vs.13).” Then again, Paul says to the followers at Corinth, “so that we might not be outwitted by satan—for we are not ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).” He is warning the receivers of his letters, we have a common enemy. He is the enemy of God and His followers. He is always on the hunt and prowl, to see who he can deceive.
So serious is the matter of his schemes, the Ruach (Holy Spirit) through the apostle Peter, says this, “Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour. Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brothers and sisters throughout the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. All power to Him forever! Amen (1 Peter 5:8-11).”
This is serious business guys, life, and death. If we knew we were going to face a lion today as we walked into work, into a mall, or got out of our car, would we put on the armor of God or would we passively walk into harms way? My wife and I both, have been aware of the schemes which are being cast against us, trying to take us out because of our alignment with Adonai. We are His ambassadors. We are His slaves. We are His elect and redeemed. We are bought with the blood of Yeshua. We become his enemy by virtue of the cross. He hates us because we love Adonai.
Action: I choose to acknowledge my protection is founded in Messiah and His armor.
Yield: I choose to submit to the protection Adonai provides His armor. The helmet of salvation, the breast plate of righteousness, the belt of Truth, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the shoes shod with the preparation of the gospel.
Engage: I choose to engage against the warfare of this world, in the Spirit.
Relationship: I choose to live in intimate obedient relationship with Adonai.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for identifying our common enemy satan and providing us with a defense and weaponry in the Spirit. Amen.
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:8-11 “Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour. Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brothers and sisters throughout the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. All power to Him forever! Amen. TLV
Music Video: Hannah Kerr—Warrior https://youtu.be/T2LmSDVZdNg?si=C-sycdoX8KD6mXlv
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”