Left With No Prey (Nahum 2:13)

 


Tuesday, September 24, 2024


Psalms 56; 57

Nahum 2:10-3:7

Ephesians 4:29-5:5


Left With No Prey (Nahum 2:13)


If yesterday there was a sense of smug satisfaction at the comeuppance of the Ninevites, I think today’s further denunciation wipes it out completely. Here we get some of the strongest words of any prophet. The imagery in particular of the woman’s naked shame is deeply unsettling, and we should feel uncomfortable.


Take this uncomfortable feeling and sit with it. Because the darkness of which this world is capable is very dark indeed. One of the messages we should take from the prophet Nahum is that we need to be absolutely vigilant in keeping ourselves free from any hint of darkness. Consider how today’s words from St Paul reinforce this: amongst us there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.


We must give no quarter to evil in our lives. Not a little here or a little there, or a pragmatic decision for the sake of a higher purpose, or any other justification we could come up with for ourselves. Evil begets evil, and we have been brought out of that darkness into the glorious light of Christ; why would we ever want to return?


Leave no prey for the lions of darkness. Raze the evil to the ground. If the evil one would try to influence any evil purpose over us, let him hear the crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots. When the suggestion of sin enters our thoughts, respond with charging cavalry, flashing swords and glittering spears. Rather, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


This is the kingdom we are building: a kingdom of the love of Christ. There is no room for evil in love; love overcomes all things. What evil threatens your walk of love in Christ? How might you use the love of Christ to overcome that evil?


Lord of love, you overcame evil through your sacrificial death on the cross. Fill me with the power of your resurrection so that I may give evil no quarter, but rather win the victory of love.

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