SIX
DIVINE ATTRIBUTES
Nahum 1:2-7
An attribute is a noble
characteristic. When we speak of attributes belonging to God, we are speaking
of those things which are essential to his Being, without which he would not be
God. In these six verses of inspiration the prophet Nahum gives us six distinct
attributes of our God.
1.
"GOD IS JEALOUS" (v. 2). With God
jealousy is not a fault, but an attribute. It is right for God to be jealous
because he is perfect. Any assault upon his Person, resistance to his will,
rebellion to his rule, or objection to his purpose is evil and must be punished.
God will avenge his own elect. He will avenge the honor of his name. He will
destroy his enemies.
2.
"THE LORD IS SLOW TO ANGER" (v. 3).
In other words, this great and terrible God, whose jealousy makes him furious,
is patient, longsuffering, and forbearing. God is not in a hurry to punish
sinners. Judgment is his work, yes; but it is his strange work. He defers
wrath, giving sinners space for repentance. This is mercy. God is willing to be
gracious.
3.
"THE LORD IS GREAT IN POWER" (v.
3). He is the omnipotent, almighty God. He can do (and always does do) all that
he is pleased to do. Our God is great because he is great in power. A weak god
is a frustration to himself and to those who trust him. A weak god is no god at
all, but only an imaginary god.
4.
"THE LORD WILL NOT AT ALL ACQUIT THE WICKED"
(v. 3). God is just. Justice and truth are the habitation of his throne. Though
he is longsuffering, his longsuffering is not a lack of will or ability to
punish his enemies. His justice demands, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die."
5.
"THE LORD HATH HIS WAY" (v. 3). God
is sovereign. He who has his way in the whirlwind has his way in everything. He
is in total control of all things. At all times, in all places, in all things,
"the Lord hath his way." We
rejoice to know that he does.
6.
"THE LORD IS GOOD" (v. 7). Because
he is good, God has sovereignly chosen to save an elect people and found a way
to save them that is consistent with his justice. He made his own dear Son to
be our sin-atoning Substitute. This great, good God is our Savior.
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #799
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S.
Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net