REFLECTIONS ON JUDGMENT:

Texts: Nahum, Revelation 1-3

It is easy to read Nahum and feel a sense of pride, that God will judge the wickedness of His enemies.  It is easy to identify with captive Israel.  But turn the pages to Revelation, and it suddenly becomes difficult to identify with the ones being judged -- the Church.

We say to ourselves, "Islam will be judged.  The Atheist will bow his knee.  Al Qaeda will be brought down. Murderers and rapists will pay."  It indeed may be so, but the Bible strongly conveys a message that judgment starts with His own people first!  It starts in His Church; with his Bride.

Have I abandoned my First Love for another?
Have I been failful?  Am I faithful?
Is there something from which I need to repent?  Do I need to turn and run from my sin?
If God were to search my heart, would He find hidden in it wickedness?
Is my faith dead or dying?  Do I need to strengthen what remains?
If I were tried and tested today, would I emerge faithful?  Would I place my trust in Jesus Christ?
What in my life needs to be refined by the fire of God's glory?  What lukewarmness to be addressed?