It is Futile to Strife Against God

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, September 25, 2025

Today's Text: Nahum 1:1-13

Key Verse: Nahum 1:9 (ESV): "What do you plot against the Lord? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time.”

Have you ever caught any site of a magnificent coastline, watching the powerful waves crash against the rocks? I have seen the beautiful coastline of Finland called Yyteri Beach in Pori. The water is immense, relentless, and utterly untamable by human hands. Now, imagine a tiny boat challenging the might of that ocean during a storm. The boat will tumble and be wrenched and sunken. This will help you capture the essence of trying to oppose the Almighty God. The prophet Nahum delivers a message to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, a nation that thought its power was absolute so that it plots its own course against the divine will.

The question in Nahum 1:9 is a rhetorical challenge of affirmation to the sheer futility and arrogance of human schemes against the Lord's final, complete, and irresistible power and interest. The question, "What do you plot or imagine against the LORD?", is a direct reference to the thoughts, plans, or judgments that people conceive in opposition to God's divine will or authority.

In the context of the book of Nahum, it was addressed to the wicked city of Nineveh, referencing the goodness of the Lord to His people. As if to say, "Oh that the wicked world would know how so strong a refuge God is to His people even in times of trouble." God cares for those who trust in Him. But with an overflowing flood he will make an utter end of their enemies. He will pursue His children's foes into darkness.

However, it holds a timeless warning for all who choose to live in rebellion or arrogance, believing their own power or schemes can ultimately prevail over God's plan. The subsequent promise, "He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time," signifies that God's response to this opposition is absolute and decisive. There will be no need for a repeated struggle because the destruction, termination, and annihilation He brings to the opposition against His men will be utterly final. It is good for believers to understand that this isn't just a threat of punishment to the enemy. But it is a declaration of God's sovereignty and the sheer power that underpins His commitment to justice and His ultimate protection of His people.

Action Steps: Humbly examine your heart for any areas of self-reliance or pride where you may be subtly plotting your own will against God's known commands or purposes. Acknowledge God's sovereignty in every area of your life, intentionally surrendering your plans to His. When faced with opposition or uncertainty, rest in the finality of God's power. Trust that God has the last word, and His peace will ultimately prevail over all worldly troubles you face.

Quote for the Day: "The greatest plots of men against the Lord are not acts of war. No man or nation is too great to war with God. So, it's an act of pride and self destruct. No one should be so deceived to believe his greatest counsel could withstand God's smallest eternal decree." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that our human imaginations can often run to pride and self-will. Forgive us for the times we have plotted our own paths against Your ever perfect will. Help us to recognize the futility of opposing You and to humbly surrender our lives to Your glorious power. Give us the wisdom to live in awe of Your sovereignty and the peace to rest in the finality of Your love and justice — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

_________________

Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 2:1-4, Isaiah 8:9-10, and Lamentations 3:37.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support