2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Kings 19 GW; Psalms 76 GW; Nahum 1-3 GW
Thieves are seductive.
Nahum is speaking to Nineveh in today’s text. Let’s just say the Ninevites pushed God to His limits. As a result, Nahum from Elkosh had a vision. Today’s verse is part of the vision. The businessmen he’s referring to are tradesmen drawn to Ninevah from Assyria’s international trade and commerce. These traders were the snake oil salesman of their day—people who would say or do anything to sell their wares and take advantage of their clients.
Today, slick salesman come in the way of fishing emails. Carefully worded advertisements that draw you into whatever the person is selling. In our world, recognizing truth is more complex than ever because of technology. Fake news, videos, and pictures fill the internet, deceiving us all at some point or another.
Step number one is realizing; people exist who are trying to deceive you.
You simply can’t trust everyone you meet. Not everyone believes in Jesus. Most people only know God’s Son by how people who follow Him treat them. God knows, professed Christians have hurt me more profoundly than any non-believer. Unfortunately, our imperfect humanity doesn’t always represent Jesus well.
Trust the gut.
As a Christ-follower with God’s Spirit living within you, trust the nudges. When someone says or does something that doesn’t sit right with you, trust the gut. If you feel apprehensive, take time to investigate why? Don’t just believe everything you hear, read or see.
Nahum was warning the Ninevites to change their ways. We can learn from their mistakes. Instead of being taken by the next snake oil salesman to come along, stay on your toes. Trust your instincts. If something seems too good of a deal, it probably is.
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Lord, thank You for Nahum and his vision. Forgive us for acting like the Ninevites. Thank You for Your grace that covers our sin. Today, we pray for those who actively seek to deceive us. God, whoever they are, draw them closer to You today. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear the truth, today and always. As we move through our day, help us represent You well. In all things, let us produce good fruit. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
Who is the snake oil salesman in your life?