“And your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon.” – Isaiah 33:4

Scripture reading: Nahum 3:1-19

Here Isaiah uses the imagery of devouring pests to illustrate how short-lived the Assyrian power would be. Assyria had conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and dispossessed it.

Concerning Nineveh, the Assyrian capital city, Nahum also proclaims: “There will the fire devour you; the sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the locust…There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?” (3:15, 19). All they plundered would be taken back. Their destruction would be worse than the oppression they had unleashed on other nations.

We are no wiser than the Assyrians when we behave as if we boast in ourselves. It is so easy for us to believe we are invincible because of our strength or what we possess. God can strike our possessions and our livelihoods with the same speed and efficiency as grasshoppers tearing through a plump crop.

Let us also not be afraid of those instruments of wrath that God takes in His hand to punish and restrain evil in this present age. If the battle belongs to the Lord, so does the spoil of war. He will work His will and protect His church with His rod of discipline and He will also take care of the results.

Suggestions for prayer

Repent of any trust you have misplaced in yourself, your possessions, or your strength. Thank the Lord for all you have and seek His help to use your gifts for His glory.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.