How can Nahum 3:17 inspire us to prioritize God's kingdom over earthly pursuits? The Picture in Nahum 3:17 “Your guards are like locusts, your officials like swarms of locusts that settle in the walls on a cold day; when the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where.” What the Image Teaches about Earthly Pursuits • Guards and officials—symbols of security, wealth, and power—look solid until the “sun rises.” • Like chilled locusts clinging to a wall, earthly achievements appear stable only for a moment. • At the first warmth of change, they scatter; nothing man-made can guarantee lasting protection or satisfaction. Why God’s Kingdom Deserves First Place • God’s reign is unshakable (Hebrews 12:28). • His promises endure forever (Isaiah 40:8). • Christ urges, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). • Only treasures laid up in heaven remain (Matthew 6:19-20). • “The world is passing away…and the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). Lessons for Our Priorities 1. Examine where you look for security—career, savings, reputation? If it can “fly away,” it’s secondary. 2. Measure success by eternal fruit, not temporary gain (John 15:16). 3. Invest in relationships that advance the gospel; people, not possessions, cross into eternity. 4. Submit plans to God daily (Proverbs 3:5-6), recognizing His kingdom agenda eclipses ours. Practical Ways to Seek First the Kingdom • Begin each week by scheduling time for worship, Scripture, and service before penciling in hobbies or overtime. • Tithe and give generously, treating money as a tool for kingdom impact rather than personal comfort (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Share the hope of Christ at work or school; spiritual conversations outlast project deadlines. • Simplify possessions so resources and attention stay free for God’s call (Luke 12:15). • Teach children and grandchildren biblical truth, passing on a legacy nothing can steal (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Encouragement for Today When everything built on human strength looks firm, remember Nineveh’s guards on the wall. One sunrise proved them as fleeting as insects. Let the verse turn your eyes from what can vanish to the King whose reign never ends—and live so that His eternal priorities shape every earthly choice. |
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