The Justice and Comfort of God: The Final Verdict and Future Hope

When Justice Applies to Everyone

In April 2013, a Michigan judge handed down one of the most unusual rulings of his career—against himself. Judge Raymond Voet had a posted policy in his courtroom: if a phone went off during proceedings, its owner would be fined $25.

During a prosecutor’s closing argument, Voet’s own smartphone started talking—loudly—asking for voice commands. Embarrassed, the judge silenced it as quickly as he could. But at the next recess, he fined himself $25. “Judges are human,” he said. “We’re not above the rules.”

That’s what real justice looks like—applied fairly, without favoritism, even to the one in charge.

Nahum 3 shows us the same truth about God. No matter how powerful Nineveh was, no matter how untouchable Assyria thought itself to be, God did not overlook their evil. His justice is perfect, consistent, and unavoidable.

When Evil Runs Its Course

Nahum describes Nineveh as a “city of blood,” built on violence, lies, and plunder. Ancient accounts tell of unspeakable cruelty—captives tortured, treaties betrayed, wealth stolen. Assyria’s power grew through deceit and terror, not justice and peace.

God’s verdict? Enough.

Nineveh would be exposed for what it truly was. Once feared, it would now be shamed. The empire that humiliated others would be humiliated itself.

And God reminds Nineveh of history: Thebes, a mighty Egyptian city Assyria once conquered, had seemed invincible too. But it fell. And so would Nineveh. What they had done to others would now return upon their own heads.

The Collapse of False Power

Nahum uses vivid images: 

Nineveh like ripe figs, falling at the slightest shake.
Its soldiers like locusts, swarming in greed but disappearing when danger comes.
Its leaders like sleeping shepherds, abandoning the flock.

The message is clear: the empire’s wealth, armies, and defenses would not save it. The wound would be fatal. And while Assyria’s victims had once wept in terror, now they would rejoice at its downfall.


Where We Fit In

What do we do with a text this heavy?

First, it reminds us that God deals with His enemies in two ways. In Jonah’s day, Nineveh repented—and God relented. But when repentance faded, judgment came. The same is true for us: we must continually turn our hearts back to God, pledging our allegiance to Jesus, or else we risk sharing Nineveh’s fate.

Second, Nahum points us to Christ. On the cross, Jesus absorbed the violence, humiliation, and exposure that sin produces. The taunts, the filth hurled at Him, the shame of being stripped bare—it’s the fate Nineveh faced, and the fate humanity deserves. But Jesus bore it in our place. He took on our judgment so that we could receive God’s mercy.

Without Him, Nineveh’s fate becomes our fate. With Him, we are delivered.


The Final Verdict and Future Hope

Nahum 3 is more than history—it’s a preview of God’s ultimate justice.

For the oppressed: comfort—God will set things right.
For the oppressor: warning—repent before judgment comes.
For God’s people: hope—the downfall of evil is certain, and the reign of God is forever.

As Laurie Braaten writes, “God’s people are called to live as though God’s justice prevails now, and trust that if not now, then in the final judgement the oppressors will receive their deserved punishment and the people of God will be vindicated.”

We live in that tension. We long for God’s justice now, but we hope in His final verdict. And as we wait, we worship, because in Jesus the victory has already been secured.


A Challenge for the Week

Take time this week to worship God for the hope we have in Christ. Thank Him that His justice is real, His timing is perfect, and His mercy is available now.

When life feels unfair, chaotic, or overwhelming, remember: God’s justice brings down the oppressor and delivers His people. Our future is secure in Jesus.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Destruction of Nineveh

Where There Is No Hope for the Future…

Some years ago, a small town was chosen as the site for a new hydroelectric plant. The plan was to build a dam across the river, which meant the whole town would be submerged underwater. The announcement came months in advance, giving residents time to get their affairs in order and relocate.

But something strange happened. House repairs stopped. Community projects ceased. Even lawn care came to a halt. Before anyone had left, the place looked abandoned.

When someone asked a resident why everything had fallen into neglect, he answered, “Where there is no hope for the future, there is no power in the present.”

That’s a life lesson worth remembering. Hope for tomorrow produces strength for today. And the opposite is also true—when you believe there’s no hope, you stop living with purpose.

Nahum’s prophecy worked in the opposite direction. His announcement of Nineveh’s destruction gave Judah hope. Under Assyrian oppression, they could remember: God sees, God cares, and God will rescue. They could celebrate and worship again because their future was secure in God’s hands.

God’s Justice on the Move (Nahum 2:1–2)

Nahum opens with a warning to Nineveh: the attacker is coming. For decades, Assyria had been the aggressor, conquering nations with ruthless cruelty. Now the tables were turning. God Himself was against them.

It’s important to remember: God is not passive toward injustice. He gives time for repentance, but His patience is not indifference. When the time comes, He raises up instruments of His justice to set things right.

The Fall of the Mighty (Nahum 2:3–7)

Nahum paints a vivid picture—shields dyed red, soldiers in crimson, chariots racing through the streets, confusion on every side. Nineveh’s power and military pride were no match for God’s judgment.

The queen herself would be led away into exile, and the people who once repented at Jonah’s preaching now moaned in hopeless defeat. Pride and power are fleeting. No empire, no church, no individual is beyond God’s humbling hand.

Emptiness After Exploitation (Nahum 2:8–10)

Nineveh, once overflowing with wealth and people, would become a ghost town. The Assyrians had plundered countless nations, but now their own treasures would be carried off.

This is the way of the world’s kingdoms—wealth gained through oppression and greed never leads to lasting rest. In the end, it leaves only ruin.

The Lion Becomes Prey (Nahum 2:11–13)

Assyria liked to think of itself as a lion—powerful, fearless, able to devour whatever it pleased. But now, the lion was hunted. God’s chilling words come at the end of the chapter: “Behold, I am against you.”

Those are the most terrifying words a human or a nation can hear. The Babylonians may have been the ones to conquer Nineveh, but the victory came from the Lord’s hand.

From Nahum to Now

James 5:1–8 reminds us that God still opposes those who exploit and dehumanize others. Whether it’s a nation, a corporation, or an individual, when people use their power to harm rather than to help, they set themselves up against God—and He will act.

For God’s people, the message is one of patience and hope. Like Judah under Assyrian rule, like the early church under Roman persecution, we are called to live courageously as we wait for the day Jesus returns to make all things right.

Living in the Meantime

Nineveh’s downfall isn’t just history—it’s a warning. Oppose God’s ways, and eventually, God Himself will oppose you. But it’s also a promise for the oppressed: evil will not have the final word.

So we keep proclaiming His Kingdom, using what we have to restore rather than exploit, and standing firm in faith. Because one day, the Lion of Judah will return, and every oppressor will fall before Him.

Challenge for the Week: Take time to worship. Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus. It’s this hope that keeps us steady when the world seems to be unraveling.

Final Thought: Nahum 2 reminds us that the most important question in life is not Who is against me? but Is God for me? Nineveh’s wealth and power couldn’t protect it when God said, “I am against you.” But in Christ, we can hear the opposite: “I am for you.”The difference comes down to where we stand with Him. The only safe place to be… is on God’s side.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Downfall of the Oppressor

Text: Nahum 1:9–15

What kind of God steps into the darkness for the sake of His people?

Nine months after SEAL Team Six took out Osama bin Laden, they carried out another extraordinary mission. Jessica Buchanan, an American aid worker, had been kidnapped by Somali pirates. In the dead of night, two dozen SEALs parachuted into southern Somalia, killed nine armed captors, and rescued her—all without a single American casualty.

What happened next is even more powerful. Jessica later shared that after her rescue, the SEALs had her lie down, then formed a human shield by lying on top of her. Why? Because there was still the threat of more armed terrorists in the area. These men had already risked their lives to save her, and now they were laying down over her to protect her until the helicopters came.

To the world, that moment was extraordinary. But for the SEALs, it was simply what they do—because it’s who they are.

That’s what Nahum wants us to see about God. In Nahum 1, Judah was surrounded by a brutal empire. Assyria seemed unstoppable. Their cruelty was legendary. And yet, God declared that the oppressor would fall, the yoke would be broken, and His people would be free again.

Why? Because it’s what He does—because it’s who He is.

Nahum gives us a vision of a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who rescues, redeems, and restores. And in this short but powerful passage, we witness both judgment on evil and hope for God’s people.

The Futility of Evil Schemes (Nahum 1:9–10)

“Why are you scheming against the Lord?” Nahum asks. Assyria had set itself against God’s people—and in doing so, against God Himself. But their power, their alliances, their strategies—none of it could stand. Their downfall was inevitable.

Verse 10 paints the image clearly, even if it’s difficult to translate. They’ll be tangled in thorns, stumbling like drunkards, burned up like dry stubble. It’s vivid, poetic language for a simple truth: no matter how powerful evil appears, it cannot outlast the justice of God.

We may not always understand the timing, but the promise is firm: the wicked will not win. This is the hope we hold onto as we await the return of King Jesus—who will bring justice and restore all things.

The Power and Promise of God’s Justice (Nahum 1:11–14)

Verse 11 introduces the one behind Assyria’s evil schemes. Most commentators identify this as a wicked king—an advisor leading the empire into oppression and violence. But in verse 12, God Himself speaks: “This is what the Lord says…”

This is the only time in Nahum we hear that familiar prophetic refrain. And what follows is God’s declaration: Assyria may be great in number and strength, but they will be cut down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Here’s the hard part: God says He used Assyria to discipline Judah. That’s difficult to process, but it’s consistent with covenant language throughout the Old Testament. God allowed hardship—not because He delighted in suffering, but because He was shaping and correcting His people. Yet even that had a limit. God promises: “I will afflict you no more.” (v. 12)

God then issues a military-style command. The word “commanded” in verse 14 carries the weight of a king’s decree. The dynasty will be ended. Their gods will be shattered. Their grave is ready. This isn’t symbolic—it’s exactly what happened. The Assyrian empire fell, never to rise again.

The Celebration of the Redeemed (Nahum 1:15)

The tone changes in the final verse. There, on the mountains, is a messenger bringing good news: peace has come!

This echoes Isaiah 52:7, which Paul quotes in Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” In Nahum’s context, it’s the good news of Assyria’s defeat and Judah’s redemption.

Even though the final collapse hadn’t yet occurred, the announcement of it was cause for celebration. Judah was told to resume its festivals, to keep the vows made in desperate prayer. Deliverance had come.

This peace wasn’t just the end of violence—it was the restoration of wholeness. It was shalom: the return of what sin and oppression had fractured. That’s the peace God promises His people.

So live like it’s already here.

What This Means for Us

Nahum isn’t just about ancient Assyria—it’s about God’s judgment on all evil. His people have found comfort in this book across centuries, from Babylon to Rome. And we find comfort in it today.

We still live in a world where injustice, violence, and oppression seem to reign. Sometimes it even feels like God is silent or distant. But Nahum reminds us: God sees, God cares, and God will act.

Yes, some hardships are the result of our own disobedience. But many come simply from living in a broken world. Either way, they are not outside of God’s sovereignty. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12 wasn’t removed. But God used it to shape his faith and remind him that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

So trust God in every circumstance. Whether in hardship or joy, loss or triumph, trust that God is at work—for your good and for His glory.

And celebrate the Gospel! Jesus has already won the decisive battle. The cross and the resurrection were our D-Day. Now we live in that in-between time—awaiting the full arrival of VE-Day, when Christ returns, evil is fully destroyed, and peace reigns.

In the meantime, we worship. We proclaim. We live in hope.

Final Thought

We worship a God who does not ignore evil. He sees every injustice, hears every cry, and promises that one day He will make all things right.

The downfall of the oppressor is not just a historical event—it’s a gospel pattern. God breaks the chains of the enemy, rescues His people, and invites them into peace.

So when the weight of the world feels heavy, when evil seems to have the last word, remember Nahum’s message: The victory belongs to God. Evil will fall. Peace will come.

And until that day, we live by faith, we celebrate the good news, and we rest in the refuge of our Rescuer.

Because rescue isn’t just what He does—it’s who He is.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Majesty of a Jealous God

Some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met have also carried the deepest scars.

They are people whose lives have been marked by grief, trauma, or hardship—yet somehow, they radiate a gentleness, strength, and hope that can’t be faked. They remind me of people like William Cowper, the hymn writer who battled deep depression but penned timeless words of faith. Or Vincent van Gogh, who lived with mental anguish yet painted with unmatched vision. Or Charles Spurgeon, who preached through the haze of despair. Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill—leaders who carried the heavy burden of their nation’s suffering. Then there’s Joni Eareckson Tada, who became paralyzed in a diving accident but found profound purpose in her pain. And John Perkins, who endured beatings and threats as a civil rights leader and still proclaimed reconciliation.

What do these people have in common?

They were shaped, not in spite of their suffering, but through it.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths… Beautiful people do not just happen.”
— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

This idea is more than inspiring—it’s deeply biblical.

It’s especially visible in the Old Testament book of Nahum, one of the lesser-known prophets. Though short—just three chapters—Nahum gives us a profound and uncomfortable vision of God’s character. In Nahum 1:1–8, we see two divine attributes held together in tension: justice and mercy. He is the righteous Judge who will not let evil go unpunished, and at the same time, He is a refuge for the weary and the faithful.

When You Ask, "How Long, Lord?"

If you’ve ever looked around at the world and asked, “How long, Lord? How long will evil go unchecked? How long will oppression continue?”—then Nahum has something to say to you.

Nahum begins his prophecy with a vision. Not a gut feeling or a political hot take—but a divinely inspired word from God concerning Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. This wasn’t the first time Nineveh appeared in Scripture. A hundred years earlier, Jonah preached there, and the people repented. But by Nahum’s time, their repentance had faded, and their cruelty returned. Assyria was once again known for its brutality and injustice.

Nahum’s message, likely delivered around 650 B.C., came at a time when Judah was weak, Assyria was strong, and hope felt distant. Yet God spoke. He saw what was happening. And He promised that justice was coming.

That’s the first reminder we need: God sees everything—ancient and modern. No act of injustice goes unnoticed. Every nation and every person is accountable to Him.

The God Who Is Jealous, Just, and Powerful

Nahum doesn’t begin with what God does, but with who God is. He writes:

“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God… The LORD is slow to anger but great in power.” (Nahum 1:2–3)

That word “jealous” may rub us the wrong way, but it’s not describing petty envy. It’s the holy jealousy of a faithful spouse—an unyielding commitment to exclusive relationship. God wants His people to be loyal to Him, and He fiercely defends them when they’re threatened. His vengeance is not impulsive rage but righteous justice against real evil.

And yet, God is also patient. He gave Nineveh a century to turn back. His slowness to anger is mercy—but mercy has limits. When it’s time to act, He will.

Nahum uses poetic, awe-inspiring imagery to make his point: rivers dry up, mountains quake, the very earth trembles in God’s presence. The message is clear: no empire is too powerful, no injustice too entrenched, no enemy too great for God.

“Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His fierce anger?” (Nahum 1:6)

The answer? No one.

The God Who Is Good, Even in Trouble

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)

This is the kind of verse that shows up on coffee mugs—and it should! But don’t forget: this word of comfort comes right in the middle of a storm of judgment.

God’s goodness doesn’t mean He always spares us from trouble. It means we can trust Him in the trouble. Like a hidden cave in a thunderstorm, He is a refuge when life gets overwhelming. His care is not based on our performance but on His covenant love. He remains faithful, even when the world falls apart.

And yet, verse 8 brings us back to the other side of the coin:

“With an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh.” (Nahum 1:8)

Just as Assyria once overwhelmed other nations, now they will be overwhelmed. God's judgment is always just—He gives time for repentance, but when mercy is rejected, He acts with righteous precision.

So What Do We Do With This?

Nahum 1:1–8 isn’t just about Nineveh. It’s about us. Here are three takeaways for today:

1. Trust in God’s Justice

We live in a world full of injustice—from playground bullying to international war, from daily corruption to systemic evil. It can be tempting to lose heart or take matters into our own hands. But Nahum reminds us: God sees, and God will act. His justice may not follow our timeline, but it will never fail.

2. Find Your Refuge in God

When life falls apart—when the diagnosis comes, when the marriage breaks, when the finances collapse—run to the refuge. God may not shield you from the storm, but He will walk through it with you. He is good. He cares for those who trust in Him.

3. Examine Your Heart

It’s easy to cheer for Nineveh’s downfall and forget that we, too, can be unfaithful. Nahum’s message comforts the oppressed but also warns the comfortable. Are we living in allegiance to King Jesus? Or are we pursuing our own way?

God of Justice, God of Mercy

Nahum gives us a clear and powerful vision of who God is:

• A righteous Judge who will not let sin go unpunished.
• A loving Refuge who cares for His people.
• A sovereign King who rules over all creation.

Because of the cross and the empty tomb, we know that Jesus embodies both justice and mercy. He took our judgment upon Himself, and now offers Himself as our eternal refuge. One day He will return to make all things right. Until then, we live in the tension—with trust, hope, and worship.

Let’s worship Him for who He is—the God who brings justice to the wicked and comfort to the faithful.

Let’s run to the refuge.

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If this reflection encouraged you, share it or leave a comment below. And remember: in a world full of brokenness, Jesus is still King.

Fight Against Sin

William Wilberforce was a British politician and Christian abolitionist who dedicated his life to the eradication of the slave trade in the British Empire. He believed that slavery was a sin and that it was the duty of Christians to fight against it. In his book, Real Christianity, Wilberforce wrote, “"In the same way, God has called us to be the sworn enemies of sin. We are to wage war against it and strive to give it no opportunity in our lives." (p. 65)

In the same way that Wilberforce fought against the sin of slavery, he believed that Christians should wage war against all sin. He understood that sin was a destructive force that had the power to harm individuals, families, church families, local communities, and entire societies.

 

Wilberforce believed that Christians had a responsibility to fight against sin and strive to give it no opportunity in their lives. When we deal with our own individual sin it lessens the impact that sin has on those around us.

The Bible also teaches that sin is a powerful force that can lead to death and destruction. Romans 6:23 (CSB) says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Sin separates us from God and leads us down a path of destruction.

Followers of King Jesus are called to be sworn enemies of sin, because we know the destructive nature sin has in our lives. 

To be an enemy of sin means that we should not tolerate sin in our lives and that help others to overcome the sin in their lives. We are to strive to live a life that demonstrates God’s character and avoid the paths of temptation that lead us to sin. 

We live in a sin corrupted world which is constantly trying to pull us away from following Jesus. This means being an enemy of sin, even when we know it is evil, will not be easy. Temptation will still come our way and sin will still be present in our lives. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can make progress in overcoming sin and live a life that honors Jesus’ sacrifice and reflects the image of God into the world.

Waging war against sin also means that we should be actively involved in fighting against the sin in our world. This includes standing up against injustice, as we fighting against poverty and oppression, and working to bring hope and healing to those who are hurting. We should use our resources, talents, and influence to make a positive impact in the world and to fight against the forces of sin and evil. 

Remember, we can’t win this fight on our own, so we join forces with others working in these areas, offering our prayers and money to extend our love into areas we wouldn’t otherwise be able to go.

This quote from William Wilberforce reminds us that as Christians, we are called to be sworn enemies of sin. It is crucial that we wage war against it and strive to give it no opportunity in our lives. 

For us to do that we need to live a life that bears God’s image of love and holiness by loving our neighbor, working to make a positive impact in the world, and doing what we can to fight against the injustice that is in the world. 

My prayer is that we will be inspired by Wilberforce's example and live a life that is dedicated to fighting against sin and promoting righteousness.