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.

Tell Your Story

Have you ever taken a moment to consider the profound impact your story holds?

It’s not just the polished version we often share when asked to give a “testimony,” but the raw, unfiltered narrative—complete with moments of doubt, pivotal turning points, and quiet transformations. It’s the story of how Jesus encountered you, transformed your life, and continues to work in you today.

In Galatians 1:11–24, the Apostle Paul shares a significant part of his life story. This isn’t just background information; it’s his way of demonstrating that the gospel he preaches is rooted in God’s grace, not human tradition. As we delve into Paul’s narrative, we are reminded that each of us possesses a story worth sharing. When we share these stories within a community of faith, they inspire others and point to God’s continuous work in the world.

Here are four parts of Paul’s story that can help shape how we think about and share our own.

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Christ Revealed (vv. 11–12)

“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (CSB)

Paul’s introduction to Jesus was dramatic. He had a blinding vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (as seen in Acts 9), which completely transformed his life.

While most of us don’t experience a dramatic conversion, we do have moments—sometimes subtle, sometimes intense—when the truth of Jesus breaks through and changes everything. For me, it was a dream. For others, it might have been a song, a painful season, a conversation with a friend, or a quiet conviction during worship.

Regardless of the moment, Jesus made himself known to you. Why did you decide to follow him? That moment holds significant importance.

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The Past Renounced (vv. 13–14)

“For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.” (CSB)

Before Jesus, Paul was deeply committed to his religious tradition, so much so that he attempted to destroy the early church. However, when he met Jesus, everything changed—his values, goals, and sense of purpose.

We may not have personally persecuted the church, but we all lived with misguided zeal. Perhaps it was driven by the desire for success, comfort, image, or escape. Regardless of the reason, Jesus called us to abandon this misguided pursuit. Following him necessitated a reordering of our priorities.

Reflect on how your life has changed since you began following Jesus.

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The Mind Renewed (vv. 15–17)

“But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.” (CSB)

Paul’s transformation wasn’t merely external; it encompassed a profound renewal of his entire thought process. What he once perceived as noble—persecution in defense of tradition—he now viewed as a rebellion against God. As Paul’s faith in Christ grew, his mind was profoundly shaped by the gospel.

This same transformative power is at work in our lives. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, engage in prayerful reflection, and actively participate in community, our thoughts, desires, and actions begin to align with Jesus’ character. We gain a clearer understanding of truth, experience a deeper love, and cease to be driven by worldly concerns, instead seeking God’s will.

Reflect on the changes you are witnessing in your heart and mind as you follow Jesus.

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Believers Rejoiced (vv. 18–24)

“Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

“Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. They simply kept hearing, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” (CSB)

After several years of transformation, Paul visited Jerusalem and met with Peter and James. News spread that the one who had once persecuted them was now preaching the faith he had once tried to destroy. In response, the believers rejoiced.

Our stories have the power to inspire praise. When people witness God at work in our lives—transforming our character, healing our wounds, and calling us to mission—it strengthens their faith.

Your story matters. Even if it feels ordinary to you, God is using it to make a difference in the lives of others. Who has been influenced by your journey with Jesus?

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Take some time to reflect on your journey with Jesus. How has He revealed Himself to you? What have you left behind? How has your perspective changed? How is your life influencing others?

You might not perceive your story as dramatic or exciting, but that doesn’t diminish its significance. In God’s grand narrative of love and redemption, every testimony holds value. Your story could be the catalyst that inspires someone else to persevere in their faith.

So, don’t be hesitant to share your story. Let your life serve as a beacon, guiding others towards the One who transforms everything.

Clarity: Is It Too Loud to Hear God?

Originally posted October 11, 2007; updated July 21, 2025

Our world is louder than ever. Smartphone notifications, endless posts on X, streaming platforms, and 24/7 news cycles constantly clamor for our attention. It’s relentless. Podcasts, viral videos, and breaking news alerts fill nearly every spare moment, leaving little room for silence—let alone reflection.

But why do we let all this noise consume us?

Silence forces us to confront life’s biggest questions:

• Who am I?
• Is there a God?
• What’s my purpose?

These are weighty questions. Facing them can feel overwhelming—so instead, we drown them out. True-crime documentaries, celebrity gossip, political debates, YouTube rabbit holes—they keep us busy and distracted from what truly matters.

And in the midst of all that noise, God's voice often gets drowned out.

In 1 Kings 19:12, the prophet Elijah discovers that God isn’t found in the windstorm, the earthquake, or the fire—but in a gentle whisper. That’s a powerful image. Yet with earbuds in and screens always on, how can we hear that still, small voice?

Many people wonder why God feels distant. But maybe it’s not that He’s silent—maybe it’s that we’ve turned the volume up too loud to hear Him.

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The Noise That Distracts

I saw this firsthand years ago at a youth camp. It was during the early days of smartphones and tablets. For one week, the students had to unplug. No texting, no playlists, no games. And they struggled. Even without their devices, the mental pull of media lingered, keeping their minds distracted from God’s presence.

We need to ask ourselves a hard question:

Are we, as Christians, adding to the noise?

When churches lean on movie nights, polished video sermons, and social media influencers, are we pointing people to Jesus—or simply joining the cultural clamor?

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A Christian Worldview: Cutting Through the Noise

This post is part of our Clarity series, where we’re building a biblical worldview to help us navigate life’s tough issues—from politics to morality to identity. And here’s the question we’re wrestling with today:

How do we hear God in a deafening world?

Colossians 3:17 challenges us: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That includes how we engage with technology and media.

As citizens of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 2:11), we’re called to live differently—not conformed to the world’s noise, but transformed by God’s truth (Romans 12:2). That means facing two realities:

1. Mass Media Is Here to Stay

We can’t escape the digital world. Social media, YouTube, and streaming platforms shape how we communicate and connect. Rather than reject these tools, we should ask how we can redeem them. Can we share the Gospel through a thoughtful podcast or a meaningful post? Can our digital presence reflect Christ rather than contribute to the chaos?

Discernment is key. Not every trend is redeemable. But dismissing digital platforms altogether means missing opportunities to shine light in dark places.

2. Distraction Is a Spiritual Issue

Media doesn’t just fill our time—it often steals our attention from God and the people around us. It dulls our senses to our neighbor’s pain, the world’s injustices, or our family’s needs. Whether it’s a teen scrolling YouTube Shorts or a parent glued to work emails, the result is the same: disconnection from God’s purpose.

Churches must help people simplify life. We need to create space for the practices that attune our hearts to God’s voice: Scripture, prayer, worship, fellowship, and service.

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Hearing God’s Voice in the Quiet

Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t just about physical quiet—it’s also mental and spiritual. In today’s distracted world, hearing God requires intentional habits.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Unplug Regularly: Designate times to disconnect from screens and reconnect with God. Start small—like a 10-minute walk without your phone—and use that space to listen for His voice.
• Prioritize Community: Join a small group, serve with others, or simply share a meal. Christian community grounds us in God’s truth and helps us resist cultural isolation.
• Serve Others: When we shift our focus from our feeds to the needs around us, we open our hearts to God's mission and presence (Matthew 22:39).

As we discussed in our Clarity post on politics, prayer remains our greatest tool. It aligns our hearts with God’s, clears the noise, and opens our ears to His whisper.

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Your Challenge: Make Space for God

Ask yourself:

• What’s drowning out God’s voice in my life?
• What can I simplify to hear Him more clearly?

As Kingdom citizens, we’re called to live intentionally—using media for God’s glory and carving out space for His presence. Reflect again on Colossians 3:17:

How can your words, actions, and screen time honor Him?

Our Clarity series helps us view life through a biblical lens. Whether we’re talking about truth, spiritual warfare, or how we engage with the world, the invitation is the same: Guard your heart. Be still. And seek God’s voice above all.

How do you stay focused on God in a distracted world? Share your thoughts below!

Practicing to Become Like Jesus: A Conversation on Spiritual Disciplines

Paul’s Ponderings Interview | July 2025

In this edition of Paul’s Ponderings, pastor and writer Paul Steele reflects on a topic foundational to discipleship but often misunderstood: spiritual disciplines. In this interview-style post, Paul shares his journey, practical wisdom, and pastoral insights on how the spiritual disciplines form us into people who truly reflect Jesus.


Q: What first drew you to the practice of spiritual disciplines, and how has your understanding of them changed over time?

Paul:

Even though I grew up in a Christian family, was heavily involved in church, and went to Bible college to become a pastor, I don’t recall hearing much about spiritual disciplines and their importance. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t encouraged to read the Bible and pray, but those activities weren’t framed as intentional practices of transformation.

Looking back, I think a lot of it had to do with the belief that the Holy Spirit would just transform your heart and you’d magically desire the right things. I heard stories of people “getting saved” and suddenly wanting to read the Bible and pray—but that wasn’t my experience. For me, those things were hard.

Everything shifted when I read The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. The subtitle, Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People, really captured the heart of it. What struck me was the idea that transformation takes intention. That book introduced me to Dallas Willard and his books Renovation of the Heart and The Spirit of the Disciplines.

One quote from Willard really stuck with me:

“A successful performance at a moment of crisis rests largely and essentially upon the depths of a self wisely and rigorously prepared in the totality of its being—mind and body.”

Willard helped me see that if I wanted to live like Jesus, I had to train to become like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines became, for me, like athletic drills—practices that shape who I’m becoming. I’ve gone from barely thinking about them to seeing them as essential to life with Christ.

Q: What are a few spiritual disciplines that have been especially meaningful to you in this season of life, and why?

Paul: 

One practice that’s been incredibly grounding for me started after watching an old video of Dallas Willard. He was being interviewed and asked, “What does a typical day look like for Dallas Willard?” He smiled and said, “There are no typical days.” But then he described how, no matter what, he began each morning slowly praying through the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23.

That gave me permission to have one simple, consistent rhythm—even if everything else falls through. My daily rhythm includes five elements:

• The One Minute Pause app to quiet my mind.
• Reciting the Jesus Creed (“Hear, O Israel… Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor”).
• Praying Colossians 1:9 for myself, my family, and our church.
• Praying the Lord’s Prayer.
• Pledging my allegiance to King Jesus.

It takes about ten minutes. But if I do nothing else that day—no journaling, no extended Bible reading—I’ve still intentionally connected with God and surrendered to Him. That consistency has been life-changing.

Another helpful discipline is what John Eldredge calls benevolent detachment—the practice of releasing things to God rather than carrying worry and stress. Bible reading is also foundational because it reminds me to go to God for wisdom, not the world.

Q: Some people see spiritual disciplines as dry, legalistic, or burdensome. How would you respond to someone who’s skeptical or discouraged about them?

Paul:

I get that. Honestly, I’ve felt that way too—especially with how spiritual disciplines are sometimes presented. When they’re treated like a checklist or proof of your faith, they can feel judgmental and oppressive. That’s not what Jesus intended.

The key is understanding the “why” behind the disciplines. They’re not about proving your worth; they’re about partnering with God for transformation. The goal isn’t performance—it’s becoming more like Jesus.

That’s why I love the analogy of practice. Whether you’re an athlete or musician, you don’t perform well without training. You don’t magically show up ready for the big game or concert. In the same way, we can’t expect to respond with Christlike love, wisdom, or patience in real life if we haven’t practiced those virtues through the disciplines.

And yes, some days will feel dry. Some seasons will feel like a grind. But just like exercise or any other training, those days still shape you. In fact, they might be the most important days to stay with it.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with spiritual disciplines? How should they begin without getting overwhelmed or discouraged?

Paul:

I would suggest three things. 

First, realize you’re probably already doing more than you think. Acts 2:42 describes how the early church devoted themselves to four core practices: studying Scripture, being in community, taking the Lord’s Supper, and praying. Most people who follow Jesus are already doing one or more of those in some way—they just don’t recognize it as a discipline.

Second, establish a minimum. Not the ideal day, but the minimum you can commit to every day. For most people, this will involve Scripture, prayer, or stillness. Ask yourself: “What four- or five-minute practice could I do every day to stay grounded in God?” That one daily rhythm can be a game-changer.

Third, give yourself permission to experiment. Just because a discipline doesn’t click right away doesn’t mean you’re failing. Don’t copy someone else’s exact formula—find what connects you to Jesus. That freedom actually makes the disciplines more fruitful.

Q: How do you see spiritual disciplines shaping the future of the Church? Why do they matter now more than ever?

Paul:

With the renewed emphasis on discipleship and making disciples, the natural question becomes: How do we actually do that? One answer—and one I haven’t seen emphasized enough—is to teach people practices that shape them into disciples of Jesus.

Spiritual disciplines are crucial today because we live in an age of constant digital distraction. With the internet, social media, and 24/7 news cycles, most Christians in America are being discipled more by politics, influencers, and algorithms than by Jesus. And they don’t even realize it.

Without regular, intentional spiritual practices, we leave ourselves wide open to spiritual drift. We can’t expect transformation if we’re not creating space for the Holy Spirit to work. Spiritual disciplines are one of the most effective tools we have to resist cultural formation and instead be conformed to the image of Christ.

Final Thought:
If we want to live like Jesus, we have to train like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are not about earning anything—they’re about becoming someone. And that someone is a citizen of the Kingdom, shaped by love, grounded in truth, and empowered by the Spirit.

Clarity: Why Does a Loving God Send People to Hell?

Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview


In 1829, George Wilson was convicted of robbing a U.S. mail carrier and sentenced to death. However, public outcry led President Andrew Jackson to issue Wilson a pardon. But Wilson did something unthinkable—he refused it. The case went to the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Marshall wrote these striking words:

“A pardon is a deed… The value of the pardon must be determined by the receiver. It has no value apart from that which the receiver gives it… Therefore, George Wilson must die.”

The pardon was real, but Wilson’s refusal sealed his fate.

This story helps frame the difficult question we’re exploring in today’s Clarity post: Why would a loving God send people to hell?

It’s a hard question—one that makes us uncomfortable. We recoil at the thought of eternal separation or torment. Even for people we disagree with, the idea of hell is almost too much to bear. If we feel this way, how could God possibly send anyone there?

But maybe we need to rethink the question. In a sin-corrupted world, suffering is already normal—death is the natural end for everyone without divine intervention. Even the universe is winding down toward decay. So perhaps the better question is this: Why does God offer a way out?

And if He does…Why do some reject His pardon?

To answer that, we need to explore three questions:

1. What does the Bible say about hell?
2. Why is hell necessary?
3. How do we avoid it?

1. What Does the Bible Say About Hell?

Hell is not a peripheral idea in Scripture. Jesus Himself spoke about it often—especially in connection to judgment.

In Matthew 25, He describes the final judgment and says that those who fail to live out His values of compassion and justice will go to “eternal punishment,” while the righteous will enter “eternal life.” Hell is described as exclusion (being thrown out), darkness (separation from God’s light), and destruction (Matthew 10:28).

Hell wasn’t originally made for people—it was created for Satan and the rebellious angels (Matthew 25:41). But those who reject God’s character and refuse to bear His image end up there as well. It’s not about a single mistake—it’s about a life lived in rejection of God’s grace and authority.

While theologians debate whether hell involves eternal conscious torment or ultimate destruction (conditional immortality), the central truth remains: Hell is real. And it’s tragic.


2. Why Is Hell Necessary?

Let’s consider two reasons:

First: Hell is justice.

Imagine watching someone abuse your child or grandchild. You would do anything to protect them—and demand justice. God’s love includes justice. He doesn’t ignore evil.

Sin corrupts creation, and part of restoring all things means dealing with evil—removing it from His New Creation. Hell holds spiritual beings and people accountable for unrepentant rebellion. It’s not about cruelty—it’s about protection and justice.

Second: Hell separates rebels from the Kingdom.

In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable of a king and ten servants. One servant refuses to serve the king and is ultimately grouped with the rebels.

This story isn’t just about punishment. It’s about allegiance. God’s New Creation is for those who recognize Jesus as King. Hell is not arbitrary; it’s the logical outcome for those who refuse God’s rule.

We understand this in our world. Treason has consequences. So does rejecting the Lordship of Jesus.

3. How Do We Avoid Hell?

The answer is simple—but not easy. Declare Jesus as King.

This is why repentance, confession, and baptism matter so much in the life of a Christian. We turn away from our old lives, publicly acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and pledge our loyalty to Him.

Then we live that out—day by day—aligning our lives with His.

What about those who’ve never heard about Jesus?

Romans 2 suggests they may be judged by what they do know. But Scripture consistently shows the clearest path is through hearing, believing, and following Jesus.

That’s why we support missions, preach the gospel, and share our faith—we want people to be confident in their salvation.

Why Do People Reject God’s Pardon?

Why would someone—like George Wilson—refuse rescue?

Because, at the heart of it, they want to be their own authority. They don’t want a King. They want to do what seems right in their own eyes—just like in the days of the Judges.

God honors that choice. He gives people what they want—even when it breaks His heart.

Our Calling: Love People into the Kingdom

Our role is not to judge and condemn but to proclaim and love.

We don’t weaponize hell—we weep over it.

• We pray.
• We share.
• We hope.

Because hell is a terrible reality, and it should bring tears to our eyes. That’s why we do what we can to love people into God’s Kingdom.

Hell is the result of not wanting Jesus to be King.

If we reject Jesus as King, we can’t be part of His Kingdom—and we won’t experience the joy of His New Creation.

Your Challenge: Do two things this week:

1. Pray for someone who needs Jesus.

2. Reaffirm your loyalty to King Jesus.

Next in the Clarity Series:

Stay with us as we continue exploring how a Christian worldview helps us face life’s toughest questions with confidence, compassion, and clarity.