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.

Why Does Evil Exist? A Christian Perspective on the Religion Debate

I originally published on October 19, 2007 on my old blog, and updated it June 25, 2025, this article delves into the age-old question of why evil exists, offering a Christian perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding religion. I thought this was a good companion post to go along with the Clarity series.

In 2007, I witnessed a thought-provoking debate between Christopher Hitchens, the author of God Is Not Great, and Alister McGrath, the author of The Dawkins Delusion. The topic of discussion was Poison or Cure? Religious Belief in the Modern World. Hitchens argued that religion is a poison, fueling unspeakable evil. While McGrath’s response was thoughtful, it lacked the vigor to effectively counter Hitchens’ arguments. Nearly two decades later, this question remains pertinent: Does religion inherently lead to evil, or is there a deeper narrative at play?

Today, this debate continues to resonate in social media firestorms, political rhetoric, and even casual conversations. Critics like Hitchens, whose arguments persist in modern atheist circles from X posts to Reddit threads, point to historical and contemporary examples of religiously justified actions, such as crusades, terrorism, and cultural conflicts. As Christians, we are confronted with the challenge of responding to these claims. More importantly, how does a Christian worldview, rooted in Scripture, address the question of evil and morality itself?

The Question of Evil and Morality

During the 2007 debate, a pivotal moment came when an audience member posed a profound question to Hitchens. If God does not exist, on what basis can anyone declare an action right or wrong? Hitchens attempted to sidestep the question, focusing instead on how religion provides “divine permission” for evil acts. However, the question lingered: Why does he label these acts as evil? What grounds his moral outrage?

As a Christian, I firmly believe that atrocities, whether historical, such as the Inquisition, or modern, like religiously motivated violence, are inherently evil. However, this ability to label something as evil points to a deeper reality. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis argues that humans universally possess a sense of right and wrong, which he refers to as the Law of Nature. He writes:

“First, that human beings, all over the world, have this peculiar idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and they cannot truly get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we inhabit.” (Mere Christianity, p. 8)

This moral intuition is a divine gift, confirmed by the Scriptures in Romans 2:14-15. It’s why individuals like Hitchens and all of us can recognize evil, whether it’s genocide, injustice, or betrayal. But without God, how does an atheist explain this universal moral sense? If life is merely the product of natural selection, why should we care about morality at all?

A Christian Worldview: Morality Points to God

In the Clarity series, we’ve delved into how a Christian worldview, shaped by Scripture, aids us in navigating life’s most challenging questions. From spiritual warfare (relying on God’s strength) to the Bible’s trustworthiness (our foundation for truth), we’ve witnessed how faith provides a lens through which we can comprehend reality. The question of evil and morality is no exception.

Hitchens’ critique assumes that morality is self-evident, but his worldview, naturalism, struggles to explain why. If we’re merely products of evolution, morality becomes a survival mechanism, not a universal truth. Why should I care about atrocities across the globe if they don’t impact my survival? Why label anything as “evil” if there’s no objective standard? These are questions that naturalism can’t answer without resorting to a theistic framework.

In contrast, a Christian worldview establishes morality based on God’s character. As citizens of God’s Kingdom (Colossians 3:17), we perceive evil as a deviation from God’s design, and our moral outrage reflects His justice and love. When we condemn something as evil, whether it’s human trafficking or systemic corruption, we are echoing God’s heart, even if we are unaware of it.

Addressing Religion’s “Evils”

Hitchens’ examples of religious evil often confuse human sin with God’s truth. Christianity acknowledges that people, including Christians, have committed terrible acts. The Bible itself critiques hypocrisy and abuse (Matthew 23:27-28). However, these failures do not negate God’s existence; they highlight our need for Him. As exiles in a broken world (1 Peter 2:11), Christians are called to live honorably, not to wield power or justify violence. Our response to evil is not to abandon faith but to align our actions with Jesus’ love and grace.

In 2025, this tension is felt both online and in global conflicts. X posts decry “religious extremism,” yet many overlook secular ideologies, such as totalitarianism or unchecked consumerism, that have caused equal harm. Evil is not unique to religion; it is a human problem, rooted in our rebellion against God (Romans 3:23). The Christian response is not to point fingers but to point to Jesus, who offers redemption and transformation.

Your Challenge: Reflect and Engage

The debate over religion and evil isn’t just an academic discussion; it profoundly impacts our daily lives. Take a moment to reflect on the source of my sense of right and wrong. In a world that often blames faith for evil, how can I effectively represent King Jesus? As we’ve explored in the Clarity series, our worldview plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of life, morality, and even politics.

Let’s approach this question with prayerful contemplation, as Colossians 3:17 advises: “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” Prayer, as we discussed in our previous post, is our most powerful tool—not a passive act but an active endeavor that invites God’s Kingdom into our world.

Prayer Prompts

• Express gratitude for the moral compass God has gifted us, reflecting His character.

• Seek wisdom to discern right from wrong amidst the complexities of the world.

• Commit to representing Jesus with love, even when faith faces criticism.

If this resonates with you or you feel God’s prompting, don’t hesitate to reach out. Join us in the Clarity series as we construct a biblical worldview to navigate life’s most challenging topics.

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!