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.

---

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

Are You Ready for the Journey?

We’re all on a quest—not just to exist, but to find life that matters. That’s why books, podcasts, and influencers promising purpose or fulfillment still capture our attention. Deep down, we crave something more than fleeting success or comfort.

The truth? 

True life comes from one source: God, the Creator of all things. Without anchoring our journey in Him, we’ll chase dead ends—wealth, status, or even spiritual highs. Real life is found in becoming who God created us to be.

Ephesians 2:10 says it clearly:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. (CSB)

Life is walking the path God created you to walk.

The book of James hints at this journey. Written to Jesus-followers scattered and tested, James is a raw, practical guide for people like us—striving to live out God’s call in a messy world. 

James starts with a gritty reality check:

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings. (James 1:1; CSB)

Biblical scholar J.A. Motyer explains this beautifully:

“The twelve tribes place the church firmly within the pressures and persecutions of this life… Their homeland is elsewhere, and they have not yet arrived. Their lot is to face life’s pressures, the pull of temptation, and a constant nudge to conform to the world’s standards… They are the Lord’s people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—but not yet home.” (The Message of James, p. 24-25)

Sound familiar? We’re pilgrims too—redeemed, but not home. Our journey isn’t about chasing success or ease. The life of a disciple is about faithful endurance in a world that lures us off course.

Living in a place like the United States our main obstacle is not persecution: facing imprisonment or violence for our faith. But our challenge is still real: the slow drift of compromise. Too often, the church mirrors the culture—battling the same rates of broken relationships, materialism, or addiction to screens and status. 

We settle for the world’s values instead of applying God’s truth.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t glamorous. A faithful life is often lived in obscurity, marked by sacrifice and a stubborn refusal to quit. Following Jesus isn’t about “thriving” by worldly standards. It’s about trusting Him through the wilderness, with all its trials and troubles.

The journey of discipleship starts when we surrender to Jesus. It ends in the joy of eternity. But the middle of journey? It’s a rugged road that tests our faith.

James offers a roadmap—not for an easy life, but for endurance, wisdom, and growth. It’s a call to choose the pilgrim path, even when it’s hard.

Clarity: If God Is Good, Why Does Evil Exist?

Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview

In this series, Clarity, I am attempting to help us construct a Christian worldview to guide us through life’s most profound questions. In this post I seek to tackle one of the most challenging and emotionally charged of them all: If God is good, why does He permit evil?


We often repeat, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.” However, can we still hold onto this belief when evil seems to dominate the news? 

• What about when a child is senselessly killed? 
• When earthquakes devastate entire regions? 
• When floods come and destroy homes and wash away people?
• When wars destroy nations and tear apart families? 

This question—Why does a good God allow evil?—is one of the primary reasons people abandon faith. Before his conversion C.S. Lewis rejected God because of the death of his mother, despite fervently praying for her healing. 

Beneath this question lies a profound realization: If I possessed God’s power, I wouldn’t allow this to happen.

So, how do we reconcile God’s goodness with the reality of evil?


Job’s Lament and God’s Response — Scripture Focus: Job 38:1–7 

The book of Job provides us with a profound approach to this question—not with straightforward answers, but with deep truths.

Job, a righteous man who lost everything—his wealth, health, and children—in anguish demanded answers, even accusing God of injustice. His friends argued that he must have sinned, questioning why God would allow him to suffer.

However, both were wrong.

Finally, God speaks. Instead of providing an explanation, He asks Job:

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job 38:4)

God doesn’t explain the “why” behind Job’s pain. Instead, He reveals His identity as the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign. He reminds Job (and us) that His wisdom surpasses ours.

While this may feel unsatisfying in the moment of suffering, it forms the foundation of trust: God knows more than we do. He is not indifferent; He is powerful, purposeful, and present.

Four Biblical Truths About Evil 

While Scripture doesn’t offer a comprehensive philosophical answer to evil, it does provide guiding truths. Drawing from Peter Kreeft’s Fundamentals of the Faith, here are four truths to anchor your thinking:

1. Evil Is Not a Thing—It’s a Choice

Evil is not a created force. It is the result of free will gone wrong. God created angels and humans with the ability to choose. Both groups—heavenly and earthly—chose rebellion over obedience, and that introduced evil into God’s good creation.

We still have that choice. As Moses challenged Israel:

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. … Oh, that you would choose life!” —Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)

2. Evil Causes Suffering

Evil doesn’t stay contained. It spreads into every layer of life. In Luke 13, Jesus pointed out two kinds of suffering: one caused by human evil (Pilate’s violence) and the other by tragedy (a falling tower). Both were part of the broken world we live in.

If evil causes suffering, then love is what pushes it back. Love—freely chosen—is the foundation of moral good. It alleviates pain, offers hope, and reflects God’s character.

3. Jesus Is God’s Answer to Evil

God didn’t ignore evil. He stepped into it.

In Jesus, God entered the brokenness of this world and took the worst of evil upon Himself through the cross. And in His resurrection, He broke evil’s ultimate power—death.

“Death is swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 15:54, 57

We now live in the tension of the already and not yet. Evil still exists, but its days are numbered. Until then, Jesus calls His followers to be agents of hope and comfort.

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” —2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

4. Good Can Come Out of Suffering

God never wastes our pain. He uses it to shape us.

“When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. … for when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” —James 1:2–3 (NLT)

Hardship deepens our character, strengthens our faith, and opens doors for love and compassion. Suffering is often the spark that ignites generosity and action.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” —1 John 3:18 (NIV)

God’s Plan: Jesus and His People
God is not absent from suffering. He responds to evil in two profound ways:
Through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: He secures the ultimate victory. Revelation 21 promises a day when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
Through His People’s Compassion: He calls us to embody His love. Matthew 25 reminds us that when we care for the hungry, the sick, and the hurting, we are serving Jesus Himself.

God addresses the issue of evil through Jesus and His devoted followers. 

As citizens of God’s Kingdom (Colossians 3:17), we may not have all the answers, but we do possess a calling: to resist evil by doing good.

Your Challenge: Resist Evil by Doing Good

You don’t need to comprehend everything to make a difference.

This week, take a step:
Support a charity that addresses suffering—local shelters, food banks, or global disaster relief.
Offer help to someone in your life—deliver a meal, make a call, or lend a hand.
Spread hope by hosting a gathering, encouraging a friend, or volunteering in your community.

As we’ve explored throughout the Clarity series, our worldview profoundly influences our response. When we believe in God’s goodness, even in the face of suffering, we can live boldly, love deeply, and fight evil with hope.


Closing Prayer
Thank You, God, for the hope we have in Jesus’ victory over evil.
Grant us the strength to trust You when life becomes challenging.
Empower us, Holy Spirit, to reflect Your goodness by doing good in a world that is hurting.

If this post has stirred questions or you feel God’s nudging your heart, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to walk alongside you.

Let’s continue building a worldview shaped by God’s truth—one that helps us see clearly, love boldly, and live faithfully in a broken world.

Kept for Christ: Kept Until the End

Jude 1:17–25 | Kept for Christ – Part 3

In the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, American Billy Mills stunned the world by winning gold in the 10,000-meter race. But long after Mills had stepped off the track, another runner—Ranatunge Karunananda of Sri Lanka—was still circling the stadium, nearly four laps behind.

Karunananda was unwell that day, and many expected him to quit. Some in the crowd even laughed and heckled. But he kept running. Lap after lonely lap. At first, the crowd mocked him, but something changed. Slowly, the jeers turned into applause. By the final lap, the crowd was on its feet, cheering him on. When he finally crossed the finish line, he was exhausted, but he finished.

When asked why he didn’t give up, Karunananda replied,

“The Olympic spirit is not to win, but to take part. So, I completed my rounds.”

His perseverance so deeply moved the Japanese public that his story was added to school textbooks. Why? Because perseverance—especially when no one expects it, especially when it’s hard—is powerful.

Many Christians today feel like Karunananda. Outpaced by the world. Tempted to quit. Mocked or misunderstood. But the closing words of Jude’s short letter urge us not to give up, not to give in, and not to be swept away by falsehood. We are called to press on, knowing that God is able to keep us until the very end.


The Threat Is Real—But So Is The Hope
Throughout this series in Jude, we’ve seen that the greatest threats to the Gospel often come from within the Church. False teachers—those who distort Scripture for their own gain—are not always easy to identify. They use Christian language, quote the Bible, and talk about Jesus. And that’s what makes them dangerous.

It’s not just what they say—it’s how they live. Their lives don’t reflect the way of King Jesus. That’s why the best defense against false teaching isn’t just having good arguments—it’s living a faithful life. The way of Jesus is not only something we believe, it’s something we embody.

So how do we remain faithful in a world of distortion and distraction?

Let’s walk through Jude 1:17–25.

1. Remember the Warnings (vv. 17–19)
Jude calls his readers to remember. Last week, we were told to remember the Old Testament stories of judgment. Now, Jude reminds us of the apostles’ words. Paul warned in Acts 20:29–30 that false teachers would arise from among the believers. 1 Timothy 4:1–3 predicts the same.

We shouldn’t be surprised that false teaching exists. We’re in the “last days”—the time between Jesus’ ascension and return. And the enemy won’t sit back while the kingdom of God expands.

False teachers are marked by:

• Mockery of truth

• Self-centered desires

• A claim to be spiritual, but a lack of the Spirit

You can recognize them by their character—not just their charisma.

2. Remain in the Faith (vv. 20–21)

Jude shifts from describing the deceivers to instructing the faithful.

“But you, dear friends…”

We are not like them. We are to live differently. And here’s how:

• Build yourselves up in the faith — Grow in your knowledge of Scripture. Study in community. Help one another.

• Pray in the Holy Spirit — Stay connected to God. Prayer is not performance—it’s dependence.

• Keep yourselves in God’s love — Obedience is how we remain in God’s love. Stay close to Jesus.

• Wait for the mercy of Jesus — Hope is not passive. We wait expectantly, with endurance.

Remaining faithful is a group effort. Discipleship is not a solo race. It’s a community endeavor.


3. Reach Out with Mercy (vv. 22–23)
Not only are we to stay strong, but we’re also called to reach out. Jude identifies three groups:

• The doubting – Show them mercy. Be patient. Walk with them.

• The endangered – Snatch them from the fire. Be bold in truth-telling.

• The entangled – Be cautious. Love them without getting pulled into error.

This is gritty, grace-filled work. And it’s risky. False teaching is seductive. I’ve felt the pull myself. That’s why we must reach out with mercy and wisdom. Don’t ignore error, but don’t approach it with arrogance either.

4. Rest in God’s Power (vv. 24–25)
Jude began this letter by telling us we are kept by King Jesus. Now he ends with a doxology—a beautiful proclamation of God’s power:

“Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, without blemish and with great joy…”

You and I are not kept by willpower. We are kept by grace. God is the one who will get us through.

He is:

• Able to protect

• Able to present us blameless

• Worthy of glory, majesty, power, and authority

That’s why we have hope. We’re not just contending for the faith—we’re being kept for Christ. God’s power will hold us until the end.


How Do We Remain Faithful Today?
If Jude’s message is for us (and it is), then what should we do? Here are four practices:

1. Stay Anchored in the Word

Study the Bible—especially in community. Use a study Bible or a commentary to deepen your understanding. False teaching often sounds good, so test everything.

2. Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines

Prayer, fasting, generosity, worship, and service help you stay connected to Jesus—the true vine. These habits build spiritual resilience.

3. Engage in Compassionate Outreach

Don’t just guard yourself—reach out to others. Encourage, disciple, and serve. We are called to reflect Christ’s mercy to the world.

4. Trust in God’s Sovereignty

He will finish what He started. Your hope isn’t in your effort alone—it’s in His keeping power. That’s why we keep going.

Don’t Quit. Don’t Drift. You Are Kept.
In a world full of lies, confusion, and false promises, how do we remain faithful to King Jesus?

We:

• Remember the warnings

• Remain in the faith

• Reach out with mercy

• Rest in God’s power

That’s how we stay safe. That’s how we press on. That’s how we run our race—even when it’s hard, even when we feel alone.

Like Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13–14:

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

We’re not running alone. We’re not running in vain. We are kept—until the very end.

Weekly Challenge:
This week, pick one chapter of Scripture and read it alongside notes from a study Bible or commentary. Let your understanding grow. One of the ways God protects us from error is by helping us go deeper into truth.

Refocusing on What Matters Most

“There’s something that gnaws at me, quietly but persistently—like termites eating through the foundation of my soul. Years ago, I was certain nothing mattered more than knowing God. I still believe that in my head, but my life doesn’t always show it. Too often, I slip into spiritual apathy, living as if God is a faded memory rather than the heartbeat of my existence.”

—Bill Perkins, Six Battles Every Man Must Win

This thought from Bill Perkins deeply resonates with me. In my heart, I know my life flows from my relationship with God. I have had those moments when everything felt clear—when it seems like God and I are walking side by side. But I also have to admit that more often than not, I act like I’m the one in control, walking through life as if God’s voice has faded into the background.

It is easy to lose sight of the life God has for us. The reality of daily demands—work deadlines, endless notifications, family responsibilities, and the pressure to keep up—push us along. In this chaos of life, God becomes an afterthought, crowded out by what feels urgent and important. How do we break that cycle? How do we refocus our lives on God when the world screams for our attention? Here are three steps I’ve found that help me stay connected to God.

1. Remember What’s Temporary

The first step is a reality check: the life we know is slipping away. We pour energy into accumulating stuff—new gadgets, social media likes, career wins—only to watch them lose their value. Athletes retire, awards gather dust, tech gets outdated, and trends vanish. As the Apostle John put it, “This world is fading away, along with everything it craves” (1 John 2:17a, NLT). This is why it is important to recognize the fleeting nature of this life. It helps shift our perspective. It reminds us of what lasts: love, faith, and hope. When we fix our eyes on what endures then the reality of life is put into proper perspective.

2. Worship God

The second step is worship—not just singing on Sunday, but creating a posture of gratitude and love for God in our hearts. Worship can look like belting out a praise song in the car, journaling a prayer, listening to a podcast that stirs your faith, or walking through nature in awe of God’s creation. Psalm 150:1-2 (NLT) says, “Praise the LORD! Praise God in his heavenly dwelling; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!” When we stop to worship, we lift our gaze from the to-do list and focus on our Creator and Savior. This act is like hitting reset—suddenly, the noise of life fades, and God is returned to His rightful place in our lives.

3. Prioritize Relationships Over Things

Finally, we need value our relationships. People matter more than possessions or achievements. Unfortunately this truth is forgotten, and we put a premium on what we have and what we can do. Jesus said, “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35, NLT). Investing time in family, friends, coworkers, or even a stranger at the coffee shop isn’t just about being nice—it is loving what God loves: people created in His image. A kind word, a shared meal, a listening ear: these small acts ripple into influence. And influence, not power or status, is what changes lives of the people we know and love.

Choosing the Better Way

When life feels overwhelming and God feels far away, it is an indication that we need to hit pause. After all, we have a choice to make. We can let the current of demands carry us along the path of life, or we can choose to reorient our hearts with the heart of God. That choice is ours to make—and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to live than a life lived for God. It is crucial to remember that this is not about perfection; it’s about the direction of our lives. A life rooted in God doesn’t just wander aimlessly, following the directions of culture—it walks the narrow way following Jesus.

What about you? How do you refocus when the world pulls you off course?