Nahum 1

The short Old Testament writing of Nahum focuses upon the Lord’s judgment on the Ninevites for their oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness. It tells us that God is righteous and good:
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble;
He protects those who take refuge in him…” (1:7)

As house parents for youth and teens who were troubled or came from unstable homes, it was our duty to keep these ten boys safe. We cared for all of them, but if one of them caused potential harm or danger to the other boys, we had to stop him immediately. We knew that to provide healing, hope, and safety for these boys, we sometimes had to discipline those who were oppressing or creating havoc for others. In fact, that is why the boys felt safe—they knew we would protect them to the best of our ability.

So too, God will do all God can to bring “good” to his creation. At the same time, God cannot tolerate hatred or cruelty handed out upon the innocent. So it is that Nahum writes,

“The Lord is slow to anger but great in power,
and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.” (1:3)

To me, this is Good News. I can turn to God when others bring offense upon me and those I cherish. At the same time, I know that God expects and encourages me to show kindness and patience to others. I can’t do anything I want if it harms others.

Yet, I also know that God will forgive me when I harm others if I stop the evil I am doing, though there still may be a price I pay for any cruelty I have shown. It just happens that way!

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for being my refuge in times of trouble. Thank you also for stopping me when I do not behave like a follower of You. Forgive me when I hurt others. Amen.