Photo courtesy of Jon Tyson, upsplash
IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICES. A wise phrase repeated by a highschool teacher I know.
As women affected by betrayal trauma, we know the danger of poor choices.
The book of Nahum speaks of God’s anger against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.
Remember the prophet, Jonah? Too scared to go to Nineveh, he ran in the opposite direction. Eventually he went and because people listened and repented, God spared them. Jonah’s choice affected an entire city.
A few generations later, Ninevah was back at it: cruelty, arrogance, idolatry, murder, lies, treachery, and social injustice. Her end came 50 years later, so completely wiped out it’s ruins were not identified until 1845.
Ninevah’s residents had choices too. Some trusted the Lord and He became a refuge for them (vs. 7) but to those who refused to believe, remaining arrogant and resisting God’s authority, God’s punishment was like an angry fire and an overwhelming flood. They could not hide from His judgement.
Who would deny God’s care? For those who love and follow him, He promises to meet every need.
For anyone who plots evil, trouble will not come a second time (they will be cut off and pass away). He prepares their grave, for they are vile. (vs. 14) Disobedience, rebellion, and injustice will not prevail but will be punished.
Ouch. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize the better choice.
Obedience = blessings & needs met
Rebellion = destruction & death
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV