NOT FOREVER SILENT

Many people think that when God is silent, it means He is not acting. When evil seems to be left unchecked, when injustice continues to happen, often the question arises, "Does God care?" Sometimes we also think the same question. In the time of the Prophet Nahum, for example, the Assyrian nation, especially Nineveh, lived in violence and arrogance. They oppressed other nations, including God's people. But why does God seem to allow such a situation?

Nahum brings a message that God is very patient, but He never acquits the guilty. There are two sides to God's character that Nahum tries to show, namely patience and justice. God is not easily angered, He gives time. He waits. He opens opportunities for repentance. So, God's patience does not mean He is silent and turning a blind eye.

Honestly, we often misunderstand God's patience. Then we feel safe even though we live in sin because we think God will not act. On the other hand, when we become victims of injustice, we easily lose hope because God seems silent. However, Nahum reminds us that in truth, God never neglects. He sees, He judges. And in due time, He acts justly.

In the end, we learn to understand that for those who live in righteousness, this is comforting. We do not need to repay evil with evil. God Himself is a fair judge. However, for us, this is also a warning: do not play with sin just because we think God is still silent. --SYS/www.renunganharian.net