“He has a bigger piece of pie! She got more cookies than me! He knocked down my blocks! She took my doll!” Children understand justice, and so does the world. The new is ripe with stories of economic justice, racial justice, social justice, and justice for victims of abuse. We see the search for justice in entertainment as well: Quentin Tarantino movies and Charles Dickens books search for justice – remember Oliver Twist asking, “Can I have more, sir?” But what does God say about justice?
Nahum 3 is all about justice. God is a jealous God, a judging God, and a just God. He levies justice against the city of Nineveh, for their sinful ways. “I am against you,” He declares as He lifts up their skirt and throws filth on them in payment for their deeds. He is the final word on justice. He vindicates His name, purposes, holiness and glory. He avenges His people. God is for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and gentleness. He will not let immorality or illegality continue. The sentence comes due, the fine must be paid. No one can withstand God’s judgment and justice. There is no escaping it. “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3).” Where do you stand with God today? Will you be receiving His judgment and justice?
What happens to Nineveh in Nahum 3 is a smaller picture of judgment yet to come on “the day of the Lord.” In the last chapters of Revelation, the great and evil city Babylon is destroyed and laid waste. The rider on the white horse comes and throws the beast and false prophet into the lake of fire. After 1,000 years, there will be a final judgment before the great white throne, and God’s people will live with Him in peace for all eternity, with no more sin or fear or injustice. Hallelujah!
Jesus is the only way to be free from God’s wrath and judgment. He poured out His judgment on His Son. “He who knew no sin became sin for us.” Judgment fell on Christ in the place of God’s people; belief in Him as Lord and Savior is the way and truth to eternal life. You are adopted as His child through the Son. All you can do is plead Christ, plead the blood of Jesus that covers your sin, escape the wrath and judgment to come.
What does God say about justice? God’s justice is triumph over sin. It is His victory; He wins, His people win. This is good news and encouragement and comfort for God’s people, those on His side. Fairness will be restored, now in part but one day in completion and totality. Maybe you have experienced injustice at the hands of others. Take heart! God sees and knows your pain. All wrongs will be made right. Where will you be found on that day?