February 21

Call for Help, Then Step Aside

He cares for those who trust in him . . . he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness (Nahum 1:7, 8).

Scripture: Nahum 1:2-8

Song: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”

From the Saturday morning sign-on until early afternoon, I watched transfixed as one western hero after another galloped across the television screen. Some rode alone, others with a sidekick; some on white horses, others on palominos. All had one thing in common. Wherever trouble was brewing, each was prepared to set things right.

Nineveh was a hotbed of trouble. Oppression, plunder, and slaughter of its enemies were commonplace. To Nahum there seemed but one solution, unleashing the wrath of a God in whose presence mountains quaked and hills melted away. Yet, just as sometimes happened in Dodge City or Tombstone, when well intended folks determined to impose their wills, innocent people got hurt.

An angry mob stormed the jailhouse or a victim challenged the evil-doer to a gun fight. Until, that is, the “white hat” intervened to ensure justice was left to those best suited to administer it. Despite the notions of Nahum and others (see Jonah 3:10–4:2), Nineveh’s fate, immediate and future, was left for God to determine.

Decades removed from watching Saturday morning westerns, I’ve come to understand that distinguishing right from wrong isn’t always so simple. Surely now, as throughout the ages, such evaluations can only be perfectly made when left in another’s hands— those of our loving God, our refuge in times of trouble.

Merciful Father, guided by the Spirit, may I devote myself to reflecting Your love upon all persons while leaving matters of righteousness to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.