I know
that thousands of years ago (in Bible times) God judged
nations as well as individuals, but does He do the same thing
today? I don't understand why He allows evil nations to keep
on doing bad things, instead of intervening and bringing them
down. -- V.F.
Dear V.F.:
God does not change -- and yes, He still works to
bring judgment on those who defy Him and work for evil instead
of good. He is holy and just, and His promise is still true:
"I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge
uprightly" (Psalm 75:2).
You have asked a difficult question, however, because God
doesn't always act the way we think He should, or when we
think He should. (Incidentally, people in Bible times often
had the same question.)
But we need to remember two things. First, God does work --
but usually behind the scenes. When the Old Testament prophet
Habakkuk looked out on the evils of his day, he wondered why
God wasn't doing anything. But God was! He told Habakkuk,
"Look at the nations and watch -- and be
utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe" (Habakkuk 1:5).
Second, if God suddenly stepped in today and judged all evil,
who would be left? No one -- because we all have
sinned. You see, God loves us, and He does not want to bring
judgment on us. Instead, He wants to give us every opportunity
to turn to Him. The Bible says, "He is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Have you turned to Christ in
repentance and faith?
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