Who likes a bully? Have you noticed some of the stories of bullies?
Bullies aren’t born that way, it’s a characteristic they develop over time. To be effective in their way, they need to be intimidating to others. If they’re able to back up the intimidation with actual force that’s all the better. They get an idea of their zone of influence and those in that zone get to ‘know their place’. Observing any resistance crushed by the bully is enough to let anyone else know the likely outcome of future efforts.
All of this happens over time. There is the rise and the peak of the reign of terror by the bully. This scenario is typical among children at school, among employees in certain working environments, the attitude can be seen in the business world and even among nations where one person’s view of a glorious empire is another person’s experience of an oppressive force dominating through intimidation and force.
Nahum, the prophet, has something to say to a particular national bully. A familiar bully to readers of scripture for this bully had been addressed previously by Jonah. At that point the bully repented in order to avert what had been spoken of them. Years later – over time – that city pivotal to the Assyrian empire had once more got themselves into actions and attitudes that were obnoxious to God. This was particularly seen in their treatment of God’s people Israel. Assyria had taken their dominant position as reason for mistreatment and God would no longer allow it.
The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great,
and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. (Nahum 1:3 NLT)
Reading through exactly what God will do to Nineveh should cause concern for anyone who thinks it’s better being in a position of dominance. Over time it might appear better to be in that position. Over time there might be some benefit of enjoying that position. But in time, God will establish what real order should be about. God Himself is no bully. He is not there to just be brutal and violent and lay waste to things and to flex as though that’s what He loves to do. On the contrary, the ‘flex’ of God is to establish a people that would be the representation of His character of mercy and justice. That’s what true humanity is supposed to be about even as typified by His Son.
The behaviour of bullies – individual, corporate, national or international – directly contravenes that character. God watches this but He won’t let it be the final word.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 