The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him, but with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh; He will pursue His foes into darkness. Nahum 1:7-8
One Hundred and fifty years before Nahum, God sent Jonah to take a message of Mercy to this capitol of Assyria. This book of doom was more than just a prophecy of destruction, it was first a reminder of God’s patience and enduring love. It is the story of second chances ignored.
Nineveh was a strong city, head of a warrior state, rich on the loot of those it conquered, built on the backs of slaves. It’s nation destroyed Israel and wreaked brutal misery on Judah. It is described as arrogant and reckless, assuming indestructible security. But when this huge city was wiped off the face of the earth, it went totally undetected until excavations in 1820 uncovered it. For 2400 years people forgot it ever existed.
In the Bible’s story, God’s mercy always stands in contrast to His judgement. He choses FORGIVENESS, REDEMPTION, RESTORATION, ETERNAL HOPE!!! It is not His desire to cast anyone into darkness, a place where His light will never shine, known as hell. This final move is the consequence of rebellion and resistance to truth. It isn’t God’s choice, but man’s.
Chose wisely!
Love,
Gretchen