Nineveh’s Mercy

Grace and mercy often work together as an example of God’s love, however, they are sometimes confused by some Christians. Both are very important, but God can also give each one separately.

A very wise and Godly pastor explained it this way: Grace is favor given by God to those who do not deserve it. Mercy is punishment not given to those who do deserve it.

Jonah and Nahum are two old testament prophets who were assigned by God to prophesy the destruction of Ninevah, the capital of Assyria. Both followed and obeyed God, Jonah, not right away, of course. We all have heard the Sunday school stories of Jonah and the whale, followed by three days of correction inside the same whale.

Jonah’s Reluctant Task

Jonah tried to run from God. He quickly discovered God’s omnipresence. God gave Jonah a task, not only for the Ninevites but for Jonah as well.

God spoke to Jonah again and instructed him to say these words: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”

Mercy and Forgiveness

Like Sodom and Gomorrah, Ninevah deserved destruction. They committed many crimes against the Israeli people as well as sins against God. However, God, Himself, wanted to show grace and mercy to the Assyrian people. He wanted to give them a chance for repentance. He wished to forgive the Ninevites for all they had done, just as Jesus; our savior, forgives us for our sins.

Assyria at that time was ripe for revival. Famine, pestilence, plagues, and rival governments had weakened the nation, including Nineveh.

The people repented to God, from the lowly peasant to the high king. Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. (Jonah 3:10)

This passage clearly states that God does not want to harm any of His children. Obedience produces blessing. Repentance leads to salvation. God granted mercy to Nineveh.

In contrast, Jonah himself still hoped for Nineveh’s destruction. He sat in a spot with a view of the city waiting for the “show” to start, Jonah was hoping to watch Nineveh’s fall. While waiting, God caused a vine to grow above Jonah to provide shade for his head; the next day, God took the vine away. Jonah was distressed; he had more compassion for the mindless plant than for the entire population of Nineveh which was estimated to be over 100,000 people. God was displeased with the lack of grace and mercy in Jonah’s heart.

In Nahum’s Day

Nahum was a prophet who lived 100 or more years after Jonah. He also prophesied the destruction of Nineveh, yet this time things were different; this Nineveh didn’t repent. Nineveh was exceptionally cruel to their enemies, showing no mercy to any of their adversaries.

The political landscape was very different in Nahum’s day. Assyria participated, along with the Chaldeans and Babylonians, in the overthrow of Israel, which led to Israels’ seventy-year exile. Why would one of the world’s leading nations listen to a prophet of a conquered society?

Mercy’s End

Grace may be neverending for anyone who stays faithful to our Lord. However, mercy can have an end. Godly patience is given by the will of the Father. Mercy is not infinite.

Assyria regained their prideful arrogance, their violence, and their idolatry. They forgot the gift of mercy God had shown them in Jonah’s day.

Your Name…No Longer

Nahum’s prophetic statements reaffirm God’s judgment. In Nahum 1: 3, the Bible states, “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” Nahum 1:14 says: The Lord has given a command concerning you: “Your name shall be perpetuated no longer.” These are words you never want to hear. However, Nineveh paid no heed to God’s second warning.

God allowed the destruction of Assyria at the hand of the Babylonians. The fall of Nineveh was so devastating and complete the actual location of Nineveh was not discovered until 1846 A.D., 2400 years later. God wanted to erase the ungodly influence of Nineveh forever.

Mercy was shown to Nineveh when they feared and obeyed God’s warning. Obedience brings blessings. Disobedience brings correction.

Reap What We Sow

There are some Christians who conveniently skip this section of the Bible when studying sermons or preparing Bible lessons. God will require accountability for all people. We are given mercy when we fear (or respect) God. “We reap what we sow, more than we sow, later than we sow it.” (quote by Dr. Charles Stanley) If we show no repentance, no respect, no fear, then we can expect no mercy.

Mercy is not a right; it is a gift. Do not take this lightly. Remember; “all have fallen short,” including you and me.

Nineveh’s arrogance and pride created a culture of superiority; they even thought they were higher than God. Why should they repent? They conquered Israel, God’s chosen people. Satan’s arrogance and pride created a false sense of superiority as well; he also thinks he is higher than God. However, both have fallen.

It is sad when you consider all the souls of Nineveh, an entire city that once knew God and then backslid into the deception of pride.

Being Human

We are only human, a creation of God. Once we realize the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ, we as a people begin to understand how big God is and how much we need Him. He shows mercy when we make mistakes; we learn and by His loving guidance grow into better Christians, better humans in His likeness. Pride and arrogance and willful disobedience will remove the gift of mercy, and we will suffer the full wrath of our mistakes. If you look at our society today, our culture is headed in the wrong direction. Without correction and repentance, we will suffer the same fate as Niniveh.

He is Calling You

Read your Bible with open eyes and open minds, pray, seek Christian leaders for teaching and understanding (back up everything you learn with scripture, the very word of God.)

Jesus died on the cross for you. He took your punishment so you would not have to endure the pain. Accept Him; Jesus accepts you just as you are, including all your flaws. He loves you, and you are His child. Please listen to your Father. He is calling you.