From the Pulpit...

I am struck by how similar the 2015 ISIS offensive in Iraq, which advanced rapidly since June 2014, looked like the Assyrians, and the Babylonians after them. The religion is different, but the brutal tactics are eerily similar. God is not mocked. Galatians 6:7 says that what someone sows, they will certainly, eventually, also reap. Whether soon, in this life, or later in judgment, the results will make clear what kind of seed was planted in life. The Ninevites planted a terrible crop with their wickedness, and received a commensurate harvest. Those who live by the sword will die by it as well (Matt. 26:52). The specific 14 situation of Nineveh offers the general principle that God judges wickedness. Those who oppose God, He will oppose. Those who conspire against God, God has a plan for them too. Those who do damage to God’s people will suffer damage themselves. As they increase their sin, they heap up for themselves increased judgment. Our nation, the United States, is doing that just now. Some sins are practiced by a minority; but those who applaud and support those sins are many more (Romans 1:32; read the entire passage from 1:18-32 and let the full effect sink in). We believe God is righteous. We know He is. We see that He expresses judgment in very harsh and even mocking terms which might offend our sensibilities. But this shows that righteousness is not incompatible with severe judgment against sinners, and we see it in both testaments. What God prophesied through Nahum did indeed happen. In 612 B.C. the kingdom of Assyria was destroyed. God’s word was vindicated, around 40 years after it was written. God’s promises always come to pass—whether for good or for calamity. Bank on it!