God is righteous and just in judging nations, as clearly presented in chapter 3 of Nahum. He had shown such mercy and grace to Nineveh when he sent Jonah to preach many years before. However, now an evil nation stood to be destroyed by God. Having seen the love and light of God shine upon them with great sweeping salvation. Still, the subsequent generations turned from light to darkness; seeking power and riches. Instead of the succeeding generations following God, they grew in pride and selfishness. They became a brutal city, filled with lies, bloodshed, tyranny and violence. John Steinbeck in The Winter of Our Discontent wrote, “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”1 Thus, God was Just and Righteous in His judgement of this evil nation; who after tasting of His Goodness, rejected it.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned (Hebrews 6:4-8).
AN EVIL NATION POISED FOR JUDGEMENT
Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not. (Nahum 3:1).
What made Assyria an evil nation and Nineveh an evil city? Vernon McGee parallels the city of Nineveh with that of our own United States, because, of the lies, violence, corruption and theft surrounding us.
What better description could you have even of our own country right now? I feel that we are given very few facts but a great deal of propaganda today. This is true not only Washington, D.C., and the news media but of all areas of our society…. The one thing that is needed today is the truth…We say that we live in a nation of law and order—but it hasn’t been that. What an apt description this verse is of the United States! When I first began to study to study this, I felt like asking Nahum, ‘Are you talking about us?’2
What was God’s response?
Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing stock (Nahum 3:5-6).
How sad it would be if after being founded on godly principles, our nation would reach the point in which God must say, “Behold, I am against thee.” Yet, if the Christians of this nation do not stand as beacons of light shining into the darkness; the darkness will snuff out the light and we, as a nation, will stand judged by a Just and Righteous God. Can we stand by idly, allowing America to become an evil nation?
A JUST AND RIGHTEOUS GOD’S OFFER OF GRACE
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
If is such a big word. Have you prayed for our nation today? Have you laid your own sins before the cross of Jesus Christ in full repentance? Do you seek His Face each morning and throughout your day? Wake up dear Christian; before it is too late! Our greatest work, we accomplish on our knees. We must be the light shining into the darkness! That is our only hope. Remember God’s warning to Cain?
“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master” (Genesis 4:6-7, TLB).
Sin is crouching at the door of our nation. Every man and woman must answer heed this warning of God; otherwise, we will justly face God’s wrath. Will we accept His gift of grace, seek His face, and turn from our sin, or not?
Cain did not heed the warning. Instead he killed his brother. What will we, as a nation do. God is calling to us. God is always just in His judgment of individuals and nations.
THE LIES AND VIOLENCE
With so many lies encircling us from social media, mainstream media, politicians, and books; how can we know the truth? Remember,
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Proverbs 12:20
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45
We must seek the truth through prayer, Bible study, and asking God for the wisdom to discern; otherwise, we remain a part of problem in allowing our nation to turn to darkness. Furthermore, if ever there was a time that we, the Christians in this nation should fast and pray for our nation, it is now! However, remember: God has promised that if we seek His Wisdom and truth, He will give it to us freely!
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”God justly judged Nineveh for lies, corruption, and violence in the streets. What about us?” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Sin is crouching at the door ready to devour America. Our only hope is God[/tweetthis]
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
1John Steinbeck, The Winter of Our Discontent, (London, England: Penguin Books, 1982)
2 J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee: Volume III: Proverbs through Malachi, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1982), 829.
Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.