Nineveh, called an exceedingly great city in the book of Jonah, lay on the Eastern bank of Tigris and in ancient Assyria across the River from modern day city of Mosul in Iraq.
It was an important junction for commercial routes crossing the Tigris, thus, occupying a central position on the highway between Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, thus, uniting East and West. Wealth flowed into it from many sources so that it became a great ancient city. No wonder it became an evil city that need to be condemned.
However, loving as our God is, who does not want to see the sinner perish, sent Jonah to go and preach repentance to the people of Nineveh and they repented! (see the book of Jonah)
Sins of Nineveh
The people of Nineveh, amongst their sins were ruthless, cruel, bloodthirsty and wicked. In fact there was so much ungodliness that God could not bear it any more.
Due to the intense sins of Nineveh, Jonah opted to escape from the task of going to Nineveh to preach God’s message of repentance. But the all knowing God, whose mercies endureth forever caused Jonah to be swallowed by a big fish and vomited at Nineveh shores after spending three days in the belly of the fish.
Why will such a sinful nation condemn today’s generation? What will the people of Nineveh say about you should you stand before them?
Why Nineveh will condemn us
• They were quick to repent at the preaching of Jonah. Even though we have one greater than Jonah, we are showing less interest and willingness to accept Jesus and confess Him. We are rather accepting and joining secret societies and cults.
• We have heard a lot of sermons but fail to repent. Nineveh was given 40days to repent. How many days have you been given to hear God’s word and repent.
• The people of Nineveh repented at the preaching of a simple message by Jonah, we have God’s word revealed through His Son Jesus and His apostles.
Don’t you think the people of Nineveh will condemn us at Judgement?
Why Jesus statement
Jesus saw the generation as evil. All they sought was signs and wonders and not repentance. Aside all the things He taught them and the miracles He performed, they never acknowledged Him but sought after signs and wonders. What is our generation’s character?
• Today, homosexuals are being ordained as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The situation is so disgraceful that churches are divided and meeting on whether they should accept the sins committed by Sodom and Gomorrah.
• Selfishness and greed is taking the better half of church administration. Covetousness and extortion is an acceptable means of making money for the church (2Pet. 2:2-4kjv)
• Churches are unionising with the world to seek peace the humanist way. (John 14:27).
• Today, churches are ruled by man-made constitutions, like the world, instead of the word of God.(2Tim. 3:16-17).
• Truth and Christians who stand by it is being persecuted as they did to Jesus.
• Aside all the revelations and knowledge of the word of God abounding, the evils are still on-going and even being committed by Christians.
• People are chasing after miracles instead of salvation
• Preaching of prosperity and false hope from the pulpits instead of stressing on holiness and obedience to God’s word (1Tm:6:5-6)
Think about this
• The 19th Century people travelled on horseback/ wagons to undertake dangerous voyages to hear or share God’s word.
• The 19th Century people sat under trees, on logs and in unconditioned rooms to hear God’s word in the olden days.
• The Luther’s and Wesley’s who availed themselves for God to use and reveal His truth. How they studied God’s word carefully to learn the simplicity of the New Testament Christianity.
• The 19th Century people made difficult decisions to leave their families and friends to follow the way of Christ.
If we are shunning the regular fellowship of believers, not taking advantage of bible studies offered in nice, comfortable buildings, won’t those who preceded us, condemn us on the day of judgement?
Conclusion
1. As Jesus said to His disciples on another occasion: For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Mt 13:17)
2. Indeed, we are richly blessed...
a. We have the message of salvation offered by One greater than Jonah.
b. We have the wisdom of God taught by One greater than Solomon -- Don't you think that the Ninevites would have loved to have what we enjoy today?
3. Don't forget the maxim: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48)
Unless we wish to be "Condemned By others" on the Day of Judgment, let us utilize the blessings given to us through Christ, and expend whatever effort necessary to learn and heed His wonderful message! Amen.
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