|
God has declared the condition of Nineveh unrepairable. They have gone too far. There is no chance for restoration. Is this how you feel currently in a relationship or situation?
There is no remedy for your injuries, and your wounds cannot be healed. All those who hear the news of your destruction clap their hands for joy. Did anyone escape your endless cruelty?
Nahum 3:19 GNB
Wounds. We inflict them every day. Sometimes on ourselves and sometimes on others. We must understand that we are no different than the people of Nineveh. Yes, it is true we are living in a different culture with different values. But sin is still sin. Consider, the judgment of God was cast down upon these people because they refused to turn from their sinful ways. The very first sin they committed should have been the last, but God was merciful in allowing them to continue. Eventually, that tab ran it’s limit and justice was necessary.
We must see this from God’s perspective. If the people of Nineveh had come to your home and killed your family and burned your house down, you might have been one of those who “clapped their hands in joy” when hearing of God’s destruction. This is the trap of sin. We hate it when we are sinned against but we stand guilty ourselves and God’s standard is too high for anyone to achieve.
How depressing would it be to hear God say that there is no chance of restoration? You have gone too far. Your condition is unrepairable. This is what makes Jesus’ sacrifice so scandalous. God had already declared the human condition hopeless. Just like Nineveh, there was no way we could change our own hearts!
But even in the midst of his judgment, God would make a way. Our wounds would become His wounds.
But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.
Isaiah 53:5 HCSB
It doesn’t make sense, but it was God’s will. It was His plan. You were bought at a price. Live like it.