Do you believe as did the King of Assyria?

Nahum 1:12-15

I showed up on planet earth in the middle of WWII and had no clue that the world was in a major war, but something took place at the defeat of the Japanese that is worthy of learning about.  On August 15, 1945, the people of Japan heard the voice of their god, Emperor Hirohito, in a radio broadcast to the Japanese people.  He was not totally honest with his people, he blamed the atom bomb and not that they were defeated, and must surrender.  The terms of surrender were that Hirohito was forced to disclaim his divine status. Japan lost more than a war—it lost a god. 

The kings of Assyria were very evil and also very powerful, and they believed they were beyond the reach of God or man; in fact, they put trust in themselves.  If you study WWII you will see the hand of God on the side of the USA and its allies, and yet for years it looked as if Japan might win, but Jonah the prophet had this to say; “Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies.”  It is important to remember this about prophecy: “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 
When you read these words, listen very carefully; “Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away.  Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.” (Nahum 1:12 ESV)  Two messages, one of Nineveh’s destruction and the deliverance of Judah, they are interwoven in verses 11-15.  But listen to God’s edict in verse 14 on the Assyrian kings; “The LORD has given commandment about you: “No more shall your name be perpetuated; from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the metal image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.”

I am so glad that we forced Emperor Hirohito to proclaim he was not god to his people, and I am also grateful that we did not act like the Assyrian kings, but we helped rebuild the nation of Japan.  But the question each of us must ask is; do we have misplaced affection, do we have our little house gods, like children, or possessions, maybe it is faith in your nation, your military, maybe the worst of all, in yourself.   If after some soul searching you find that you are guilty, do not be like the Assyrian kings, or the Japanese Emperor, and lose the mercies of God. 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice