Nineveh was one of the greatest and most wealthy cities of its time and it ruled for centuries. It's sin and wickedness in the form of violence was unparalleled to any other city probably in all of history. The whole story of Nineveh is an intriguing one. I won't go into all the details but I do want to point out one thing that God showed me as I was reading and studying the minor prophet of Nahum this morning.
One can get a great view (perspective) of God and His character through the storey of Nineveh. The prophet Jonah was sent to preach judgement upon Nineveh but they repented of their sin and God relented. It's then interesting to note that this repentance must not have lasted very long because God later announces sure judgement upon Nineveh through the prophet Nahum.
The thing that I took away from this is that God truly is "slow to anger and abounding in mercy" AND that "He will not withhold judgement forever." This is the perfect picture of the both/and sides of God. He is perfect mercy AND He is perfect judgement.
If you are in a time of sin and rebellion, embrace His grace now while He is offering it! There will come a time and maybe soon where His judgement will overtake you. His mercy and grace are great and His judgement is fierce. Choose His grace and love while it may be found so that you do not have to experience the terrible wrath of a Holy God. Seek God today while He may be found (check out Isaiah 55:6-7) and do not turn back to sin and rebellion.
P.S. Study the fall of Nineveh. It will scare the you know what out of you!