Introduction THE FEET OF THE MESSENGER MUST BE SWIFT, BUT THE MESSAGE CARRIED CAN BE SALVATION OR DEATH

1. Two Prophets went to Nineveh- one was angry when they repented & were saved- other-
2. 150 years after Jonah they had filled the cup of fury and had to drink its bitter dregs
3. Two kinds of people hear the message today- some hear and are saved, some reject & are judged

All Scripture shows that God would rather speak of salvation than judgement-but both are needed

I.- FEET ON THE MOUNTAINS OF ASSYRIA Nahum 1:2,3

Every Hebrew word denoting anger is used in this passage- God is really angry with Nineveh

A.- NAHUM, THE MYSTERIOUS MAN WHOSE NAME MEANS COMPASSION, CONSOLATION, COMFORT *WAS SENT WITH ANGER

1. We know very little about this man-but his message was from God- Inspired! Not personality-but
2. He was a patriotic saint, deeply hated the Assyrians for their treatment of Judah- emotion-
3. He was a great poet- blazing dramatic poetry, he saw God in the sea, hills, storms, etc.

B.- GOD SENT HIS FEET UPON THE MOUNTAINS OF ASSYRRA, TO CARRY THE MESSAGE OF ANGER AND WRATH!

1. The Book does not yield to analysis without history-Nineveh-most powerful nation in history!
2. Dictators rose & fell, others sniped at her, but she cruelly treated all,-savage armies-
3. At time of Mahum- greatest literary culture in world-Sargon II took Samaria-an early Napoleon

C.-THE CITY OF NINEVEH WAS TO FEEL THE WRATH OF GOD SO SEVERE THAT EVEN THE RUINS WERE LOST!

1. A century after Nahum, the city fell- Tibgis & Khose -& small river flooded-(little sins danger)
2. Alexander the Great could not find the mystery city-scholars denied its existence - until Botta 1842
3. It was because of her sin, oppression, greed, materialism, & cruelty that God had to judge.

Thus the city founded by Nimrod-Gen 10:11- fell. But the feet that gave her bad news-gave Israel good news- 1:15

II.- FEET ON THE MOUNTAINS OF ZION Nah 1

The news of the coming judgement of Nineveh was heralded as word of salvation to Judah!

A.- THE FIRST PROPHECY OF THE BEAUTIFUL FEET CARRYING THE NEWS OF DESTRUCT OF ASSYRIA- Isa 52:6-10

1. The Assyrian forces had been a world power for 600 years-and had passed through Palestine often
2. God had promised Isaiah that Assyria would be crushed, and the good news carried to Israel
3. Israel had been so afflicted, that it was truly a good thing to hear of Nineveh's destruction

B.- NAHUM'S PROPHECY IS A REPEAT OF JONAH, BUT SOON THE EXPECTED MESSENGER WAS TO COME TO JUDAH

1. Hard to date Nahum-but Destruct of "No"-3:8 was 663 BC, and Nineveh was 607 BC- so ?
2. It is thought by some that Nahum was very close to the destruction- but fact is it happened
3. Many in Judah wept and prayed for the day of their salvation from Nineveh- & fell to Babylon

C.- THE MESSAGE OF THE BEAUTY OF THE FEET OF THE ONE WHO BEARS THE GOSPEL IS CARRIED INTO N.T. - Rom 10:15

1. All the world in bondage to sin, facing hell on earth, & eternity-why not cry for salvation
2. There are problems getting people saved- Rom 10:14-17, but greatest link is someone with Gospel
3. To win a soul to Christ- someone has to put feet to prayers- carry the messenger with Salvation

We may have foot trouble-but in Luke 7:38- we owe this to the one who carries us the Word

III.- FEET ON THE MOUNTAINS OF OLIVES! - Zech 14:4

The feet that were pierced- Zech 13:6-will come back to stand upon this earth- Hills melt

A.- WHO WILL BE THE NATIONS DESTROYED BY THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD IN POWER & GLORY? Maybe US?

1. The good news Nahum prophesied was the destruction of a most hated nation- who more than us?
2. This nation has earned the wrath of God and the nations of the World await fall to pick carcass
3.The new nation, glory brought by Jesus, -will be built upon the ruins of our wealth & power!

B.- WE ARE WAITING NOW TO HEAR THE FEET OPON THE MOUNTAINS, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? Death or Life

1. For some it will mean the loss of all they have lived, loved, & labored for-all lost, gone!
2. For others- we would gladly lose all we have to stand at His feet! Even through Judgement!
3. Do you really want Him to come? What are you trying to hang on to? Is it worth it?

C.- BUT HOW "BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPSL OF PEACE" ROMANS 10:15

1. We need our feet shod with preparation of Gospel Eph 6:15 - hard work, school, separation, discouragement
2. As the battle draws near- we need a new breed of ministers and missionaries-strong, courageous
3. Stand on your feet before God- what are you doing to carry his good & bad news- visit, soul win

To sincerely be pleased at his coming- you had better be soulwinning! Witnessing, helping

Conclusion- ARE YOU READY FOR GOD TO DROP HIS OTHER SHOE? LIKE ELIAS DENAREND - HEARD THE GUARD COMING

1. The Nazi guard took Denarend's neighbor out & shot him, then turned Denarend free-mistake
2. God will make no mistake- & He is on His way - which will it be- for you? life, or death?
3. Some of you need to surrender fully to the Lord- Let Him lead you into soulwinning!

What of Baptism, & Church Membership? Pray say yes to Jesus!

_{SWC SE462-71}