Bible Pathways 1/04/2004
January 4
Read Genesis 10 -- 12
In Today's Reading:
Descendants of Noah; Babel; origin of languages; God's call and covenant with Abram; his journey to Canaan and Egypt
Nimrod is the first king mentioned in the Bible: The beginning of his kingdom was Babel (Genesis 10:10). Nimrod means "rebel." He was a mighty hunter before the LORD (10:9). Later we read: Nimrod began to be mighty upon the earth (I Chronicles 1:10).
With Nimrod as their leader, the people united to build a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven. They said: Let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth (Genesis 11:4). The words make us a name revealed their desire for power. The sinful, self-centered human heart seeks a name for itself and has no desire to glorify God.
The mighty Nimrod established the first world empire and ruled it. His ambition to build a tower whose top may reach to heaven did not mean he expected to reach the throne of the Almighty God. Perhaps his desire was to make himself and his followers mighty enough to rule the world. Nimrod was a hunter — probably meaning a hunter of men who would support his ambitions. Before the LORD means that this rebel pursued his own ambitious plans in defiance of God, Who had commanded Adam: Multiply, and replenish the earth (1:28); and said to Noah: Multiply, and replenish (fill) the earth (9:1). Nimrod is symbolic of self-seeking independence and rejection of God.
Just as in the days of Nimrod, today there is a worldwide movement to unite and control all people and all religions into a one-world government and one church. The greatest safeguard against being deceived in this age of lawlessness is knowing the Word of God. It alone exposes the true intent of leaders in world affairs.
The call of God demands that we make a choice. Even the closest ties of human loyalty or affection must be severed when they conflict with what is written in His Word. Our Lord said: He that takes not his cross, and follows after Me, is not worthy of Me (Matthew 10:38).
Word Studies:
10:25 earth divided = people became separated; 11:3 go to = come; 12:7 seed = descendants; 12:10 sojourn = live temporarily; 12:16 had = gave him.
Christ Revealed:
As the Promised Seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; Matthew 1:1; Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:16). Abraham was a type of Christ who leads the way to a far better promised land (John 14:2-4,6; Hebrews 11:8-10). He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16).
Pray For:
Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe · Major languages: Italian and German · Religious freedom · 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will keep you from speaking evil (Psalm 34:13).
Optional Reading: Matthew 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3
