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Bible Pathways - January 4, 2006


January 4, 2006

Read Genesis 10 -- 12

In Today's Reading:

Descendants of Noah; Babel; origin of languages; God's call and covenant with Abram; his journeys 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: he began to be mighty upon the earth (I Chronicles 1:10).

With Nimrod as their leader, the people united to build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto 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 carnal human heart seeks a name for itself and wants to feel important. It has no desire to glorify God.

The mighty Nimrod established the first world empire and ruled it. His self-centered ambition to build a tower whose top may reach unto heaven did not mean he expected to reach the throne of the Almighty God — 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 (fill) the earth (1:28); and Noah: Multiply, and replenish the earth (9:1).

Just as it was 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 superchurch. This government and religious system is recorded in Revelation 17:3-5 (see December 29 devotion). The only assurance of not being deceived in this age of lawlessness is knowing the Word of God and having a personal relationship with Jesus. This knowledge exposes the motives behind the actions 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 cut when they conflict with our submission to Christ and what is written in His Word. He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me (Matthew 10:38).

Christ Revealed:

As the Promised Seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3,7; compare 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).

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.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Country: Congo, Republic of the (2 million) in west-central Africa · Major languages: French and Lingala · Limited religious freedom, but government hostility has lessened · 41% Roman Catholic; 20% fetishism and belief in ancestral spirits; 17% Protestant; 9% cults · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and thank God for all His blessings (Psalm 68:19).

Optional Reading: Matthew 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:12