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: 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 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 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 - 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 to Noah: Multiply, and replenish (fill) the earth (9:1).
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 only assurance of not being deceived in this age of lawlessness is knowing the Word of God as a personal relationship with Jesus. This knowlede exposes the motives behind the actions of leaders in world affairs.
In striking contrast to Abram, who symbolizes submission to God, Nimrod is a symbol of self-seeking independence. The call of God came to Abram: Get . . . out of your country . . . to a land that I will show you . . . in you shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed (12:1-4).
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 takes not his cross, and follows 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 · BP Staff: Letha Hash · Country: Georgia (6 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe · Major languages: Georgian and Russian · Religious opposition to Christianity · 57% Georgian/Armenian/Russian/Syrian Orthodox; 21% Muslim; .8% Catholic; .5% Protestant; .5% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy to cleanse from all sins (Psalm 51:2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:16