R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:
Genesis 10 is sometimes also called the “Table of Nations.” It details the generations of Noah and his sons, following the great flood. As you read, you’re likely to see some names you recognize from other places in the Bible.
A couple people and places that stand out to me - Magog, Tubal, and Meshech. These descendants of Japheth represent nations & geographical areas that are significant in bible prophecy. See Ezekiel 38-39, and Revelation 20. Those are both fascinating reads.
Another name of significance is Nimrod. He is identified as a great hunter & heroic warrior. While both of those identifiers sound awesome - let’s dig a little deeper. If you pull out some Bible study resources, you’ll see that his name can mean “valiant” or even “rebellion.” Look closely at his legacy - he built his kingdom in Babylonia (also called Shinar, Sumer, or the land of the Chaldeans). In the next few chapters of Genesis, God will call a man named Abram to leave this land. The cities Nimrod built were known for their wickedness - such as Nineveh from the book of Jonah.
But one city in particular that was built by Nimrod was the city of Babylon. Without a doubt it was a significant city in Old Testament history.
Babylon was a real place - known for its wonders and beauty - and also known for its great wickedness and sin. The city is also significant in prophecy. In the book of Revelation it not only seems to represent a real place, but is also credited as the consummate worldview and religious system that is in opposition to Jesus. Babylon is called the “mother of all ... obscenities in the world” and is the one who was “drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who were witnesses for Jesus.”
Babylon’s destruction will ultimately come - and you can read more about it in Revelation 17-18.
APPLY:
People and places matter to God.
Acts 17:26-27 says “From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him - though he is not far from any one of us.”
Look at the amazing history in Genesis 10. These people and places were… and ARE significant. This leads me to think about YOU.
The time and place where you have been born is significant too. God’s purpose for your life is that you might SEEK after Him and FIND Him. Though He might feel far away, He is very close to you.
MEMORIZE:
This week, I’m working on John 9:31 “We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.”
PRAY:
I’m praying that in light of what we’ve read about today that you’ll seek Jesus, find Him, worship Him, and do His will.
Today we’re reading Genesis 10 from the
New Living Translation.Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
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