Genesis Ch 11 is a chapter that is incomplete without that which follows in Genesis Ch 12.
When the people built the Tower of Babel and the City, their is inference that this is done in part due to the memory of the flood.
Now God had given man a mandate to multiply and to subdue the earth, man had been given dominion over all of the other creatures and so this desire to build for the reasons given shows a detachment from the purpose for which man was made. That this declaration follows after the flood, shows that within man was a lack of comprehension concerning the elements and mans inability to harness his own resources. Being in a built up city, offers less protection if hailstones are falling against that City.
Yet, the text of scripture does not imply that God is disjointed by this tower and city. He comes down to see the city and the tower. And the manner in which he speaks of their accomplishment implies a respect unto their capabilities and achievements. Despite this tower reaching into the heavens, the Lord comes down to it to see. This takes us away from the tangible realm of the atheist and closed minded scientist, and shows us the God who created the universe is far above and beyond a tower that passes through some clouds.
Here we get a measured insight into Gods mind and character. When he comes down to see this City and Tower, he intentionally breaks up the unity of man. This ability to speak and to be understood among themselves had come from God. The ability to design and build had also come from God. But salvation without God is one thing that is not possible for man.
On the day of Pentecost, God poured out a blessing upon those 120 gathered in the upper room and he gave them a supernatural ability to speak in languages that they had not learned. They had gathered in unity, brought to that place by an attraction to a man who had declined all the kingdoms and towers of this world, when offered to him. They were attracted to a man whose life lacked no concentrate, but was able to feed thousands in the wilderness, and to disperse a crowd and send them home. When John the Baptist had cried ‘Behold the Lamb of God’, it had awakened within them the deepest part of their design and capacity to build! And where they not placed their, individually, within the City as foundation stones, upon whose testimony all subsequently have been added.
Here we see the great distinction and the component that had been missing from the tower and city built to reach into the heavens. This City started in heaven and included man from the very beginning at its foundation, the very reason man was created. This is the truth that sets man free, God has shared all of himself with his creation, ‘let there be light and there was light’. This City has 24/7 access as truth does not need to fear being dispersed as God is omnipresent in every nook and cranny of his creation.
‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the World’
This statement is a succinct statement, it is a word that returned not void. A foundation laid before the foundations of the world.
It is succinct because it starts with the nature that God delights in and ends with this nature seamlessly healing sickness.
Love is undeterred. Love from God would not and could not alter its mission. God will not change his blueprint. This is a wonderful truth concerning GOD.
‘Behold the Lamb of God’, many cities had come since Abel had offered the lamb to God. Even Jerusalem had been destroyed as a consequence of its sins, the Lord himself giving it for a season into the hand of King Nebuchadnezzar.
This cry from John, was a deep cry. It was a cry that had come down through the ages. It was a cry from his own personal need that someone else provide for his own sins, a cry for harmony with God not based on any personal merit but unconditionally from God, a transformative act of union with love. It was a prophetic cry from the greatest of men.
The whole gospel is contained within this one succinct cry. The veil is torn in two prophetically within this cry, and that includes you and me, Jew or Gentile. The Lamb had been the pattern given to the original sons of man, through whom all have been born. And the promise to him who believed that God would not withhold his only begotten son as a sacrifice, had always been to every kindred, tribe and nation
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The third dynasty of Ur coincided with the timeframe of Abraham. The third dynasty of Ur was the first real beginnings of what became known as an Empire State. This gives the narrative of Abraham context and fixes the biblical narrative as constant and consistent throughout the text of scripture: ‘Come ye out of her’ Rev Ch 18 v4. And it places the Word of God as the voice of distinction between the flood of this world and the songs of heaven. In fact here we see clearly that it is only through hearing, receiving and obeying Gods Word that we experience the life originally intended.
It should also be noted that the Biblical timeframe is affirmed by secular historians in respect to Ur III.
Scripture is very compressed around Gen Ch 9, 10 and 11, as much ground is covered in genealogy and major events such as the division of the earth in the days of Peleg.
Japheth: Javan, Tarshish (Ch 10 v5).
Ham; Cush, Nimrod (Babel & Nineveh).
Shem; Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber and Peleg.
Nimrod the first on earth to be a mighty man. Akin to Goliath able to bring others under his influence by his speech and fear of reprisal for disagreeing. In this we have the distinction that Gods word brings to a society, individual freedom and dignity comes through the Word of God. Gods word truly facilitates a foundation for men and women to be of one accord, the world system will always be hierarchical. Children can be offered upon the alters of hierarchy where material gain is grasped at even in death. But Gods word places them as vital to the multitude.
Considering the three sons of Noah, at Babel the division occurred. This ought to speak to us I guess in respect of the Anti Christ. The unity came under a mighty man, able to consolidate those around him under himself. And equally it ought to focus are attention on Jesus, the liberator from fear, oppression and heartbreak; inevitable when a name for oneself is the goal rather than the heart being each other’s welfare. Jesus focused on the heart, not building an earthly kingdom.
Also here, we see the natural state of man is according to design: It is not good that man should be alone. Yet, we also have the dispersion of the disciples after Stephens death to fulfill the mandate of going out to the coastlands of every land.
Peleg was born 96 years after exiting the ark.
Abraham we know was born, at most 161 years after Peleg.
This is helpful, as Abraham did not have Hollywood to occupy his time, nor did he have Venice to visit or Shakespeare to read. Abraham, would have been informed of his history, especially new history from after the flood.
It’s of interest that scripture appears to intentionally, not note the precise timeframe of Abrahams birth, placing it within Terah’s 70 years. This is unique up to this point and can not be without meaning. It becomes of more interest when we consider the clear New Testament documenting of Abraham seedline and the birth of are Saviour, 42 generations. Perhaps it is linked to Daniels 70 years, and or the rest of God on the Sabbath. But I think it is safe to conclude that a major reason is to keep believers and none believers on their toes concerning the day of his return!
God did not want a memorial for Abrahams birthday! Gods focus is upon his Word spoken to Abraham, a promise which God can not break or lie. This is the focus of the epistles and it was the hope that enabled them to rejoice in tribulation – God will fulfill his Word.
The Church of England has this week given license to a form of baptism that is devoid of any biblical truth or understanding. Through this it is showing that as an institution it is unable to discern between the forces of mighty men in this world and Gods Word.
Noah’s ark is the first visual type of baptism, and contains the promises of God that transform the heart, prophetically speaking concerning the light of this world, who overcame Satan in the wilderness. Every color of the rainbow proceeds from Gods light, Gods word has decreed one male and one female for every variety of creature that entered the ark. The creator has applied science to that truth within the rainbow, and no bending of the light can alter that science, all color refracts out of a raindrop between 40-42 degrees (From Abraham who followed Noah and after He was baptized 40 days in the wilderness).
The lie is contrary to nature. The biggest lie is that homosexuality is natural. Baptism has always been a message entirely focused on confessing your sins and leaving them behind.
Scripture intentionally has order over these passages to give us timelines and principles that God will not change over.
Thus, the kingdom of Babel is referenced before the division of language and people groups.
Thus, the youngest son of Noah, ‘Ham’, is interlinked with his son Canaan, whose descendants passed from Shinar (Babel) upto the coastlands of Gaza, establishing Sodom and Gomorrah.
(Goliath was a mighty man, a giant akin to the flood, in the coastlands of the Philistines).
Scripture, is noting these places due to that which is going to come to pass, before they come to pass. You may say that the passages are written with the benefit of hindsight, and I would say ‘Yes, precisely’. Gods Judgement upon Sodom and Gomorrah, is definitive, Sin will not be allowed to corrupt that which is beyond the clouds in the heavens. The message from heaven carries out people from this Judgment to come, it never causes them to tarry in a baptism of Judgement!
God, destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in part due to having Abraham, a man who found grace in the eyes of God, and understood that this grace of God can transform from the darkness into the light: Look up. And that is why the timeline and bible narrative follows his seedline. And Abraham prayed for all souls in those Cities.
Now Ch 12 of Genesis is of the greatest interest. As God has his man, the man through whom the Saviour will come.
And to what land does he send him and under what promise.
God speaks to him concerning a new thing. Right from the start God reveals that he is in the business of making new: the transforming of the mind and heart. This isn’t a shrinks couch where fathers and mothers are blamed and freud consulted. But a message from a twelve year old who knew he was loved by his Father in heaven. It is a coming out from and entering into whereby the axe is laid to the roots of Adam, and his abdication and subsequent blame game.
The promise is that he would be blessed in order to be a blessing unto others. It was so that all families of the earth would be blessed through him. Though you all families shall bless themselves – this speaks strongly of the blessing being upon a finish work, a provided sacrifice who took the curse upon himself.
The Lord appeared to Abraham when he came to the land of Canaan.
This land was given in promise.
The land of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the lands that where occupied from the descendants of Ham, who exposed his fathers nakedness rather than cover it in love.
The blessing of God was sent specifically to the place affiliated with the fall and the curse.
Gods heart is for the redemption of all, all sinners. Whether they be thieves on a cross, tax collectors of the state, homosexuals, prodigals, rich young rules or Pharisees.
What Ham did was contrary to the covenant promises. Ham had been saved through his Fathers obedient to the word of God. Ham lowered the tone, and focused a light on that which was not yet redeemed in his fathers life. But as the faithful and loyal Son, to all of his fathers commandments revealed, God has come to cover are unrighteousness with his best robe of righteousness. Love covering a multitude of sins is part and parcel of the new covenant.
God sends the blessings of obedience to reach out to those in desperate need of repentance and redemption. Legalism is an enemy of the good news, and it is not part of the succinct cry of prophecy.
Condemnation comes through rejecting the message of liberty. Condemnation is the final Judgment of ones own heart to stay captive to the; lies, chains and oppression of the evil one, the first rebel. Condemnation is to choose darkness and not the light.
‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’ – Cried by him who was born to herald the Christ. Revealed to his Father within the veil.
To serve without fear, as swore to Abraham, who would not be compromised in his faith through agreement with a suggestion from the king of Sodom!
Gods people are commanded not to fear! Enemies! Nimrods, Goliaths, promoters and defenders of Sodomy.
Gods word is quite clear, get out of any place that prevents Gods word saving you from sin, even if it has Church written on.
‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’ – No condemnation is found in the light of following that word, it makes all things new and promises eternity.
One seed was chosen from Zachariah to merge and become one with Elizabeth’s seed. Both of their own seeds being from the priesthood, making them one. One male and one female with a message from within the veil (ark), one to bring Joy and an invitation to all those outside waiting for a word of mercy from Him seated and ruling.
Joy in the womb and Joy in adulthood within the embrace of Calvary’s covering love. Where, the lamb was slain to redeem the land, removing the curse and herald in the blessings.
Joy in the womb, as its where life begins.
Joy in the womb, as God spake a world from nought.
Joy to the World, the Saviour reigns
N.B.
‘For this my son was dead and is alive again’. There are three sons in Luke Ch 15, one who spake the parable prophetically from his father. Terah was 70 when he had had three sons. One died before time, to give life unto all. The other two sons have a fusion through Isaac and Rebecca: a delayed birth according to the start of the priesthood and past the age of birth: The new birth is always a miracle and will always be a miracle of God.
One son was near to home, I liken this to the right side. And one son was afar off, living outside the covenant promises/ Gentile in thought and deed. I liken this to the left side. Afar off also speaks concerning distant coastlands of other nations.
Abraham, was called into the land. In this respect we could likened it to near home. The bride/Church is called from afar. But only after the common unifier is affirmed. Rebekah is two generations apart in the family tree chronically than Isaac. God, isn’t in a rush concerning his blue print of redemption, his strategy isn’t a militant growth to conquer a land. His focus is entirely on unveiling his Son, the true image for man.
In Genesis Ch 22 after Abraham has not withheld his only begotten Son, God affirms his call and promise to Abraham. Abraham was present as he offered his Son, and his Heavenly Father speaks the blessing into his heritage and family. God doesn’t call people out of their family and nation without their family and nation being blessed.
Seashore, Coastlands. Gen Ch 22 v17.
In his old age Abraham must have dwelt upon it. His brother Haran’s death in the presence of his father Terah, and his act of obedience up the mountain. It may not have preceded his own call, as scripture may indicate in Ch12 v1 a gap between. But it is referenced prior to it, and it became the place referred to as Haran, from whence he moved out. Thus, this event was scripturally the launching pad of Abrahams journey and walk with God. Hence, Abraham as he saw the covenant promise being outworking down his family tree, must have reflected back to Gods provided sacrifice, slain before the foundation of the World.
Many questions remain here. Did Terah hear the call, before his son Abraham! Why did they settle in a place to become known as Haran, as it is likely Haran died prior to this. But as we contemplate such questions that may have answers, we can fast forward to Calvary, and see that in Jesus, the message is lifted up, John Ch3 v16 – The Fathers provided sacrifice.
Perhaps Nahor, Terahs father was alive when Haran died. We do know that Terah was present, and that may speak of the Father having been present at Calvary despite the Cry of his Son! Into those hands he was raised from the dead.
70, Daniel wasn’t a legalistic: Live forever oh King. Spoken in captivity unto the head of empire. Daniel was neither a man who gave license, the writing being on the wall, to those who think the message of the angels can be corrupted. But God, is able to unite the right and left through the centrality of the Cross of his only begotten Son.
Perhaps Haran was not much older than 33, when he died in his fathers presence. But what we do know, is that when Jesus rose from the dead, graves where opened.
Ezekiel Ch 36 & 37.
Noah found grace in the eyes of God. This is the message of redemption through which sons are saved. Jesus came into this world to seek and save that which was lost.
We had a carol service at Church last night. It included a high spec film by are Sunday School that utilizes one of the leaders vocational skills in film production. It was an adaptation of Bugsy Malone and the birth of the Saviour! I was informed of that afterwards, and had no idea what was going on for most of it. But one bit I did get was when the black and white film changed to color as the detective Maguire finds Mary and the new born king. The detective had tears running down her cheeks, which is one vital ingredient to reveal Gods promise not to destroy the world by flood. The detective had been looking at the stars through a telescope a few times in the short film.
eternalrays 