From Ian

Genesis 10 – The Nations

C.S Lewis said that there is no history to what might have been. In this chapter we catch a glimpse of what might have been and learn a little more of the God who made us in his image. All the people recorded in this chapter are created in God’s image and yet are so different. They are growing in fruitfulness and spreading out into the world that God has made. We see maritime people, hunters and warriors – we see the beginnings of the line that gave us Abraham and, eventually, Israel. The common statement for each family is – “each with its own language.”

In language we find the sources of culture – music – art – expression – and so on. If we take as example the Islands on which we live – Welsh – Scots – Irish – English – in this we have the beauty of different cultures expressed through their own language. When these live in harmony all are enriched. They are different yet each is created in God’s image; the difference provides colour and rhythmic beauty.

I am reminded of the hedgerows and meadows of my childhood in Devon. They were a mass of colour, shapes and forms and produced a hay rich in flavours and smells. That is the picture of this chapter – no conflict – nobody harming any of God’s children, just a splash of colour, sounds and smells, all enjoying the joy and beauty of being different and free, all growing in the knowledge of creation and the Creator.

Chapter 10 provides a picture of what might have been if humankind had obeyed the principles of the commandments summarised in Genesis 9 v.6 – not to harm one another because we each have been created in God’s image. Sadly God knew what was and is in the heart of all humans.

From this chapter we can rejoice in our Father who demonstrates his love for all things different, – including ourselves. It is in choosing to follow in his way that we find freedom and joy, love and peace, hope and salvation.

To understand unity we must understand difference – unity in the midst of difference produces harmony.

Prayer: Father forgive us because we neglect your creation and fail to value and rejoice in the beauty of our being different yet all being created in your image. Help us Lord to live in the unity of the Holy Spirit and enjoy all the benefits of your creation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.


Category: The Bridge , Thought for the week