Thanks to Ian

Genesis 11 – Rebellion

In my dream I saw a beautiful meadow full of a vast range of wild, colourful flowers – I heard the musical hum of insects labouring to produce even more living beauty – my nose enjoyed the huge range of warm smells – all was at peace. In a field next to the flower meadow was a solitary blue flower; it was perfect in its geometrical form. Then I saw the blue flower appear in the flower meadow. Soon the blue flower spread over the meadow replacing all the wild flowers that I had seen at first. Finally the whole meadow was covered in the geometrically perfect, blue flowers, there were no more reds, yellows, whites, pinks, there was but one smell and colour – the insects were silent. I awoke and was severely troubled.

In chapter 11 we find the story of the Tower of Babel. Scholars have seen in the phrase in v.1 – “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.” – the exact opposite to chapter 10; there is but one language and common speech; there is no individuality and, with that, no freedom of expression or freedom of choice. The people described are seeking power and control, all respect for the image of God in each person has been removed; these are a dominant people.

In the 19th century a Rabbi (Naftali Zvi Yehudah Berlin) saw Babel as the first totalitarian state – “one language and a common speech.” – freedom of speech and choice removed; individuality suppressed – their God given life has been taken from the people. We see this picture in past and present history. Look at those lands in which freedoms have been removed and persecutions are constant – look at the ambitions of Russia at this time – the enforced conformity in China, enforced religion in Afghanistan. Whether it be state or religious persecution – their desire is to create a uniform person without any reference to the image of God within; a people who can be controlled; a people of the image they themselves have created.

“So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth.” The commandment of Genesis 9 v.6 and unity in difference (Gen.10) have been suppressed, God’s people and creation are being harmed. God intervened quickly and personally. This is our prayer wherever we see persecutions and the savagery of those who seek power and to be in control of those within whom is the image of God – please Lord intervene to save your people.

The rest of the chapter (v10 to the end) reveals the beginnings of God’s long term intervention – Shem to Abraham which leads the way to the covenant with Abraham and, ultimately, to Jesus our Lord and Saviour. God has prepared the way of salvation. Freedom is found in respecting and valuing the image of God in all people and turning to follow God’s way.

Prayer: Yes Lord, wherever we see persecution and war we ask you to intervene personally in the life of each individual involved and we praise you that we have that eternal hope and assurance of forgiveness and salvation through your divine intervention in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

                                                                                  Amen


Category: The Bridge , Thought for the week