Man’s Self-Worship & God’s Hope

Scripture: Genesis 11

In a world dominated by darkness and flooded by sin, God still dispenses His hope to humanity. Genesis 11 is epoch in the sense that whilst the unfaithfulness of man continues in humanity, God was preparing a man for his redemptive agenda. Whereas the descendants of Ham engage in self-worship, God uses Shem to dispense His hope to the world. He is a God who can bring out the best in seemingly dark conditions. Where darkness booms, He calls forth light to shine. Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

What can we learn from Genesis 11?

#1. God hates and scatters self-worship. (Genesis 11:1-9)

The descendants of Ham, specifically Nimrod, who built Babel, were engaged in self-worship. They called people for a united effort to build a tower but the purpose was devilish when they declared that they wanted to “make a name for ourselves”. God was not against the building but against their motive. Thus, He pronounced judgment on them, confused their language and scattered them over the face of the earth. We must do a heart check about what we are seeking to build in the name of God. If what we are building will not magnify Him, He will destroy it.

#2. God chose Shem & Abraham’s descendants for His plan of salvation. (Genesis 11:10-32)

In the midst of this hopeless and sinfulness of man, God chose Shem and Abraham’s lineage to preserve His divine agenda. When hope seems to be lost, He shines His light and brings clarity. God is an expert on making the impossible possible. He can turn what seems to be broken to become straight. When Abraham and Sarah found themselves in the worst of barrenness, He gave them a child in their old age. What a wonderful God who can turn hopeless conditions for His glory. Your condition may not be final. God can turn it around for good. Put your trust in Him.

God’s promise and covenant with Noah was deeper than producing offspring to fill the earth. He was to produce the man who will bring God’s blessing to us all. He destroyed the wicked and sinful in the flood to preserve His plan of salvation that will last eternity. He is indeed the Alpha and the Omega. May He alone be praised forever.

Take Action: Bless God for His plan irrespective of man’s unfaithfulness.