Central Truth

Distance from God yields devastating consequences.

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Reflections

At first reading, Genesis chapter 10 seems no more than a straightforward genealogy listing. But a deeper examination yields numerous clues about the consequences of abandoning our godly focus in life.

This chapter reminds me of a recent trip back to East Texas to the county where my parents were raised. We toured the county seat, the historical library and walked through cemeteries where our relatives are buried. Periodically, my folks would remark about the character qualities of the people buried in those piny wood plots. They told me about our church-going relatives and others who seemed to have exhibited little faith in their life. In a similar manner, Genesis chapter 10 serves as a tombstone for the people mentioned in this passage.

In verse 10, we are told that Nimrod was the founder of Babylon. Babylon was a center of immorality, Jewish oppression and idol worship. In the book of Revelation, Babylon is referred to as a doomed city that will cause the nations of the earth to commit adultery. What a legacy to leave for all eternity to see!

In Genesis 10:25, we read the intriguing statement "Because in his time the earth was divided." This statement is clearly explained in Genesis 11:1-9. We learn that during the life of Peleg, the people on earth had only one language. They were conspiring to build a tower to honor themselves and avoid settling the earth as instructed by God (Genesis 9:1). God obstructed their plans by imposing different languages on them.

In these examples, we see how far from God a family can grow and make decisions that affect subsequent generations. Clearly, Noah was a chosen man of God due to his righteous conduct (Genesis 6:9). How could his family have made such poor decisions? The answer is not a mystery. Independence from God allows mankind's sin nature and the influence of Satan to dominate our thoughts and conduct. Technology and travel have certainly changed since those times, but human nature has not. We are all prone to to turn to our own worldly devices without seeking God's direction for our lives.

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Discussion Questions

1. What daily spiritual disciplines have you instituted in your life to keep from drifting away from God?

2. What key verses have you memorized to help keep you and your family on track?

3. How are you verbalizing and living out your commitment to God for your children?

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