January 8, Reading 1 – Genesis 10:1-11:26

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Language unites and divides humanity. The Day of Pentecost in Acts is parallel to this chapter of the Tower of Babel. Judgment and scattering is paralleled with salvation and gathering. In one the Spirit is withdrawn. In the other, the Spirit is poured out.

SJA Notes

* Creator God, You have kept this world turning through Your power, and You have kept humanity living through that same power. Please show us more of who You are today.

“These are the generations of Shem.”

Remembering our family history is a big deal for many people. Who were our grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents? What kind of things did they go through, decisions made, lives lived?

We often consider our lineage as a big part of who we are.

Israel’s history is written here in God’s word.

We see in today’s passage many names, fathers and sons down through time from the flood all the way to Abram (Abraham).

We see the gradual decline in lifespans from many hundreds of years down to 120 (see God’s decision in Genesis ch 6).

We see that Shem was alive well into Abraham’s lifetime.

Shem who lived through the flood may well have taught his descendants of God’s great salvation to them in the ark, perhaps even to Abraham.

Acknowledging our family history is important.

Praise God for the line of Shem, from whom comes King David, and then great King David’s GREATER SON – Our King Jesus.

We remember Him – This is of first and primary importance.

The only way to be in the lineage that will last through to glory, God’s people, living stones being built up into His house, is to be found in Jesus. A spiritual re-birth, born again into a new creation.

Praise God for His salvation to us – Emmanuel, God with us!

* Saviour God,

You are the God who works Your plans out through history. Nothing is bigger or stronger or smarter than You. No human mind, no spiritual power.

Please forgive us Lord when we think otherwise, when the world creeps in and poisons our minds against You.

Please draw us back to You each day.

And thank You for Your word, the only mirror that will always tell us the truth.

Amen.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.