I am in Genesis 11 ....The Tower of Babel. Now I have read this chapter many times, but yes usually just rushing through it. I never really understood why God caused the people to speak different languages and scatter, but I guess I just accepted it. I wanted to look at it deeper this time.
First I found out it was about 150 years after the flood and there were about 30,000 people on the earth. Now I think humanity had done pretty good in 150 years, don't you!? : ). Since I had been studying the story more I went back to Genesis 1:27,28. God had said take my image to every part of the earth - not gather in one place, maybe where we just felt safe. The people of that time wanted to build statues to reflect the image of God, but God said we (humanity) are to bear God's image, not statues and He wanted us to take His image to the ends of the earth
We are image bearers, yes this involves a responsibility. Think about it, we carry His Presence. As I thought more, it confirmed something I knew somehow deep inside that everytime I walk into one of these pubs here in England, where so many people did not know Jesus, I should be able to change the atmosphere; joy, peace, light, mercy and grace. And that people have an innate value because they were created in the image of God. This should make a huge difference in how we treat people. Yes we can disagree and even get angry, but we still treat people with dignity and respect because God created them. Now as I was talking to John Luke and Georgina about this, I experienced a bit of concern. I didn't want them to think they could go into anywhere because they would take Jesus. They needed wisdom, discernment; none of us need to be anywhere God does not call us to go, but if He does I wanted them to be aware Who goes with them and what it meant.
The mission has not changed since the garden/Adam and Eve - God's plan was for humanity to take His image to the ends of the earth. Yes we gather as a church, we saw this in Acts where the churched gathered - waiting for the power, Holy Spirit. God didn't want a big church in Jerusalem. He wanted them to receive Holy Spirit and then scatter - take His image to the ends of earth.
Driving to Surrey one morning to go see Howard's mom; H, JL, GG and I had a conversation about the things I felt I had discovered (or had known, but just a deeper sense). I love to bring my family into this kind of processing. I love to hear how especially JL & GG see things and it is important to apply it all. At this point in my life, if we don't look at how to apply and make it real - what is the point?
This was the application we came up with:
1 - We are to make His name known, not ours. The people of that time in Genesis 11 was wanting to make a name for themselves without God. Maybe we need to look at our motives, be faithful with our opportunities and be obedient to the things God says.
2 - To make disciples of ALL nations - Is God calling you to go to another nation, one possibility. Or what about your neighbourhood, where you go to school, your work - as GG said, "Each one of us need to do our own thing!" John Luke wants to major in psychology and use the study of human behaviour to help kids.
Where is He asking you to take His image, to be an image bearer? You might think there is no way He is saying what He is. I struggled with working in the pubs, meeting people and sharing His presence there. Kind of went against the culture I was from.
Are you scattering or gathering where you feel safe? Something to think about .......
Hey try reading the Bible through in 2 years instead of 1! : )
Teresa, this is beautiful. Hope to continue following you each day. God bless you for allowing God to use you. Manya
ReplyDeleteHey Manya, thanks ....I don't write everyday - try to frequently. I had been working on the book, so got a bit behind with writing ....but you can sign up to receive when I write .....there on the side 'follow this blog'. I appreciate your encouragement very much ......yes I want to participate with Him in His mission in the unique way He has created me.
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