WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Pray that God will show you exactly his intended place for you in his plans.

Unstoppable growth
The energetic development of humanity seems unstoppable. The megacity where I live, Dhaka, is thrusting concrete and tarmac out onto the gentle Bangladesh countryside faster than anyone can control.

In this chapter there is a similar trend, as Noah’s descendants breed, spread and reinvent themselves after the flood. Some characters receive only a mention (whatever happened to dear old Put?!), while a few such as heroic Nimrod become celebrities. Many aspects of human society do not change with time.

Unfair?
In chapter 9, Ham was cursed and now even more unfairly – it seems to me – so are his descendants, the Canaanite nation. How can we come to terms with God’s declared intention: that Canaanites should be the slaves of Shem (9:26)?

First, of course, if Genesis teaches us anything it is that we should acknowledge almighty God. Unless he chooses to involve us, his purposes are none of our business.

Long-term consequences
Second, it is clear that the consequences of sin are often long-term. God doesn’t want this but it’s inevitable (see Exodus 20:5).

Finally, it is good to know that Jesus shows us a more excellent way. In his kingdom, all are part of God’s plan – and the least shall be the greatest.

Respond: What is the Christian response to the modern reality that the people of Dhaka work almost as if they were Ham’s descendants, for the benefit of the people of the West?

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-01-13