And out of these
the nations were separated
on the earth after the flood.
Chapters like this can be hard to read as they are lists of names that are all foreign to us. Sometimes we get a little glimpse into a personal story, like Nimrod being a “hunter,” but other times, it can be bewildering to us, like what’s written for Peleg “for in his days the earth was divided” – I don’t have a clue what that would mean!
What I do get from it is that Noah and his family were obedient to “As for you, be fruitful and multiply; populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it.” They had many children that became nations that eventually had their own languages and identities.
It makes me pause and think about what God has called me to and am I being obedient? I think mankind has done a fine job populating the earth, and I don’t think we need any more nations, except to continue to build the nation of God, the followers of Jesus, who come from every nation and tribe. How am I doing on that one? What have I been doing within my own family, teaching them to trust the Lord under all circumstances? What am I doing to encourage friends in their faith?
In this time of Covid, that is a harder question to answer. It’s easier to focus on being “safe,” not coming into contact with others. There are still ways to contribute, financially or over zoom, but it takes more effort. I’ve found I have to continually ask myself, what is the Lord asking of me today? Sometimes, it is just to be “safe” and encourage others to be “safe,” but others times it is to reach out and to challenge others to faith.
What does obedience look like for you?
