January 6. Languages, Lies & Light

Readings: Gen 11:1-12:20, Ps 5:1-6, Prov 1:15-16, Matt 5:13-32

Genesis
v4. This was in direct contravention of God's command for the people to fill the whole world. In addition they wanted to build a tower which would protect them from any future flood - i.e. they did not believe God's promise not to flood the earth again. It is in the hearts of some men for their name to be glorified rather than God, therefore this is rebellion.
This tower is real, having been observed by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.
v5-9. God does exactly what the people wanted to avoid - He scatters them. 'Nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them' - because gives man free will, He will not intervene. This is also for good, because man can also work very well & achieve great things. But in the same way where there are evil intents at play he can also cause great harm. Just think of some of the evils of the last 100 years or so.
God's confusion of the language was His act of grace to limit the combined power of evil which was beginning to take place. We still have some of this confusion today. Even though there are evil powers at work, they do not always join forces because of cultural differences etc. However, this will not always be the case, as there will be clear working together of evil in the last days especially against the nation of Israel.
Ch 12.
At the end of chapter 11 we are first introduced to Abram. At the start of chapter 12, we have God's great promise which is still valid today. God does protect Israel & history shows what happens to nations according to how they treat Israel. That God promises to create a nation from Abram, who at the age of 75 had no children is remarkable. Abram trusted in God for this promise.
v10. Abram's faith is tested by famine & this could be significant for Christians living in the last days. Instead of trusting in God to provide, Abram went to Egypt, but God had called him to Canaan. In the last days we read about financial systems requiring the mark of the beast. It is in these times when we will need to place our complete trust in God alone to provide. As God begins to shake the world economy He is looking for believers to live under the economy of heaven , which is faith.
Whilst God protected Abram in Egypt, he came away with problems, biggest of which was Hagar. She of course bore Ishmael & we can trace modern day issues with Israel to that very birth.
v13. The pact to lie about their relationship. Sometimes the devil can cause us to lie, no matter how right it seems at the time. God wants the truth at all times.

Psalm
Truth is at the heart of this psalm. God is merciful & always ready to forgive. He would rather we confess first thing in the morning than going through the day being proud & wicked.

Proverbs
Continues the warning from yesterday, in that we should avoid being led into sin by others. If we are easily led by certain people it is best to avoid them.

Matthew
v13. In the days of Jesus, salt was valuable. It was used to preserve - to prevent decay. As Christians we should prevent decay in society. It was used to flavour & our impact on others should flavour them with the kingdom of God.
14-16. We are to be the light in the darkness of the world. When Jesus lives in us we should illuminate & glow. Moses face shone when he had been in the presence of God. We too have that same access to His presence. And unlike Moses, whose glory began to fade & so had to cover his face, we are told that we are unveiled because to glory on us should not fade.