Christian Reflection and Prayer

(Day 11 of Advent)

Scripture:

Read Genesis 11:1-9, 12:1-3. In you all the families
of the earth shall be blessed (see Genesis 12:3).

After the flood Noah's children began to repopulate
the earth. But the flood didn't really change mankind's
fallen nature. Even while God was promising Noah He
would not send another flood because of man, He
noted, "the intention of man's heart is evil from his
youth" (see Genesis 8:21).

An episode in Genesis 11 illustrates this stubborn,
rebellious streak in mankind. God had commanded
Noah and his descendants to spread out after the
flood and fill the earth. But while migrating west, a
group of them decided not to keep spreading out, but
to stay together and make a name or reputation for
themselves. They began building a huge tower with
its top in the heavens. God confused their language
so they would not understand one another. As a result
they went out and spread across the earth.

Though they were spread out, history was slowly
repeating itself. Just like Seth's descendants before
the flood, the number of believers among Noah's
descendants began to plummet again. So the Lord
chose an unbelieving man named Abram. He called
him from worshiping idols and false gods to leave his
father's house and go to a land God would show him.
The Holy Spirit created faith in Abram, and he obeyed
God and went. The Lord promised to make him into a
great nation and bless every nation through his offspring.
Once again the promise of the Savior remained intact,
being passed down from generation to generation.

THE PRAYER: Lord God, Holy Father, by sheer grace
alone You called Abram to leave his home and follow
You. Give me such an obedient heart that I may leave
behind all temptations and sinful pursuits to love and
follow my Lord Jesus Christ. I pray in His Name. Amen

(Lutheran Hour Ministries).