Nimrod

Sermon. HRB. 6:30pm. 09:01:05.

Nimrod.

Reading: Genesis 10:7-12.

Introduction / illustration.

*** John Logie Baird / not too many people would recognise

the name of the man whose work has had as much impact

on the world as anyone in the last eighty years.

John Logie Baird produced the first working television

- as early as 1926.

There are people whose work has made and moulded civilisation -

but they get forgotten as time goes by.

One character in the Bible - who moulded much of the

world - was Nimrod.

To many people - Nimrod is the name of a piece of music and an

aeroplane.

In his day - Nimrod was character to be reckoned with.

Biblically his feats were prodigous.

Building several cities, including the famous (and

infamous) Ninevah his name meant "rebel".

He was noted for his hunting and military skills and

external writings about him abound.

He instituted a form of worship - of himself - and

was later known as Marduk - a Babylonian God.

He was instrumental in the building of the Tower of

Babel.

A lot of Israel’s problems originate from him - the practices of

Baal worship being linked to him.

Yet - we know and hear very little - if anything about

him today.

In his day - he must have been a feared and fearsome

despot - on a level with dictators like mussolini and

Idi Amin.

Like a tornado - he came with an impact that was damaging - and

leaves the scene of history - almost unknown.

There have been many like him who have come and gone - making a

big impact when they lived - but are virtually unknown now.

Contrast this with the way that Jesus ministered and the

impact Jesus has had on history:-

Born in poverty and obscurity Jesus has inspired more human

effort and aquired more lasting fame than anyone else who has

ever lived.

Living most of his life in a backwater of the Roman Empire He has

inspired world wide movements for over two thousand years.

Ending His life - so it was thought - as a victim of Roman

execution - He has inspired endless self sacrifice and changed

human nature in a way thought impossible.

He never wrote a book, but the world is filled with libraries

inspired by His life and some of the greatest academic minds who

have ever lived have dedicated their lives to understanding His

teaching and life.

He never lifted his hand against anyone - and countless thousands

if not millions have given their lives selflessly for His cause.

His active ministry lasted about three years. Most of it was

worked out in a small little known country where He simply taught

and healed people. His ministry has extended world wide and today

there are literally billions of people dedicated to Him.

We believe much of His life was spent working as a craftsman but

He left no artefacts to mark his passage. He has since inspired

paintings, architecture and culture world wide.

The world has seen the rise and fall of about fourteen great

empires. Jesus never came to establish an earthly kingdom but

absolutely billions have pledged loyalty to His Kingdom.

Quote:-

"He was born in an obscure village

The child of a peasant woman

He grew up in another obscure village

Where he worked in a carpenter shop

Until he was thirty

He never wrote a book

He never held an office

He never went to college

He never visited a big city

He never travelled more than two hundred miles

From the place where he was born

He did none of the things

Usually associated with greatness

He had no credentials but himself

He was only thirty three

His friends ran away

One of them denied him

He was turned over to his enemies

And went through the mockery of a trial

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves

While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing

The only property he had on earth

When he was dead

He was laid in a borrowed grave

Through the pity of a friend

Nineteen centuries have come and gone

And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race

And the leader of mankind’s progress

All the armies that have ever marched

All the navies that have ever sailed

All the parliaments that have ever sat

All the kings that ever reigned put together

Have not affected the life of mankind on earth

As powerfully as that one solitary life".

This same Jesus - can still change the lives of people

today - those who believe in Him have His promise of

eternal life.

He will never be forgotten or fade into obscurity.