"nimrod's Folly"

Nimrod and the people sought to avoid scattering. God says, no way. I am going to scatter you. Chapter 10 reveals what the results were. Japheth and his sons moved westward toward Spain via the Caspian and Black Seas (10:2–5). The sons of Ham migrated southwestward to Africa (10:6–14). Finally, the Sons of Shem (10:21–31) occupied the area north of the Persian Gulf. Even Nimrod learns his lesson and scatters. He and his generations go to build the great cities including Babylon and Nineveh.

On Labor Day, we do not need to repeat the mistake of celebrating our accomplishments and puffing up with pride. We have no need to add layers of bricks to the towers already in existence.

With our names already on the list, it would only take a short time at at coffee to add modern-day Nimrods who in their folly are tower building. Yet even now these towers of divide and opposition are defeated towers.

The writing is on the wall for their dismantling. Just as God came down to view what was happening on the Shinar plain, Christ came down to act as God’s agent for salvation. Christ came down to save us from ourselves. He will clear any towers and divides that remain on his return to make way for his kingdom. Political parties, Brand Loyalty, one upmanship, and disregarding the needs of our neighbors. In the end, no tower will stand against God. Hardened hearts will soften because God sent his Son to die to save us from ourselves.

The towers of Babel are relentlessly attractive. They call us. Life revolves around them. Our heart’s desire is to fit in and gain access. Yet, they are temporary and nothing in comparison with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ day the primary tower of Jewish pride was Herod’s temple. Yet Jesus said to the people’s shock and anger, he would destroy the temple and replace it.

What pride-filled towers in our lives require demolition to make way for the best God has to offer us - HIMSELF! What worldly towers do we need to flee because they conflict with God’s plans for our lives?

Babel and Nimrod’s folly helps explain the Progressive Power of evil in this world today. It explains the worsening rot with things getting progressively worse. Yet in the end God shames those who try to make a name for themselves. Read the Beatitudes to ultimately find the ones Jesus says are blessed and happy. You won’t find tower builders in this list. You will however find the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the hungry, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and the persecuted.

The tower builders hold to a completely different answer that question and answer one. Their faith is in themselves alone. And we see their victims frequently on the news. We encounter them at the pantry when they share their story. We know their dashed dreams of family members who feel let down again and again. They may not even realize what they are pursuing. We can be of help redirecting each other and others away from these towers that fail to deliver.

Only God can deliver – only his promises will hold true. And if you doubt this, keep reading. Compare Genesis 11 and 12. While Noah’s descendants presume they can make a name for themselves, God tells Abram I will make your name great. To do so, I am going to scatter you to a new land.