After the scattering at Babel, humanity spread across the earth, forming early civilizations with great advancements in agriculture, architecture, writing, and governance. Nations such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, Egypt, and the Indus Valley Civilization flourished, establishing complex societies. However, as people built cities, developed trade, and expanded their influence, they also turned away from the worship of the one true God. Idolatry became widespread, and false religions shaped cultures in Mesopotamia, Canaan, Egypt, and beyond. The rise of polytheism and divine kingship reflected a growing spiritual darkness, echoing humanity’s desire for self-rule instead of submission to God. Despite their achievements, the people had failed to learn from the consequences of Babel and continued to exalt themselves rather than honor the Creator.
Amidst this world of spiritual decline, God sought a man of faith to carry out His redemptive plan. Abram, a descendant of Shem, lived in the powerful city of Ur of the Chaldeans, a major center of Mesopotamian culture and religion. His family was likely involved in the worship of false gods, but Abram stood apart, demonstrating faith in something greater than the idols of his people. Though he lived in a world of prosperity and influence, God called him to leave behind his homeland, his family, and everything familiar to follow a divine promise. This act of obedience marked the beginning of a new covenant, through which God would establish a people set apart—a people through whom the Messiah would one day come.
Abram’s story teaches us that God’s plans often require faith and obedience, even when they lead into the unknown. He was asked to trust in God without knowing the full picture, stepping away from a culture that had abandoned the truth. Today, we are faced with similar choices: to follow the ways of the world or to walk by faith in God’s promises. Just as God called Abram, He calls us to live differently, to trust in His guidance, and to build our lives on His foundation rather than the fleeting achievements of human ambition. The world may drift from God, but He is always faithful to call His people back. Will we listen and follow?
Christ’s passionate love for the world is evident in His statements from the cross on that Good Friday afternoon almost 2000 years ago. We...
The book of Hosea is the first of the Minor Prophets in the Biblical canon. The man who authors this book is an important...
We begin our study of the book of Ruth by examining the love and loyalty of an ordinary woman from Moab. Scriptures referenced include...