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.
