Monday, May 28, 2007

Beware of Nimrod - The Charasmatic Gift of Coercion

All week long, God has been speaking to me about Nimrod. Though the Bible does not say much about him specifically, we know from the Scriptures that he was the great-grandson of Noah, by way of Cush and Ham. The only detail the Bible stresses about this man is that he was a mighty hunter and established the kingdom of Babylon. He understood hard work and how to make his way prosperous in the earth (Genesis 10, 1 Chronicles 1). He also understood politics and how to persuade the crowd.

Again, Nimrod is credited as the founder of Babylon, also referred to as Babel.

Gen 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
Gen 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
Gen 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
Gen 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Gen 11:5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
Gen 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
Gen 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
Gen 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
Gen 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

This is a very common account in the Word of God, yet we often miss the point of what God is saying through the story. The Bible warns that in the last days, there will be a great falling away, such that even the elect of God will be deceived (Matthew 24:24). Many in the Body of Christ are deceived by the very thing we are trying to accomplish - UNITY.

Just like Nimrod, there are many in our time that have a gift of influence. Some have a gift to convince others of anything they desire. For this reason, it is so important that the Saints of God understand the Word for themselves. It is crucial that stay in right-standing with the Father on a personal level. Without discernment, deceit is inevitable.

Many historians give Nimrod credit for the establishment of of many fraternal organizations, such as the Masons. He had a gift for uniting people for purpose and power. In his gift to unite people, he became a founder of one of history's most sinful cities. Why? Because people have a tendency to believe that unity implies the will of God. We tend to feel and believe that all disagreement is sinful and rebellious. This is a huge misconception in the Body of Christ. Throughout the Gospel, we are taught that disagreements will come, and that there is a godly way to handle them. Not every disagreement must grow into an argument, and not every question is representative of disdain or disrespect. Again, discernment is so important.

Intimidation is simply a tool of control and a form of witchcraft. Do not be intimidated by the crowd. Many of us will have to stand alone at some point or another. Are we fully persuaded by God, or easily persuaded by others?

Beware of those with the charisma of Nimrod and resist the temptation to gain and/or use it as well. Saints of God, do not be swayed by the "crowd". On the other hand, do not be threatened by questions. Disrespect is one thing, but questions are NOT our enemy. In fact, we are instructed to be ready for them (1 Peter 3:15). Even when questions do come as an attack, be sure of the faith that lies within you. Again, discernment is key.

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