More Of The Same

     Nothing in my life has been more shocking than the spectacle of a once godly family sliding into apostasy.  My Grandparents on both sides were committed to the Faith, and are now in that state of blessedness reserved for believers.  One generation removed, only 66% are in the faith; two generations, only 53%.  I've thought about this a lot and wondered if they could have done anything differently which may have changed the current trend.  Is there anything I should do to improve my own family's record?  I just don't know.  It may not even be a reasonable question, especially given the family lines of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.  I mean, if EVER a family had a powerful testimony it HAD to be these guys.  Didn't grandpa Noah visit his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren impressing God's requirements on them?  Didn't his sons try to avoid the sins that brought the world under such horrific judgement?

     If my reckoning is right, Nimrod was born, lived and died within the lifespans of both Noah, and Ham, his grandfather!  He was an amazing guy, who founded several important cities and was known as a mighty hunter in his day.  In our day, however, Nimrod is known for only one thing:  that tower.  Just like Cain, Nimrod certainly knew God's expectations; but, perhaps he'd polled the citizens of Shinar and discovered that they'd really like worship better if the "temple" were more commodious.   I wonder if the tower's plans included a rockin' sound system and a Starbucks kiosk (snicker), but I digress.  If I understand Nimrod rightly, his intention was to fast-track the whole religion experience.  His religion, once again, was focused on the collective efforts of his workers and his great inventiveness.  No faith required.  No repentance needed.  From the beginning until now, there have only ever been two ways:  the narrow way of faith, and the broad way of man made religion.

Nimrod's next project hit a bit of a snag.