In my last post, I considered some contrasts between Nimrod and the Lord Jesus. The root distinction was between two perspectives in life, the first (Nimrod) put self at the centre of his world, the second (Christ) put God, and others, at the centre of His world.
The contrast can be seen clearly between what Nimrod valued, and what the Lord instructed His disciples to pray for in His well known guidance for prayer in Matt 6.9-13.
To Nimrod, his own reputation and renown was all important. His name was to be revered and respected. He became famous and his desire was mirrored by those who built Babel "let us make us a name" (Gen 11.4). However, the Lord instructed His disciples to pray to the Father, "Hallowed be THY Name" (Matt 6.9).
Also, in the case of Nimrod, we are introduced to his kingdom. "And the beginning of His kingdom was Babel ..." (Gen 10.10). The picture is painted of a proud and successful king, having an extensive realm over which he had authority. However, the Lord instructed His disciples to pray "THY Kingdom come" (Matt 6.10).
Nimrod was a rebel at heart, his very name stressing the importance he placed on his own will. His will was followed in defiance of the will of God (see Gen 11.1-9). However, the Lord instructed His disciples to pray "THY will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt 6.10)
Finally, Nimrod was self-sufficient and independent, a "mighty hunter". However, the Lord instructed His disciples to maintain a dependent spirit "Give us this day our daily bread ..." (Matt 6.11).
How different we are expected to be! It is a good idea from time to time to ask ourselves the following questions:
1. Is my life lived for God's glory or my own?
2. Do I seek first God's Kingdom, or my own?
3. Do I follow God's will, or my own?
4. Am I trusting God, or am I trusting myself? Am I dependent or independent?
Nimrod's hearts desire could be summarised: "MINE is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever"! For us, as disciples of the Lord Jesus it should be very different! May our lives be witnesses to the fact that our prayer, our hearts desire, is "THINE is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen" (Matt 6.13).
