THE AMAZING, EXPONENTIAL POWER OF THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

January 25, 2019

We rarely think of the long-term results of God's instructions. At the moment when we read any Biblical direction from God, we think, "Do I want to do that now? It doesn't seem to have a benefit for me in this moment." This is often the rationale behind our unwillingness to follow His directives.

We should obey instantly because we have come to know that God is good and His commands are always for our good, others good, and His glory and the advance of His kingdom. Maturing believers respond this way.

A CASE IN POINT

When Joseph's father and brothers came to Egypt, they were "70 in number" the Bible says. Several years later, we read this amazing account:

Exodus 1

7 But the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them.

8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.

9 He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we.

This population explosion among the Israelites led to their increasing strength, which led to their enslavement, but also led to their freedom and entrance into the Promised Land. But, it all stemmed from the first command ever given to men and women, which the Israelites were faithful to, found in Genesis 1:28:

God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

(This command, by the way, has never been revoked or changed by God to this day.)

FEWER

I read a book several years ago by a secular author entitled "Fewer." His alarming statistical study showed that it takes a birth rate of 2.1 to sustain a nation. He used Europe as an example showing that their birth rate had dropped well below this. The Muslim population, however, do not practice birth control and believe that children are a blessing. Therefore, his contention was that in a matter of 1 generation (40 years) multiple nations would become predominately Muslim. Which is exactly what has happened.

America's rate is now at 1.76, which is unsustainable. Birth control is an assumed posture by most couples in America. Add to that the fact that we are aborting close to 900,000 babies each year.

According to researchers at Columbia University, "To put this in perspective, the total fertility rate hovered around 3.0 in the early 1900's, declined to replacement levels of 2.1 in the 1940's, reached a peak of 3.7 in the post-World War 2 baby boom, and then declined rapidly to the relatively stable low levels in the 1970's." 

COULD IT BE ...

… that God knows what He's doing? That His command to have children has a long-term purpose for His kingdom and the spiritual health of nations?

It was true of the Israelites. Here's an interesting question: What if the Christ followers in America followed this first command, allowing God to give them however many children He desired and they "multiplied exceedingly?” And, what if that explosion of believing families could have an effect on the moral and spiritual climate of the nation?

What results could that have for the kingdom in the next 40 years in America?

Just a thought ...





Also in Graceful Truth

WHAT DO YOU SEEK?
WHAT DO YOU SEEK?

September 13, 2024

We were made for God, and our soul is not at rest until we find Him and enter His kingdom. Once there, the daily, hourly pursuit of God will bring direction, wisdom, clarity, and understanding. In His presence is “fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Continue Reading

LOOKING UP IN A LOUD SEASON
LOOKING UP IN A LOUD SEASON

September 12, 2024

As I write, we are in a political season. It is important, in some ways, but it is filled with the loud boasts and constant plots and plans of humans. Honestly, it wearies me and, if not careful, pulls my soul away from the presence of the Father.

Continue Reading

THE COMING JUDGMENT
THE COMING JUDGMENT

September 10, 2024

If you wonder, “When will all this evil in the world be over?” Do not worry. It will happen when the time is ripe and not a moment before. But a day is coming when evil will be completely banished, Satan and his minions will be completely removed, and a new heaven and earth will come with no hint of evil. And at that time, every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Continue Reading