Before the Lord

Genesis 10:8 introduces us to a man named Nimrod described as "a mighty one in the earth." The words seem to intimate that this guy must have been something special. In fact, the very next verse reads, "He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord."

Wow, we think. This guy was "before the Lord." This dude must have been something special, maybe even like Enoch, who walked with God in such an intimate relationship that he did not taste death; instead, God simply translated him á la "Beam me up, Scotty," to Heaven. Sure makes Nimrod seem extra special, right? Uh ... first looks can be deceiving.

First off, names in the Bible have meaning. The meaning of "Nimrod"? "To rebel." Not exactly a characteristic that would commend you to God. Second, he was a descendant of the cursed side of Noah's family (Genesis 9:18-27). Third, in verse ten of Genesis 10, we learn that he also established the city of Babel, that city of rebellion-against-God fame. A millennia later, the nation of Assyria was still being referred to as "the land of Nimrod" ( Micah 5:5-6). Assyria, ever an enemy of the nation of Israel, was recognized as having been founded by none other than the infamous Nimrod—not to mention other anti-God cities like Nineveh, that city of Prophet Jonah's fame. Not exactly something we'd want to send on our resumé to God.

Then, the kicker, that dubious word "before." In Hebrew, it has two meanings, one negative and one favorable. Because of the context in which Nimrod is presented, namely the rebellious nations and cities that he is associated with, most Bible scholars agree that in this verse the word "before" means "against." When we substitute "against" in that first verse, we get: "He was a might hunter against the Lord." Not such a good thing to emulate after all.

Then we see Nimrod's polar opposite, Elijah. In1 Kings 17:1 we find him courageously confronting the wicked King Ahab saying, "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand ..." then proceeds to pronounce a judgement of drought on behalf of the God of Israel. A miraculous event from start to finish that leaves no doubt that the "before" in regards to Elijah is a definite positive "before the Lord."

This dichotomy has continued through the centuries and stands before us today. We get to choose. Stand before the Lord in a positive way—or in a negative way? The call of the world is subtle but magnetic. Just look at what Nimrod had. Power. Wealth. Renown. On the surface, a lot of the stuff most people in the world clamor for.

Then look at Elijah. Not rich. Having to hide from the king when the drought came into effect. Having to flee for his life from before the infamous Queen Jezebel after killing 400 of her prophets of Baal. Isolated. Alone. At times depressed. On the surface, why would we want to emulate him? Because beneath the outward veneer of lowliness beat a wealth of true riches. Not only did Elijah witness miracles wrought from the hand of God, but he walked with Him. Talked with Him. Enjoyed the sweet fragrance of His presence, His peace.

Years ago Readers' Digest printed an article about a scruffy teen who spit out at the cop who was handcuffing him, "I make more in a week than you do all year." Forget that he was now in the system, getting a record, setting the stage for a life of crime, the teen still thought his wayward life trumped the cop's, simply because of the money that passed through his hands. He just didn't understand that that policeman had something he didn't have. Integrity. A life with no regrets, no shame, no need to hide—priceless things no amount of money can buy.

When he had his own construction company, there was a time when Dennis had a young man working for him who, unfortunately, also dealt in drugs. That young man thought he had the whole enchilada. Big house. Big bucks. Big everything. But at night, instead of sleeping in his nice big bed in his nice big bedroom, he slept outside, motivated by the overriding emotion coloring his life — fear. He chose to sleep in discomfort, outside, because he'd be harder to find there. Just in case the drug lords decided he needed a lesson or two. Money he had, but no peace.

Well did the Psalmist write, "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him" (Psalm 34:8). Before us is "before" and "before." For the Lord vs against the Lord. We can be Nimrod, going for the worldly stuff and recognition, or we can be Elijah, not of world renown or wealth, but known to God in a positive way—that is, in all the ways that matter. Talking with Him. Walking with Him. Spending time with Him. Being filled with His presence. What will you choose?

I, for one, choose Jesus.

"...but as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord; for he is our God "(Joshua 24:15).