City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“He also said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem; and let Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.’ After the flood Noah lived 350 years. All the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died.”

Genesis 9:26-29 (ESV)

“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.’”

John 14:1-3, 27 (ESV)

Megan’s Musings

Noah did not curse Ham, but his son, Canaan (although God had already blessed Ham, he was a bad example to his son who followed in his footsteps). Canaan was the father of the Canaanites, who were an idolatrous nation, and one of his sons was king of Babel and built Nineveh (in the Book of Jonah, they repented). When God rescued the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, Joshua lead them into the Promised Land that the Canaanites had taken over, about seven hundred years after God had made His promise to Abraham, and about a thousand years when Noah declared his curse and blessings.  

Japheth’s blessing is connected to Shem, his territory would be enlarged, and his family would be welcome in Shem’s descendants’ tents. The name Japheth means “may he have space” or “may God enlarge”, his descendants were the Gentiles who lived among the Mediterranean and were at peace with the line of Shem. 

Shem had the greater blessing. Why? Was it because he was the firstborn? Not necessarily. Noah blessed God, who Shem had a close relationship with. The name Shem means “name” or “fame.” The Hebrews came from Shem’s line: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and ultimately, Jesus. 

At Jesus’ last Passover with His disciples, one of his last words to them was to not be afraid, have peace in their hearts, and they would live with Him. All who believe in Jesus and what He did will have a home in heaven. Jesus was leaving His legacy to His disciples, who would spread His Message to the known world, to those of all races, creeds, and languages, that the curse of sin had no power over those who know Jesus. 

Application

Words have power. Bruce Lee once said, “Words are energy and cast spells, that’s why it’s called spelling.” The words we say, not just to our children, but anybody at our mercy, whether in person or online, or to ourselves, have power. What spells are you casting?     

Prayer

Lord, please let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. Please help me multiply Your blessings here on earth for others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.