What can we learn about God's timing from Genesis 11:20? the verse in focus “Genesis 11:20 — ‘When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug.’” key observations about the timing • Thirty-two years is comparatively young when set beside earlier patriarchs who often waited many decades before fathering children (e.g., Genesis 5). • The genealogy of Shem moves swiftly here, emphasizing that God is steadily advancing His redemptive line toward Abram (Genesis 11:26). • No miracles or dramatic interventions are recorded—just ordinary family life unfolding exactly when God intends. principles we can draw • God’s purposes progress on His schedule, not on human expectations. The rapid succession of births after the Flood shows the Lord accelerating history toward His covenant with Abraham (Galatians 4:4). • Apparent “small moments” (a birth notice) are essential links in the larger salvation story; nothing in God’s timetable is random (Romans 8:28). • God works both through long seasons of waiting (e.g., Noah’s 120 years, Genesis 6:3) and through swift developments (Reu at 32). He is equally sovereign in both rhythms (Ecclesiastes 3:1). links to other passages on divine timing • Psalm 31:15 — “My times are in Your hands.” • Habakkuk 2:3 — “The vision awaits its appointed time … though it lingers, wait for it.” • Acts 17:26 — God “marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” living this truth today • Trust that seemingly ordinary days may be pivotal in God’s long-range plan; remain faithful in daily responsibilities. • Celebrate both quick answers and prolonged seasons of waiting, knowing each is part of the same divine calendar. • Anchor hope in the certainty that God’s timing culminated perfectly in Christ’s first coming (Romans 5:6) and will do so again at His return (2 Peter 3:9). |
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