Originally posted: 01/10/2019

Prerogative: “an exclusive right, privilege, etc., exercised by virtue of rank, office, or the like; a right, privilege, etc., limited to a specific person or to persons of a particular category; a power, immunity, or the like restricted to a sovereign government or its representative.”

(As a side note, many Biblical scholars assert that Genesis 11 chronologically takes place before Genesis 10. In Hebrew literature, events are sometimes described chronologically and then the writer may backtrack to expand understanding, in a sense explaining first the consequence before its cause. In other words, the inception of nations and languages detailed in Genesis 10 was the result of the pride and rebellion described in Genesis 11.)

Consider His Prerogative

Because of God’s exclusive right as Almighty Creator, Sovereign LORD, He does what He deems necessary. He alone has the Prerogative and privilege to direct the course of His Creation, that His purposes will be accomplished.

It is His Prerogative to spread abroad the nations. This was, after all, His commandment to Noah and his sons. “And God, blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth,’” (Genesis 9:1). God’s purpose will be accomplished.

It is His Prerogative to confuse. God’s heart is for unity for His children. But apart from Jesus Christ we will never know the unity of His Spirit, but rather unity of self-exaltation and rebellion. “…let us make a name for ourselves, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the earth,” (11:4). But wasn’t this exactly what God had commanded, to fill the earth, to be scattered abroad? God’s purpose will be accomplished.

It is His Prerogative to scatter. Sadly, we see the fruit of rebellion once again as man attempts to determine his own way. The LORD had promised He would never again destroy the earth by flood. Scattering was a merciful act of His holy justice. “The LORD said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them,” (11:6). Scattering was the act of a loving God; in so doing the intent and forces of the enemy were weakened. God’s purpose will be accomplished.

It is His Prerogative to choose…one man, one family, one way. Genesis 11:27 introduces us to Abram, God’s choice. Through Abram the Promised One, God’s Way of Salvation, would come. “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” (John 14:6). God’s purpose will be accomplished.

His Prerogative…not ours, not now, not ever.

How do we respond to His Prerogative?

• Acknowledge He is Sovereign. He alone has the prerogative, the absolute right, to determine the destiny of mankind. His purpose will be accomplished.
  • For I know that the Lord is great
    And that our Lord is above all gods.
    ⁶ Whatever the Lord pleases, He does,
    In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps, (Psalm 135:5-6).

• Accept His Way.  His gift of salvation is a free gift of grace through His Son. There is no other way. We have only to admit our need and accept His choice, His gift, His purpose.
  • “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. ¹⁴ For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it,” (Matthew 7:13-15).

• Assume He is faithful. We do not have to understand everything God does. Faith believes and trusts in the goodness and purposes of Sovereign God revealed in the pages of Scripture.
  • Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, (Hebrews 11:1).

• Acclaim His Name. Oh that our lives would make a Name for Him alone. He alone is worthy to receive praise and exaltation. That His purpose in each of us will be accomplished!
  • Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    For His name alone is exalted;
    His glory is above earth and heaven, (Psalm 148:13)

Let’s Grow Together!