For centuries, mankind struggled with ignorance. Not long ago, the majority of the world could not read or write. Superstition was widespead at times. Education was extremely limited. It is incredible how in the last century, knowledge has exploded. It is not that humans now have higher I.Qs or were not much more intelligent than the animals about us - it is because for the first time all the efforts of many fine and highly educated minds are being pooled. We are literally seeing prophecy fulfilled before our eyes (Dan. 12:4). The pyramids of Egypt and other edifices reflect the remarkable level of ability that existed in that day. Knowledge was gained and then lost over and over again. One of the first acts of a conquering nation was to burn and destroy much of the knowledge of those they conquered and to enslave the people. Perhaps a major reason is the difficulty of perserving knowledge in a written language, which added to the vast numbers of people who were not able to get an education beyond the primitive knowledge of the tribe or nation. Even kings could not read or write in many cases. In time, people eventually clustered into groups and became nations. Alfred the Great of Britain was considered great for his literary achievements rather than victories in battle. A growing and impressive amount of knowledge has opened our eyes to many new possibilities within the power of man to achieve.
One question that has rattled around in my head has to do with nations, cultures and different peoples. Vast numbers of people form nations. Putting the current mad rush toward multi-cultured nations aside, it is easy to recognize attributes and unique abilities among various nations. Experts can quickly point out the nature or culture of a people. It seems that there are some inborn qualities or trends that mark peoples beyond skin color. The languages we speak seem to have a large part in making us somewhat different from one another - we think alike (differently?) because our languages are not alike.
Where do nations come from? God made some remarkable statements about them. Gen. 10 tells of nations that were formed. Not every child became the founder of a nation. Verse 32 said that nations were divided. God intended that to happen. In Gen. 17:4, 16 God promised Abraham and Sarah that they would be the father and mother of many nations. God singled out others to whom He also stated there would be nations coming from them. God also stated that all the nations of the earth were to be blessed in the seed of Abraham's and that indicates that nations from other origins would exist. Gen. 48:12 goes further to indicate that the descendants of Ephraim would become a company of nations. The British Commonwealth is one group that fits that description. Gen. 25:16 speaks of the children of Ishmael who were to form 12 nations. Why is it that the children of those designated to become a nation cannot all form nations on their own? Why did the 12 sons of Jacob become nations and then Ephraim continue to give rise to more nations. This did not happen to all the children of these 12. Each of them did not give rise to a new nation. The 12 tribes or nations of Israel are distinct one from another and have remained so for thousands of years. Of course, the only way a nation of homogeneous people can exist is if succeeding generations retained the identifying traits. That gives rise to many questions and thoughts in my mind. We see intermarriage on a large scale and children born who seem to carry part of the abilities of each parent in them.
In recent years much more has been learned about the DNA and gene code. The only way an identity of a nation can exist is if the traits were given and then maintained. When God promises a nation would arise - it seems He determines that a trait will begin and then be passed on. That implies God's direct involvement and indeed it must be so. God has often been directly involved in the direction humans are to take. A few examples would be in creating Adam and Eve, the begettal and birth of Isaac, Esau and Jacob's life and children, choosing Mary to give birth to Jesus Christ and many more instances. God was directly involved in the selection of the ova and sperm - if you will. He continued to ensure that a nation did indeed arise from those to whom He made promises. What could be the purpose and reason for this? Why would God be so directly involved. It is clear that God allowed many things to happen - not all of them good - but He worked with humans and with the situations that He had allowed to occur. The birth of Solomon is an example of an act (adultery and murder) that displeased God, but nevertheless God used what He had and remained involved. Jesus came through the blood line of King Solomon or more correctly King David as Solomon's line was bypassed when Mary is noted to be a descendant of Nathan (another son of Bathsheba) and not Solomon (Matt. 1:7).
God designed nations and He intended them to be different. He is the author of variety and His designs are always quite wonderful. Different nations are gifted in various ways that make them unique. Some are very musical, some are romantic, and looking around the world, we see traits that mark each nation in a unique way. There are also many similarities, but the differences make them unique. It is almost as if there was an unseen built in factor that is the same within each unique nation. That is not to say that within a single nation there are no differences. It is obvious that crossovers occur and some traits may be stronger than others. It was God who designed the different races and the different traits that give rise to cultures. War has had its part in blending the races and cultures. The differences is also one of the main reasons nations have not been able to live together in peace. Nations fight against other nations.
When we focus our gaze on the statements God makes about the far distant future, we note that He continually keeps His focus on multiple nations. In Rev. 7:9 we see pictured vast multitudes of all nations that have been accepted by God. Rev. 21:9-21 describes a wonderful scene of God dwelling with mankind. verse 24 states that the "nations" of those who are saved shall walk in its light. These are those whose names are written in the Book of Life (verse 27). Obviously God wants the saved to retain some of their special and unique traits. Once we learn and comprehend that fact, we will be more inclined to respect and cherish the differences rather that make them the cause for discrimination. God does not discriminate. Peter found that lesson hard to learn - but he did learn it. In Acts 10:35 Peter acknowledged that God accepts anyone of any nation who is willing to fear and obey Him. In Acts 17:26,27 we read that God made all nations of one blood and determined the boundaries of where they were to live. We humans sometimes come up with what we think is a different idea. We try to mingle nations and races to blend into one. That is impossible in the long run because it flies against what God has designed physically. It also stands against His purpose and desire to have the nations remain with their unique traits.
Rev. 22:2 describes a scene of great beauty and peace. Directly from the throne of God a river of water of life will flow. Verse 2 states that it is for the healing of the nations. His servants shall reign forever and ever. That implies much more than a physical and temporary existence. We have now entered the spiritual realm with God. His future is described with the distinction of the nations before Him. The only way that nations could come from a designated few is if God intended it to be that way and was directing the whole operation. We humans have little to do with that. God created the races and character traits within those races. Not every child was the father of a nation. Most simply became members of the nation that started by the designation of God. Rather than fight against this concept, we ought to embrace it and with the embracing of that concept we need to learn to celebrate and preserve the differences as gifts from God. His will shall stand. We only have the choice to learn to stand beside God and be supportive - or to become His adversaries. No one in their right mind would choose to be an adversary to God. Cherish your national identity and respect all others - that is from God. Our behaviour is dictated by the way we see ourselves. Comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise (2 Cor. 10:12). Accepting the differences God has designed and trying to uphold them for our selves and for others is a recognition that God has wanted different nations and the differences will carry on into the Milenium or thousand years that follows the return of Christ (Rev. 20:3). Satan has decieved the nations God created and let them into conflict with one another and with God.
It ought to become clear that what we see in this physical world will change when all who inhabit the Kingdom of God will be spirit beings. All will have the nature of the Father and Son, and will share in their glory (2 Pet. 1:4). As spirit beings, we will also be different, but there will be no contentions, disagreements, attempts to determine who is the greatest. Those questions will never occur in God's family. Be thankful for your parents and background and work toward developing the nature of God. He will have a family of children who will be like the Father and Son, but unique in their own way. We are all part of His design of creation. His will shall be done on earth.