Babel
Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.” Genesis 11:4-8
God hates arrogance because it is a complete rejection of him. Here, the story of the tower of Babel could be described as an ultimate example of arrogance. The people decided to build a tower that would reach to the heavens. This would be the final proof that humankind was in control. In response, God acted decisively. He scattered everyone and, as a result, people no longer spoke one language but many. Division was the inevitable result of men and women putting themselves in the place that is rightfully God’s.
Although these early chapters of Genesis describe an ancient world, they offer a powerful commentary on life today. As humankind grows in self-confidence and believes that it is in total control, division is the inevitable result. Having largely forced God out of the equation, the world is in a state of constant brokenness and despair. It is only when we acknowledge God as Lord of all that we see ourselves – and our world – with the right perspective.
The constant challenge for us is to centre our thinking on God. In Acts 2, we read about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, a day which saw the reversal of the tower of Babel. The arrogant self- confidence of the tower builders led to the scattering of people and a confusion of languages. But, when the Holy Spirit was poured out, suddenly everyone was able to understand one another. Unity was restored. Even today, we are given a choice as to whether to build our own arrogant towers or open ourselves to God’s Spirit. Let’s learn the lesson from the tower of Babel.
QUESTION
What personal lesson do you draw from the account of the tower of Babel?
PRAYER
Thank you Lord that you meet us in our divided world and show us, in the power of your Spirit, how to find unity. Amen
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