Genesis 11:1-9 (NRSV)
The fragmenting of human tongues
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, "Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech." So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.
DEVOTION
Wow! When human beings mess up, we mess up big don’t we?
Today’s scripture reading reminds us that there was a time in human history when we all spoke the same language. Wouldn’t that be a phenomenal sight to behold? Wouldn’t we be able to do grand and unimaginable things if that we true?
Well, in today’s narrative the people decided to use their common language to build a tower up to heaven! Now, this doesn’t sound so horrible! Surely they wanted to build the tower to get closer to God, to worship more effectively, or to bring God their generous thanks offerings! Right? Right?
WRONG! Scripture says that they built their tower in order to “make a name for themselves.”
OOPS!
Time and time again in scripture we find that God does not appreciate when human beings attempt to exalt ourselves over God. God does not like idol worship; God does not relish when we worship ourselves, our ingenuity, power, skill, or talent.
God knows that God is the Great Creator God, Alpha and Omega, All-Wise, All-Knowing, and All-Powerful! God does not desire to share any of God’s glory with any man, woman, boy, girl, or thing!
God knows that if we are gifted, it is because God blessed our minds. If we are strong, it is because God blessed our bodies. If we are talented, it’s because God granted us unique abilities in order to bring glory to God and to edify The Church.
When we attempt to “make a name for ourselves,” we are hijacking God’s glory!
Just imagine, the people building the tower of Babel were smart, strong, logical, powerful, and empowered! But, instead of using their gifts and talents to glorify God, they used them in a vain attempt to bring glory to themselves.
In response, God confused their language so that they would not use their common language, idolatry, greed and lust for power to wreck havoc all over the earth!
See, when we fail to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, it brings about great confusion! As human beings we become scattered, never able to agree on anything, always casting about for the next great “IDOL” to worship and to praise!
But, when we come together, one accord, to worship and praise God, we are re-united! This occurred on the Day of Pentecost. When the disciples gathered together with the singular purpose of waiting on God to send the Holy Spirit, great things happened!
Rather than seeking to make a name for themselves, they were gathered to make the Name of Jesus famous! Rather than seeking glory and fame for themselves, they sought to become humble fishers of human souls. Rather than seeking to see their names “in lights,” they sought to bring people to The One who is called The Way, The Truth, and The Life!
Do you see the difference? Idol worship brings disunity as each individual seeks his or her own good. Worship of God Almighty brings unity as individuals unite under the blood stained banner of Christ, seeking the good of God’s Kingdom of Love!
Look! God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins and gift us with eternal life! Ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?!
In response to this GOOD NEWS we ought to be willing to put aside our desire for fame, fortune, and glory and seek to do all that we can to point out God’s honor, glory, and majesty to others!
As The Church works to make Jesus’ Name famous within our spheres of influence, we are re-united! We share a common language, for we are all talking about the same thing, all over the earth—God loves, gave, and saves!
We are all working toward the same goal which is to help all of our neighbors and friends to experience the joy and ecstasy of being in a love relationship with God through Jesus Christ! In Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and even Antarctica, may the Name of Jesus Christ be praised!
Since the Day of Pentecost, believers now have a language in common. In Genesis, God said, “"Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.”
Nothing shall be impossible for us, my friends! Since we have experienced the latter day rains of God’s spirit which drenched us in love, joy, and peace, we are empowered, enabled, and equipped to joyfully and boldly share the GOOD NEWS message with others!
What wonderful GOOD NEWS! Isn’t it an honor to partner with God to do anything at all?!
Let us go forth, with Holy Spirit boldness, determined to share the love of God with everyone we meet!
Glory to GOD in the highest, and peace and goodwill to all God’s people!
Do you need to cast down any idols in your life?
Holy One, you alone are worthy of all the honor, glory, and praise! Indeed, You are Alpha and Omega! Your love is mind-blowing and your grace is amazing! Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for me! Thank you for reconciling our relationship and making reparation for my sin! Thank you that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected just like He promised! WOW! You are an amazing God and I love you so very much! Please help me to share Your Love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to the people who have recently put all of their hope in Jesus! We celebrate your re-birth-day and promise to hold you in our prayers!
If you would like to put all of your hope in Jesus today, please visit my blog entitled, “Putting All Your Hope In Jesus” located at
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/putting-all-your-hope-in-jesus.html
If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
Pastor Yolanda is now publishing another blog entitled, “A Spoken WORD” in celebration of Holy Hip Hop, Gospel/Christian Rap and Spoken Word. Please check it out @ http://aspokenword.blogspot.com/
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
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Thanks for reading and please come again. Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com
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