Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” 5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let Us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” 8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth. Genesis 11:1-9
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. Proverbs 21:2
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
My words…
Praise
Lord, I have noticed that there is something within mankind that drives us to go farther, move faster and build higher. We are constantly asking the question, “What’s next?” I have always believed this innate need to achieve comes from You. The people of Shinar, so long ago, concocted a plan – a progressive plan: build a city with a tower that reaches to the sky. This plan seems perfectly natural to me. A group of people wanted more than what they had. If I read the account correctly, I don’t think You had a problem with that. The problem arose when the motives of the people of Shinar became apparent. They wanted to stick together in order to make a name for themselves. They wanted to affix their name to this progressive city. We like to do that kind of stuff – affix our names to our accomplishments. I bet the people of Shinar would have named the tower “The Tower of Shinar.” They would be just one in a long line to do so. Consider the Colossus of Rhodes, the great pyramid of Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, the Hoover Dam, Trump Tower. The list is endless. But before the Shinarians (Shinarites?) could get the project off the ground, You intervened and, in the end, the people of Shinar didn’t accomplish either of their goals: they didn’t stick together or make a name for themselves. How confused they must have been! One moment they are planning the dimensions for the next level of the tower, and the next, they are thinking their co-workers have lost their minds, babbling incomprehensibly. They are left to group together according to language and wander to a new home. You knew that when man is perfectly unified, he will accomplish his goal, whether it be honorable or dishonorable. Only You can know the hearts and motives of mankind. Praise and exultation to You – our Creator – who knows the inner-most reason behind everything we do, even when we pretend not to know ourselves.
Prayer for Me
Lord, I pray again that You test my motives. Open my spiritual eyes so I may see the reasons I do what I do. In whose name do I work? In whose name do I write? In whose name do I teach? The answers should always be in Your name. When You see me attempting to build a tower in my name – crush it.
Forgive Me
Forgive me when I step in and try to take the glory away from You. Without You, I could not accomplish anything of worth in my life. You are the One who fuels my good deeds, so You should be the One who receives the praise.
Prayer for Others
Oh, God, I pray once again for Your workers who labor tirelessly for You, never wanting or expecting any recognition. They are Your knights without being knighted, they are Your heroes without receiving medals. They refuse to make a name for themselves. But You know their names. You hold their crowns. Grant them a heavenly reminder that they do not labor in vain. Place Your cool hand of comfort on their spirits to refresh them in their work.
Thank You
How remarkable is language! Just another element of creation that reflects Your glory. I am amazed by how children learn it, and I can’t! After studying French and Spanish, I can only utter greetings and inquiries as to where to find a restroom. But I am grateful all the same.
More Praise
Father, Spirit, and Son, there are so many languages uttered by so many, but the most beautiful words of exultation in all the known languages could never adequately express my praise and gratitude for You. You are Ever Mighty, Ever Near, and Ever Loving. Such simple words, but they are from my heart to Yours. Please take them.
