Tower of Babel 

Genesis 11 

What's really the issue here? Was it the common language thing, or people living in cities, or building skyscrapers? I've heard all of these things condemned in sermons. 

What does the scripture say? The first nine verses of chapter eleven in Genesis gives a very brief look at something very profound. We can find the answer in a phrase in the fourth verse:

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 and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." 

How easy it is to get involved in the push to have everyone in the United States learn to speak 'English.' I can also easily condemn cities as generally unfit for my habitation. I dislike heights...need I elaborate on how I feel about skyscrapers?

But, the thing that pushed God's 'buttons' is summed up in this verse as, "...so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Two issues are primarily involved here: 

We don't want to feel insignificant and we get anxious if we think we might be isolated and separated from all that's familiar or that gives us a feeling of belonging.

So what's wrong with that?! Nothing. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to feel of some significance to somebody, nor is there anything particularly wrong with wanting to be with, and having a sense of belonging to, folks who care about us.

Yet God used this as an opportunity to say, in essence, 'if they get by with this - they'll stop at nothing.' Yes, that's basically what He said. Here's the problem...anything driven by fear!

The builders on the Plain of Shinar were afraid of being "scattered over the face of the whole earth." Their pursuit of this magnificent tower wasn't based in faith but in fear. 

God calls His people to walk in faith, not in fear. "...love casts out fear." I John 4.18 "We walk by faith..." II Cor 5.7, and, "the just shall live by faith." Galatians 3.11  "That which is apart from faith is sin." Romans 14.23

Let me give you a different perspective of how God would have people move in and build up..."Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." Deuteronomy 1.21 

 Are you seeking success out of fear of poverty or failure, or are you moving joyfully along a path of accomplishments and  enjoyment as God opens the doors?

Don't be afraid. God knows exactly where you are and what is ahead of you! You can trust your future to a Sovereign God.

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