CONFUSING
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words. As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there. They began saying to each other, “Let’s make bricks and harden them with fire.” (In this region bricks were used instead of stone, and tar was used for mortar.) 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.” But the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building. “Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other.”
Genesis 11:1-7 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
After the flood to cleanse the earth there is still a sin nature in the hearts of men. They still want to be their own god and prove they can live without His influence in their lives. This shows up when they decide to build a city and tower to make a name for themselves. This time God brings judgement in the form of confusing their languages. God even recognized the power of the unity of the people. It appears that whether for good or evil when people are united, they can do amazing things. It is interesting to note that the confusion of languages in Genesis 11 is reversed in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit is poured out and people understood each other speaking in unknown tongues. The curse was reversed after the crucifixion and resurrection as people received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Could it be possible that through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can be united and accomplish and complete God’s mission on earth? Man’s selfishness keeps showing up in the narrative of the beginning of time. From Adam and Eve in the garden to the city of Babel man seems to want to replace God as the authority. They want to make a name for themselves and be able to establish their own rules. This same problem exists today. Our sinful nature struggles to submit to the plan and will of God. We want to be our own boss. We want to set our own rules. However, we must surrender to the Lordship of Jesus to be free from the sinful nature of the flesh.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit please help me to surrender everything in my life to You. Help me to be willing to living in surrender every day.
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