Daily Reading
Daily Thought
Written one after the other, there is a noteworthy contrast between the stories of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and Abram (Genesis 12:1-3). Both the people of Babel and the children of Abram aspired to become a great people. Abram’s hope came from God. God said to Abram, “I will make your name great” (Genesis 12:2) and promised the 75-year-old and childless man he would give birth to a great nation. The citizens of Babel, instead, pursued a glory of their own making. “Let us make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4), and they began building a marvelous city with a tower that reached the heavens.
Both had their eye on a great nation and a great name, but the difference is self-made versus God-made. The people of Babel said, “Let us make”–they desired to do without God. Abram’s vision, on the other hand, was stamped “Made by God.” Because Babel was self-made, they were made for themselves. Their focus was inward, “lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” God, rather, turns our eyes outward.
The difference is self-made people are made for themselves and God-made people are made for everyone else. Put yourself in the hands of God and let him do the construction “and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. ~Ephesians 2:10
Daily Prayer
Creator, You made me. Fearfully and wonderfully, you formed me for a purpose. You are in charge, You are God, and, best of all, You are good. My passion is to do the good You have made me to do. To be a blessing, as I have been so blessed. To love, because You first loved me.
I find myself on my knees in worship, because I am amazed, in awe of You. The heavens and earth proclaim Your majesty. And You would think of me, one so small? In my smallness, You’ve placed Your image, given me Your Spirit, and You call me to be a blessing to others. Of course, I’ll do it!
Amen