Tag: Tower of Babel

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Self-Made People

Daily Reading

Genesis 12-15

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

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Pride

Daily Reading

Genesis 8-11

Daily Thought

Why was it wrong for the people of Babel to build a city and a tower? (Genesis 11:1-9)

Debbie and I were staring into the sun watching our 7-year-old’s soccer game. I had a hat; Debbie didn’t, but wished she had and thought she left one in the car. I hiked to the car and looked and found no hat. Taking off my hat, I returned to the sidelines, and put it on her head. She thanked me for getting her hat, and did not notice I was missing mine. She never noticed. Finally, after the game, we walked to the car and I opened her door, and as she got in, I took my hat off her head and put it back on mine. I wanted the recognition and I was willing to trade nobility for it.

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, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” ~Genesis 11:4

God created us to fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28; 9:1). He created us to worship Him and rule the world. But the people of Babel said, “No thanks. We’d rather stay in Babel and make a name for ourselves.” They wanted the recognition and they were willing to trade nobility for it.

God made us in His image, reflecting His glory, but we prefer the praise and the image of God is dulled. We pay a terrible cost for our pride.

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, God of glory, You are so very much worthy of my devotion and praise. I see Your handiwork in creation, I sense Your majesty in myself made in Your image. But most of all, I see You in Your Son, Jesus Christ. The authority of heaven blended with the humility of grace. Born in a manger, died on a cross, You rule on the throne of heaven.

May I follow You so closely that Your ways become mine. To be first, be last. To serve rather than be served. To be a praise giver, not a getter. To love You and others.

Amen