Beginnings: A Study In GenesisSample

What does it say?

Because of their rebellion and disobedience, God confused the people’s language and scattered them around the earth.

What does it mean?

It didn’t take long after the flood for mankind to once again rebel against God. At this time, all the people on earth spoke the same language, allowing them to become unified in thoughts and actions. God knew that it was this unity coupled with man’s sinful nature that gave them power to rebel against Him. Building the Tower of Babel was an attempt to reach Heaven and establish a name for themselves as a powerful nation apart from the Lord. But defying God always has consequences. He confused their language so that they could no longer understand each other and separated them to put a stop to their rebellion.

How should I respond?

Our society is full of people who want to be famous just for the sake of being famous. Their biggest goal is simply to be known. Pride and human nature are always self-promoting. Is your chief desire to build a name for yourself or to glorify the name of God? He promises to elevate those who humble themselves under Him (1 Peter 5:6.) In what ways have you defied God by seeking your own interests? What were the consequences? In order to have a proper relationship with God, it is essential to accept His authority over your life. As God, it is His right to deal with defiance justly and appropriately. Today, how will you set aside your desire to be known and determine to elevate God instead?