Genesis 11:8

New International Version (NIV)

So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.

For meditation

Let’s look back to Shinar through the eyes of God, and observe the heart and condition of the human race. They had one language and they huddled in one place (Gen. 11:2). They said to themselves, “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” (4). In this, we find the same old self-centered, self-seeking, and self-exalting attitude of mankind the tragedy of Eden had produced. Their goals and efforts excluded God (Gen. 1:28).  They set out to exhibit their brilliance and congratulate themselves for their accomplishment without God. “He threw us out, but we can get back to Him through our self-effort.” That was the statement of Project Tower of Eden.  But as C. H. Mackintosh comments so beautifully, “To attempt to exalt man without God, is to exalt him to a dizzy height, only that he may be dashed down into hopeless confusion and irretrievable ruin.” The people failed when God stepped in and said, “No, folks! It’s either my way or total disaster” (Gen. 11:8 interpretation mine).

1. Are we any different today? Are the heart and condition of people any different from what prevailed at Shinar?
2. Even after God has shown the way back to Him in Christ Jesus (Jn. 3:16), what do we see? Are we not the same self-centered, self-seeking, self-glorifying people, trying to do things our way and for our name’s sake?
3. But, is there any other way back to Eden; any truth apart from Jesus; any life apart from Christ (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12)?
4. Can we ever be what God wants us to be by doing things our own way? Wouldn’t that be replicating the Babel disaster?
5. Is there any safer place to huddle apart from the church (Acts 2:1-13), imperfect as she may be? How could God stop the agenda of His church, gathered in unity for His purpose and glory?

I pray you find your place in the Church by willingly expressing personal faith in the finished work of Christ for our redemption. You can never go wrong.

So: May you be assured of God’s readiness to receive and help you to Himself in Christ when you admit your insufficiency; and may the grace of God embrace you in the redemption ship of Christ when you crown Him Lord of your life.

The only indestructible huddle on earth is the church- the body of Christ.

Shalom