Genesis 11
—————————-
One language in the world, and the building of Babel. (1-4)
The confusion of tongues, and the builders of Babel scattered. (5-9)
The descendants of Shem. (10-26)
Terah, father of Abram, grandfather of Lot, they move to Haran. (27-32)
—————————-
How brilliantly God created humanity
The human capacity to figure things out and find a solution to any problem is incredible. In the area of medicine, technology, space exploration – you name it, if we have an idea we can usually make it happen. The power of the human mind and human will is extraordinary. We can achieve what we want to if we put our minds to it. It is here that we find the divine lineage. We belong to the same family of God. We are creative and compassionate. That is our primary make up. We are his people.
Give Credit Where it is due
But that does not always happen. I am sure you have heard the expression, ‘give credit where credit is due.’ In Genesis 11 the story starts to go south. The descendants of the prophets built a great city but their hearts were in the wrong place. Their focus shifted from being grateful for what God had done and instead they said, “let us make a name for ourselves.” The focus shifted. A great nation, a great monument, great hard working people, a great achievement were all in place but their pride took over their senses.
Arrogance Destroys
Several people have told me over the years that they hate people who let their arrogant self confidence become bigger than their actual achievement. The truly great scientists, inventors, philanthropists, politicians, priests, teachers, professors, great men and women in space, under the sea and everywhere else are those who simply say, “wow…. This is magnificent and greater than ourselves.” The heart that wonders at the magnificence of the world around them is the heart that capable of being humble.
Faith is not absolutism
Faith is not necessarily the absolutism that says God is and does everything but rather believing that there is more to life than what one really knows. Faith is simply knowing deep within what one has achieved or seen or heard is only a fraction of what can be achieved or seen or heard or understood. It is when we realize somethings are beyond us that we grow in faith and that leads to humility.
The Example Of King Nebuchadnezzar
King Nebuchadnezzar is a prime example of how arrogance destroys the arrogant. He says, “Look at this, Babylon is great! And I built it all by myself, a royal palace adequate to display my honor and glory.”Dan 4:30-31. Before the words were spoken, it was all taken away from him.
When it is about self, then it is not about God.
What God Dislikes
God dislikes it when credit is not given where credit is due. For that reason, man dislikes it too. That’s why I keep saying, we belong to the same family, God and us. That’s all this story is really about. “The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it.” Phil 3: 3. This is the correct attitude of the one who understand his place.
What destroys grace and life
An arrogant approach to life is destructive in any culture, family, community or country. Psalm 52:1 says, “Why do you brag of evil, “Big Man”? God’s mercy carries the day.” If we could be aware of this fact, we will probably be grateful in everyday life for everything in life. Because what we are and what we have, every bit of it is because God is.
God’s Solution #11
Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord. Be proud of what you have achieved and accomplished in life but give thanks to God for walking with you on the journey. The answer to hard moments and beautiful ones are what we read in Philippians 3:3. “Fill the air with Christ’s praise. It is pleasant to be around those who praise someone else than themselves.”
