Genesis 11:5-6
“And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them”
Good morning to you brother or sister in faith, it is my wish that you are blessed in Christ, have an excellent day, and live for the Glory of God.
The opening verses of Genesis 11 recount how the people of Babel, in their ambition, sought to build a city with a tower that would reach the heavens. They declared, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves." (Genesis 11:4). This verse brings to light the dangers of human ambition without divine guidance.
The Ambition of Men
The Babel builders, in their collective pride, sought glory and fame that should be ascribed only to God, a stark reminder of the peril of uncontrolled ambition. It prompts us to ask ourselves, "Are our ambitions aligned with God's will, or are they driven by pride and a desire for self-glorification?"
Great theologians of the Protestant reformed tradition have emphasized the importance of humility and the need to submit our ambitions to the divine will. As the Puritan writer Richard Baxter put it, "Our principal care in all our worldly business should be to keep our hearts free from sinful affections."
Babel and Star Worship
Verse 9 of the same chapter introduces us to the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human defiance against God. It is interesting to cross-reference this with Deuteronomy 4:19, "And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars — all the heavenly array — do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven."
This juxtaposition invites us to examine the Babel builders' misguided ambitions that led them to idolatry. They were effectively engaged in star worship, seeking to reach the heavens through their own means. This begs the question: "Are there 'stars' or idols in our own lives that we are mistakenly attempting to reach or worship?"
The scriptures have frequently warned against the dangers of idolatry in any form, reminding us that our devotion should be directed solely towards God.
Waiting on the Lord
Genesis 11:30 introduces us to Sarai, later named Sarah, who was barren. Sarai’s journey of faith began with a painful reality. However, her story is not one of despair but of hope. It is a story of waiting on the Lord, trusting in His promise, and believing in His providence.
This leads us to reflect, "Are we willing to wait on the Lord and trust His timing, even when circumstances appear to be against us?" Protestant reformers, like Martin Luther, emphasized the importance of faith and patience in adversity, echoing the message of the apostle Paul, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
Theological Reflection
Genesis 11 provides us with a prefiguring of the work of Christ and the Gospel. The ambition of the Babel builders prefigures the pride and rebellion of humanity against God, from which Christ redeems us. The idolatry of star worship points towards the need for Christ, the true light and the "bright morning star" (Revelation 22:16), to guide us. Lastly, Sarai's faith and patience foreshadow the faith we are called to have in Christ.
The chapter serves as a mirror, reflecting our own fallibility and need for a Savior. It prompts the question, "Are we acknowledging our need for Christ as our Savior, our guiding star, and the object of our faith?"
J. C. Ryle once said: “Do not glory in your own faith, your own feelings, your own knowledge, or your own diligence. Glory in nothing but Christ.”
Wording adapted from J. C. Ryle, Holiness, chapter 11, Christ’s Greatest Trophy. ↗
May God preserve your life in Christ Jesus, prosper you, guide you, and build you up in his love and his truth.
Take a moment. Bring what you have read before God.