Monday, February 15, 2010

Word Power

“The Lord said, ‘If, as one people all having the same language, they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan will be impossible for them.’” (Genesis 11:6)

At one time there was one universal language everyone used. We don’t know what the language was, but we do know that a significant group of people settled in what was called “the Shinar valley,” (Babylon, Iraq today), and these folks began to build a tower. Their intent was to build a tower to the sky. Their understanding at that time was that the sky was the abode of God, so they determined to build their own way to get there. Having everyone speak the same language made construction much simpler and easier.

From God’s viewpoint, everyone speaking the same language created a dangerous situation for them spiritually. It created a pride, the intent of which was to exalt man to the position and place of God. That’s what the tower of Babel represented – man’s pride. That led to an action from God to confuse the language of man, so that they all spoke a different language. Now, we have to study other languages if we want to communicate with people of different cultures.

God recognized (in His statement) an inherent power that exists in communication. When people speak the same language, they have a greater capacity, a more powerful potential to create, to build, to achieve. When that capability is unredeemed, it has the greater potential to create evil. When it is redeemed by the power of God, however, and energized by His Spirit, it has the capability for being used by the Lord to help build His kingdom.

Lord, May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight. May we communicate today in ways that honor You and build Your kingdom. Amen.

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