June 18, 2026:

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11.8-9)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

We are all familiar with the story of the Tower of Babel, at least those who are acquainted with the Judeo-Christian traditions. The hope of a people to make a name for themselves by building the greatest city on earth with a tower that would reach into the clouds continues to this day. It would seem that while the intentions of reaching heaven and the court of God may not be the purpose of such buildings as in Dubai and Saudi Arabia or in Malaysia and China, the hope of making a name for themselves has not changed. Now I am not saying building such buildings is sinful, it is not, but the purpose of such buildings promotes the skill and ability of human beings. The technology that allows such structures to be erected can most certainly be used to help in other areas that would benefit populations. That is a good thing. That was not the purpose of those who collaborated in building the Tower of Babel and the city that surrounded it. The story informs us of how the tower was built. It did not make use of stone as other cities and towers in other cultures (such as those in Egypt). Instead, they made bricks of mud and straw and baked them hard. They used tar instead of mortar which allowed for some flexibility (a demonstration of knowledge of building towers susceptible to high winds and shaking ground.) This was an advanced building project which was more easily accomplished because all the people spoke the same language. I have reflected on this reality in writings about Pentecost when the Spirit of God gave the disciples an ability to speak many languages and bringing people to be as one people in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here we are alerted to the danger of a “one world” culture and climate.

When God saw what was happening, He did not make any assumptions. He came down from Heaven to investigate the proceedings. What God found was a community cooperating to actually reach the “level of God.” Some people may laugh about that effort as impossible only because they do not believe in God. We, as mighty ones of God, can hear the danger of “works righteousness” being highlighted in this story. The very hope of making a name for themselves was to be a message to other communities of their superiority. If some of you are struck with the remembrance of another scripture “Pride goes before the fall,” we are together in this. This would be the real message of the story as it is presented. Many would want to cast dispersion on God as being “jealous” or threatened by what humans can be or do. This is not the premise of the tale as we read it. When confusion reigns, progress is impeded. Was God’s purpose to keep man from becoming like God? We know that in the gospel, we are invited to have a like mind of Christ. Yes, we know Paul’s word to the Philippian community of faith in Christ, “Those He was fully God, He did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped but took on the form of a servant.” (Philippians 2.6) It might cause us to reflect back on the story of the Garden of Eden. There the Serpent invited Eve and Adam to consider that God was intentional in keeping them from becoming like God knowing the difference between good and evil. It really is more for our welfare that God warned Adam, and thus Eve, to not eat of that tree. We are not equipped with the knowledge and experience of God to manage ourselves and the situations we find ourselves in. To believe that we can possess all knowledge and power is a great danger. Even the words of Paul concerning the ministry of Jesus saying that He deferred the place of equality with God it was because His purpose on earth would not be accomplished. Without Jesus as our Savior (of our heart, mind and soul) then we would be left with considering that our works would be sufficient to make our name and give us power over others. God is not against collaboration and cooperation, teamwork is a spiritual gift. What is in question is the purpose and intention of such teaming. Is it for the good of others or for the elevation of self? We would do well to consider this question in all we “say” and do.

TODAY’S PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.