Genesis 11:1-9 – Let Us Make a Name for Ourselves

From the beginning, the city of Babel (also known as Babylon) desired greatness.  But they desired greatness in their own power and for their own gain.  They desired greatness according to their own will and plan…apart from God.  In today’s passage, the Babylonians try to dethrone God by building a tower that would reach the heavens.  This tower was not to glorify God, they were not going to give God any praise for giving them the ability to build such a structure, no – they were looking to make a name for themselves.

Living in today’s culture, it doesn’t take much to understand the motives of the Babylonians.  Daily we see others trying to make a name for themselves.  People try to outdo one another in order to get the big raise, they try to give better presentations so their ideas will be heard, they will do “whatever it takes” in order to be successful…and the person next to them is not.  People are sneaky, underhanded, and sometimes outright mean.  This is definitely not the plan God has for us.

Scripture tells us to love one another (John 13:34).  It is a command from Jesus.  He even becomes more direct by telling us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43).  When we get our lives in order and focus on loving God and then loving others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39) the recognition will come.  God will take care of us and provide rightful and deserved promotions.  We just have to make sure we give Him the credit and the praise. 

Remain in Him and you will bear much fruit, apart from Him you won’t be able to do anything! (John 15:5)

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy