Daily Devotions
The Towers We Build & Why We Build Them
Reading for January 2nd: Genesis 8-11
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth."
Genesis 11:4
This story used to confuse me. Why did God get so upset with the people of Babel? Why did He punish them when all they were doing was making a tower?
I realize now that this was more than just a tower. It was human pride and disobedience. There were two stated reasons for building this tower. First they wanted to "make a name" for themselves. That was pride.
Second, they wanted to prevent dispersion. That was blatant disobedience. God had told them to fill the earth (Gen 1:28; 9:1). Because of fear, they sought to find safety in staying together. Their disobedience stemmed from a lack of faith.
What is your tower? How are you trying to make a name for yourself? Is it through possessions? Is it through a career or a hobby? Is it through children or grandchildren? Any of these blessings can become tools that we use to promote our own pride.
Maybe your tower is more about your fear. Are you trusting in God's blessings more than God Himself? Are you neglecting God's commandments in order to hold onto His blessings?
Father God, our Creator, forgive us of pride and fear. Like Abraham, You have promised to make a name for us (Gen 12:2) and to bless us on our journey (Gen 12:3). Give us faith, like Abraham, to trust in Your promises.
