October 11

Divided by Language, United by God

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth (Genesis 11:9, KJV).

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Song: “O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

“I have nothing to wear.” These words, used by men and women, can convey entirely different meanings. According to the old joke, the husband means, “I have nothing clean to wear,” but the same words mean to the wife, “I have nothing new to wear.”

If we can assign different meanings to the same words, understanding each other becomes challenging. Then add potential interpretations assigned on the receiving end, and effective communication can seem impossible.

When God confused the languages at Babel, giving them different tongues to speak, communication was hopelessly confused. Mankind spread almost by default, to segregate into like-speaking groups.

Yet this apparently hopeless division was temporary. God caused the gospel to be proclaimed in many languages at Pentecost, so that each person could hear God’s message in their own language. What had been divided by human sin was united by the Spirit of God.

God uses us to enrich those around us. No special gift or ability is required. God has already gifted us to work in His Spirit. Just as the humblest plant adds value within creation, we can work within the church to bear fruit through God’s Spirit.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your Spirit who unites us even as so many things in this world can divide us. Help us to overcome language and other barriers to achieve true unity in You. In our Savior’s name, amen.