Day 5

Genesis 11:1‐13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1‐12, Proverb 1:24-28

Learning God’s Language

In Genesis 11, we read of a time when everyone spoke the same language and used the strength of that common communication to plan a tower high enough to reach into heaven. Sadly, instead of pursuing God’s glory, they sought humanistic glory. Rather than purposing to make a name for God, they sought to “make a name for themselves.” As a consequence, God confused their unified language into a babble of confusion.

The story underscores the humanistic potential we humans have when our hearts, minds, souls, and strength are united in a common cause; when we have a common language articulated by our leaders who call us into campaigns whose success requires unity.  But that human potential was never intended by God to be used for man-centered purposes. Humanity was created in the image of God in order to reflect his glory back to him. Such was the sound of our unified voice after the attacks of 9-11, the nation for a brief moment sung “God Bless America.”  It did not take long for people to return to pursuing their humanistic agendas, again our language is confused and our actions lack unity.

The Psalmist says that God already hears our voice (5:3). What would happen if all of us truly and deeply made a commitment to learning God’s language? He is speaking a language that can unite our hearts and spirits for the purposes of the Kingdom of Heaven. What would we do that we are not now doing?  To whom would we go that we are currently reluctant to speak? Into what dark corner would we bring the light of Christ?  If we heard clearly from God might we have the courage of Father Abraham to go places we’ve never before been?

Richard Bordin