8 January | EVERYONE
“And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.’” Genesis 11: 4
Farmland, olive, and almond trees fill up the slopes and the bare brows of the sandy mountains. In silence, nature listened to the loud noise of human beings building the gigantic tower of Babel. That human construction was not only intended to protect itself from a new flood, but it also reflected an attitude of open rebellion against God. The intention was to "get to heaven and make a name for ourselves." To definitively get rid of the Creator and begin to honor the creature.
In the archaeological findings from the ziggurats, which are but later replicas of the tower of Babel, they discovered altars to the creation but not to the Creator. In all of them there was a sort of corridor that spiraled up to the top where the sun, moon, and stars were worshipped.
The Bible describes that the first created being who intended to come to the throne of God was Lucifer. "For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; […] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High’” (Isaiah 14:13-14). Are there many differences between these words from Lucifer and those of the builders of the tower?
But then God's mighty hand came into action. The tongues of the builders were confused. They each began to speak in a different language and were forced to separate and spread all over the world. The divine plan was finally fulfilled despite the rebelliousness of men. Noah's descendants had had the opportunity to follow God's instructions. God's plan was for them to multiply and fill the earth (see Genesis 9:1 and 7; cf. 1:28). Some obeyed, while others rebelled, established walled cities, and even tried to get to heaven. Poor human folly!
Take Action
The problem with insisting on going my own way is that I let myself be guided by a blind man (myself). Would it not be wiser for the omniscient God to guide me? Let us learn the lesson of the tower of Babel not to blind ourselves by seeking to "make a name for ourselves." In the end, it will be the good God who exalts us and we will be happier.