This morning I read Genesis 11:1-9. Contained here is the story of the confusing of the languages of the peoples of the earth.
As human population grows, and expansion into new territories occurs, they come upon a plain where they decide to build a great city and a tower reaching to the heavens. “There is no limit to what we can accomplish,” the people say to themselves. Concerned about this attempt to “make a name for themselves,” God confuses their language so that they put off building the tower. The place where all this occurred came to be known as Babel.
Language does more than reduce our ability to speak to one another. Over time, this inability also leads to customs and emerging thoughts. Nationalities often follow language lines. With language, nation identity and customs differing so greatly, it is possible for animosity and even hatred to develop.
The story in Acts 2 reverses this step in history. On the Day of Pentecost, the language barriers are removed so that the people (those who have accepted the Lordship of the Christ) might be able to do all things. The Apostles speak, and regardless of the background, what is spoken is heard.
We may speak a differing language, but we listen to the same God. We may have differing customs, but we assemble around the same rituals.
Some will continue to live as if Pentecost never occurred. They will allow barriers and differences to divide. Those who celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit on that marvelous day will set aside that which might impede our unity – but never derail it.
This is a lesson to be applied to so many aspects of our lives. The text addresses language, we might also turn to these stories for instructions on the divisions which occur over any number of differing topics or issues.
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