There is a passage in the Scriptures that we usually refer to as “The Tower of Babel”. We find that text in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, the eleventh chapter. Making it short, there was only one language at that time, so everyone was able to understand each other. Is there a problem with that? No, it is not. But the actions of some, the leadership of others, caused big trouble. They wanted to build something, but, is there a problem with that? No. Christ said he was going to build his church (and He did, Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:9). They wanted to build a tower that lasts for a long time, is there a problem with that? No. Christ and Paul taught about good foundations (see Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11) But the problem is found in the purpose of what they were doing, as we read in Genesis 11:4,
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth [emphasis added].
Let us meditate a little bit about this. Would God be upset with us because we want to practice teamwork? Would God be upset with us because we do things that last? Would God be upset with us because we want to be united? The answer is simple, No, He does not, however, we see the big problem with those in that moment of history. They wanted to make themselves a name. They wanted to be like God. They wanted to be recognized, to be famous. They were looking for vainglory. Let us remember that something vain is simply something that is useless, worthless, but, somehow, mankind seems to look for that more often than expected. These people were scared of being scattered abroad. They were not thinking right. They were able to start the building, but did not finish it, because God confounds their language (Genesis 11:7). Why? Because God knows everything, and He knew what was behind that building, behind that idea,
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts”
Psalm 10:4
God’s plans were, are, and will always be better than ours. They were scattered abroad because of their pride. Babel simply means confusion. Languages brought confusion to the world at that time.
Later on, there were another group of human beings who were scattered abroad, but, for a good purpose. The early church as we read according to Acts 8:1-4. Before that event, there was another event in which languages, instead of creating confusion, brought unity and faith in Christ. When the apostles were in Jerusalem, they received the power of the Holy Spirit and started to speak languages they did not know, but the masses around them did, understood, were amazed, and a powerful message was proclaimed, so powerful that, about three thousand of them were baptized that day, and the church that our Lord promised during his ministry, started that day. Would you like to know all the details of that event? Then, I invite you to read Acts 2.
This ministry, Scattered Abroad, is available in English and Spanish. Every article you can read here has been also translated into Spanish. According to a simple search on the Internet, there are about 6,500 languages that are spoken in the world today. Current technology allows us, by doing some “clicks”, to translate anything in almost every language, and get a “decent” or “understandable” translation.
Today, languages are a blessing. We can reach the entire world. We can let every single soul know that God cares for them and wants them to be back with Him. We can proclaim the good news and let the world know about Christ and the salvation He offers. We can be united despite our languages. Being part of some mission trips and campaigns helped me greatly to realize the blessing of being able to speak more than a language and see the blessings that going “into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) brings to the entire human race. Let us do our work. Let us be responsible. Let us be the light Christ commands us to be. Let us fulfill our commitment to Him.
Do you want to be part of this? The Lord gladly invites all of us to come, and He will give us rest, the only thing we need to do is, obey Him and His will. In Heaven, the language will not be a barrier. In Heaven, we will be united, but, in the meantime, we can be united here, preparing ourselves for that wonderful day, even when we are scattered abroad. Do you want to know more? Let us know, and we will be more than glad to study God’s Word with you. To Him be all glory, always.
