In Genesis 10:25, we read that during Peleg’s time, the earth was divided. The account of the tower of Babel is likely the explanation of what happened to cause this division.

The people decide to build themselves a city, with a tall, tall tower at its heart. This tower would probably have been a ziggurat, a building used in the ancient world for religious purposes. The people wanted to make a name for themselves. They also wanted to create a great city as a central focus so that they would not be scattered.

The tower of Babel shows us that, despite the flood, and the re-start that followed, the effects of sin continued. How quickly they forgot their Lord, and instead turned to thoughts of their own greatness. Not only that, but God had specifically commanded mankind to fill the earth. This had been a command to both Adam and to Noah and his sons. Instead, they chose to huddle together, around the city and tower that they had built.

Our best life is found in God. Our best works fade to invisibility in the light of his greatness. Our attempts at community are nothing compared to the true unity he offers in the Spirit. His name is greater than any other name, including any name we might make for ourselves.

Even today, people are still intent on making a name for themselves, building empires, gathering together in insular communities. Christians are not immune from this. Just as Adam and Noah were told to fill the earth, we are told to take the gospel to all people. Our commission is not to build bigger and bigger churches, or develop famous ministries, but to take the message of salvation to more and more people.

We don’t need to build a famous city to make a name for ourselves. Instead the Lord will build us into an unmissable city on a hill! “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (Matt 5:14). Let us take that light to every people and every nation!

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH