The tower of Babel story in Genesis chapter 11 gives us a biblical explanation for the way mankind spread throughout the world and the variety of languages that have emerged. It presupposes that, beforehand, people spoke just one language – most likely, scholars think, a form of Hebrew. After the flood God intended mankind to form several tribes and to set off in different directions. Thinking they were wiser than God, mankind was loath to disperse and decided that more was merrier.

So, they gathered in Babel to build a city and, rather presumptuously, a tower that would reach to heaven. On the face of it this cooperative venture seems to be a good thing and in keeping with our current predilection for team work and harmony. But the activity clearly angered God. Why? There seems to be three reasons:

1. It says in verse 4 that the tower would reach close to heaven. This was an affront to God. It suggests a defiance or rivalry to his supreme position. They thought that by working together they could become as supreme and powerful as God.

2. Verse 4 also tells us that they hoped to make a name for themselves and to be recognised throughout the world for their selfish pride and ambition. These attributes are not in God’s design for human behaviour.

3. They thought the tower would prevent their dispersion. Probably the powerful and ambitious Nimrod was at work here. He was aiming for universal monarchy and keeping everything under his control. He failed to recognise that universal dominion of all creation is God’s prerogative and to attempt to be all powerful was bound to be offensive to God.

Verse 6 outlines God’s concern that abuse of co-operative purpose in this way would lead to all manner of trouble. So he put a stop to it by, as we are told in verse 7, confusing the language so that they could not understand each other. This led to the dispersal.

The story has many verifiable aspects but the key interest for us today is the message it brings to our own lives. I briefly suggest three and tentatively offer a rounding off for us to ponder on. The tower of Babel story teaches us:

1. The quest for supreme power and control is unacceptable to God. This message is as relevant for us today, faced with continuing attempts at dictatorship and megalomania, as it was to the builders of Babel. This applies just as much to small group behaviour as it does on the grand scale of nations.

2. Pride and blind ambition running contrary to the will of God is offensive and unacceptable. We need to check that our activity is in line with God’s will and purpose and not a function of our headstrong self will.

3. The tower was never finished. Once God confused the issue the work stopped and their spirits were dampened. We need to see the wisdom of not proceeding with activity uncondoned by God.

The rounding off to this story is found in chapter two of the Acts of the Apostles which deliberately presents the Day of Pentecost as the antithesis of Babel. The arrival of the Holy Spirit led folk to ask how it was that they could, once again, hear and understand each other in their own language. It was Peter who replied and what he said is well worth reading.

The Church’s year is so arranged that, beginning in Advent and progressing through the seasons, there is an annual reminder of all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ, his Son.

Christmas is, by now, a fading memory and as we enter the month of February, we prepare to observe the season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday (6th Feb).

Lent is nowhere to be found in the Bible, rather it is a tradition introduced by the early Church and kept in various forms over many centuries. Fasting, penance and self-denial perhaps sum up the ways in which Lent has been observed over the years. At one time Lent was a time of preparation for new converts to Christianity as they made themselves ready for baptism on Easter Day.

Today people tend to associate Lent with “giving something up” — chocolate, biscuits, cake or some other luxury. This may or may not be a useful exercise for some, but of greater value is the challenge to use Lent as an opportunity to draw closer to God and to wonder afresh at his wonderful love for us. It is a time to think again about Christ’s sacrifice for us when he died on the Cross, making it possible for all who believe in Him to receive forgiveness and a fresh start. It is a time, also, to prepare to celebrate Christ’s glorious Resurrection on Easter Day, assuring us of eternal life.

If we are to use Lent positively then we need to make a determined effort to allow God to speak to us in some new way. We can do this by reading one of the Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John), by reading a Christian book (there is a good selection on the Church bookstall and in the Church lending library) or by joining one of the home groups. Details of these appear elsewhere on this website as well as on the Nurture notice board in Church. Why not plan to join one of these groups, you will be most welcome.

Lent challenges us to spend more time in prayer, Bible study and worship, perhaps “fasting” from some leisure activity, in order that we might we see afresh the wonder of Christ’s love for us and, in response, commit our lives to him more fully, love him more deeply and resolve to serve him more faithfully.

A Prayer for Lent
(From the hymn by Katherine Agnes May Kelly 1869-1942)

Give me a sight, O Saviour, of Thy wondrous love for me
Of the love that brought Thee down to earth to die on Calvary

O make me understand it, help me to take it in
What it meant to Thee, the holy One
To bear away my sin.