Each day this month, we will consider key moments in God’s glorious plan to redeem us. We will understand both the overarching story of God and the highlights of all he’s done for us in Christ.
Some people love to learn languages, but for most of us it’s an effort. We are content in our native language and culture. However, if we want to be a blessing to others, we need to get beyond our comfort zone.
Even before the Fall, God wanted his people to spread out and be a blessing to every part of the world he created (see Genesis 1:28, above). But selfish human beings of all eras want to stay in their comfort zones.
That’s what was happening in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Many generations after Noah, all the people were united in language and purpose and hanging around what’s essentially modern-day Iraq.
Sadly, they used this opportunity to serve themselves and not to do what God told them.
“Come let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4).
They clearly knew they should fill the earth, as God desired. Instead, they pursued a project to aggrandize themselves and allow themselves to remain in their comfort zone.
In response, God caused them to suddenly speak new languages. Confusion ensued. This halted the work on the tower and forced them to do what they were meant to do.
God has always loved the whole world. He wants us to love and serve him by loving and serving others everywhere. He asks us to move beyond the comfort zone of our homes, our churches, our cultures, and our normal routines. He encourages us to go to a world that needs service, love, and the good news of Christ. And, yes, it might involve learning a new language.
Father, thank you for wanting an ethnically diverse family that would fill the earth. Thank you that today, we are a truly multiethnic Church. Help us continue to reach out in love to all ethnic groups until people from every tribe, tongue, and nation have responded to the news of your amazing love.
Throughout This Day: Take time to notice the ethnic diversity around you. Ask God to show you how to reach out in love to people from every ethnic group that he has brought near to you.
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