“Babeling”
In case you have never noticed, communication is hard at times. On a recent trip to Canada, I was reminded of this in several different ways. I am one of the many Americans for whom English is my primary and only language. Through the entire trip, I could not keep my mind off the judgement at the tower of Babel. If it were not for that judgement against Noah’s descendants after the flood, we would all most likely speak the same language, and it most likely would not be English. Our language is one of the craziest out there – can I get an amen?
Communication breakdown number one for me in Canada was dealing with measurements. Most of that country adheres to the metric scale. I do not have a good frame of reference for metric measurements, and communicating in them is almost impossible. The whole trip, as I was teaching, I would give the measurements for dinosaurs, distances, and the like in standard American scale. It hit me in the middle of one of my messages that my audience may not have a clue the size I was referencing, as I had not understood any of my Google Maps guidance in kilometers while driving earlier that day. Our understanding of a weight and measures “language” is engrained in us to a point that we usually don’t have to think about the reference being given to us. Yet, when put in a position where that engrained “language” is not used, our brain begins searching for a reference point to convert. The entire time I was in Canada, my brain was trying to convert metric items into what I could understand. I was reminded that language is really important in helping to understand everything around us.
People had one language and frame of reference for everything at the Tower of Babel. As the Bible states, their abilities would make nothing they planned impossible to accomplish. The ease with which they could communicate ideas, desires, and vision was effortless, it seems. As most of you know, their desires were not to worship or honor the Creator but rather to elevate themselves. Dare I say, we are still dealing with this problem today, but with a language barrier. When the Lord confused our languages with the supernatural creation of many different ones, our lives became exponentially harder. It was not just communication by speech that was affected, but also every other means of communication: written, measurements, customs, and spiritual understanding. All avenues that we communicate through today were affected adversely at that tower.
Today we experience the effects of that moment some 4,000 years ago when we have a failure to communicate with someone. I look forward to the day in eternity when I will understand everyone again, sharing the wonderful grace of our Savior with those that for now I may not understand but with whom I will worship in His glory forever with one speech, understanding each other with no conversion or interpretation needed. For now we can be reminded of that day to come as we have opportunity to celebrate with others in the Church around the world, even with language barriers. Oh how much greater it will be when we assemble before His throne in one voice! Please continue to lift your voices in great anticipation for our coming King.
We at CTF will continue to share the vital truths from Genesis until that return. Our message is one that touches on important historical events that impact our lives daily that many of us never think about. Thank you to those of you that partner with us monthly in prayerful and financial support. It has been such a blessing in our time of need! To those of you that read this article and perhaps have only thought about supporting us monthly, may I urge you that we need your support right now. Help us continue to preach and teach the Truth. Blessings to all believers in every language!
