Let Us Make a Name For Ourselves

Human technology, our ability to do the unthinkable, has always fascinated us. History is full of these accomplishments. The great pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are just two examples of doing the unimaginable.

However these great feats can lead us to or from God. Man either worships God or himself. Life is not neutral.

After the flood, after the devastation and after the raw power of God was displayed man turned again to himself. Humans gathered together in one spot. They knew the command of God was to occupy and subdue the whole earth. But the folks in Babel had another idea:

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4

The stories of the great flood were still told by their parents, and grandparents and by their great grandparents. But they became just stories, stories to be ignored. So, because these humans possessed great technological skill they set out to prove God wrong. They would reach heaven’s gate by their power and not by the grace of God.

God responded and sent them on their way.

Yet, instead of subduing the earth for the glory of God, people went out grudgingly, still holding on to the idea that they were the Captains of their fate.

Fast forward thousands of years. A great king believed that he too was the Captain of his fate. He became impressed with all that he had done and by his great technological skill.

God responded and the king was humbled:

All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?”…

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:35,37

Fast forward another 2,500 years to today. Man once again is in awe of his technological prowess. He thinks he can do anything.

Make no mistake.

God will respond.

Shepherd Press