Genesis chapters 10 and 11 are a turning point in the story of humanity. Chapters 1 to 11 are the wide-angle view of the beginning of the world. Chapters 12 to 50 move the focus to one family chosen by God to carry His message of salvation to the world.
The beginning of chapter 11 shows the people joining together to build a tower in rebellion against God. At this time, the people shared one language. They also blatantly ignored God’s command to fill the earth (Genesis 9:1). Instead of doing this, they chose to build a tower to heaven. The tower wasn’t the problem. Instead, the problem was their building blocks of rebellion, selfishness and opposition. They desired fame and power. They wanted to control their own lives.
Today we also build towers. We defy authority, seek man’s praise and try to take control away from God. What tower am I building? How am I showing that I think I don’t need God? Where am I seeking to glorify myself instead of God? Which of my plans do I need to give back to God and get on track with His plans? What does God think of these towers?
God didn’t let the people continue with their rebellious plan. He came down to earth to correct the situation. In fact, God the Trinity was present in the correction (Genesis 11:7). He confused the people’s languages. God knew that one language made it easier for the people to be defiant and to work together against Him. He confused their languages so they couldn’t understand each other, and He scattered the people over the face of the earth, which was His ultimate plan.
We can see two wills of God at work today:
- The permissive will of God – He allows us to make choices, but His hand always is involved in our circumstances.
- The absolute will of God – He will not let His plan get off track.
And somehow, the permissive will of God and the absolute will of God work together.
God is the righteous judge. He is sovereign. He never lets His plan get derailed. Nothing can stop God’s plan or purpose from coming to pass. He always is in control of everything.
What do we do when we struggle with God’s sovereignty? Trust Him. Focus on His character. Share God and His Word with others. Pray for God’s will to go forward, even if it means pain and suffering for us. Stand on His promises in Scripture.
And believe that God has a plan. Remember that He is sovereign. He orchestrates details to be sure His plan moves forward. To quote my teaching leader in her lecture, “There is no power, no force greater than God.” No man, no nation, no government is greater than God.
Chapter 10 is a verbal map of the people’s expansion that came as a result of the Tower of Babel. God had a plan to repopulate the earth, and man couldn’t stop God’s plan. God did what He said He would do. No one can derail God’s plan.
Finally, Avery did a great job with a difficult verse this week!