Genesis 11:1-9
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
It was not the tower that was sinful. Technology is rarely the problem. Christian piety has given us incredible advances over the centuries in everything from architecture to science to medicine and more. Indeed the Christian is best positioned to invent and create and innovate, for he properly understands the relationship between the Creator and His creation; and rightly uses all things of God’s good earth in love toward one’s neighbor and in faithfulness toward the Lord who graciously provides.
Thus their construction was not wicked, nor their architecture evil. Rather the motivation for their building – pride. It is the first sin; to take the blessed gifts our Lord gives and use them inappropriately, for our own devices. This is the sinful impulse of all fallen men; the basest desire of one’s heart. To take the technological advancements and further our own ends, make names for ourselves, horde wealth, garner power and prestige, it is not different than entering once more into Eden and strolling right up to the tree, plucking its fruit and sinking our teeth in for a nice, juicy bite.
Why do we flaunt our achievements? Why do we boast of our children’s talents? Why do we joy when our brother fails? Why do we glory in our shame? Why do we revel in our sin? Pride. Always pride.
Thanks be to God our Lord came down that day on the plain of Shinar, confused our languages, and dispersed us. He needed to break our pride. He sent us off, scattering us in order that He may once again gather us as He sees fit. Not under the arrogance and pride of a towering structure built by men, but under the divine tent of His Church.
For the Lord did come down, but He didn’t descend the tower of Babel. He was born of a Virgin. He lived among prideful men. Arrogant men. Sinful men. And He came to gather us together once more, not to Babel, a tower of brick and mortar, but to His Church, a fortress built upon the doctrine of the blessed Apostles, with Christ Himself as the Cornerstone.
For the Cross is the glorious tower erected on earth with its top in the heavens. Upon it is the most glorious work ever accomplished. And it is not the work of men, but of God. For it was the will of our Lord that the Christ should suffer and die. For when He is lifted up He shall gather all men to Himself.
On account of Him you are one people again. God’s people. You have one language again, the confession of His holy Word. He has gathered you together in Himself. Return to the East from which you came, but look not to Babel. Rather fix your eyes on that magnificent structure: our Lord’s Cross. Boast in it, for it shall fail you, but guide you unto life everlasting.
In the Name of the Father and + of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
It was not the tower that was sinful. Technology is rarely the problem. Christian piety has given us incredible advances over the centuries in everything from architecture to science to medicine and more. Indeed the Christian is best positioned to invent and create and innovate, for he properly understands the relationship between the Creator and His creation; and rightly uses all things of God’s good earth in love toward one’s neighbor and in faithfulness toward the Lord who graciously provides.
Thus their construction was not wicked, nor their architecture evil. Rather the motivation for their building – pride. It is the first sin; to take the blessed gifts our Lord gives and use them inappropriately, for our own devices. This is the sinful impulse of all fallen men; the basest desire of one’s heart. To take the technological advancements and further our own ends, make names for ourselves, horde wealth, garner power and prestige, it is not different than entering once more into Eden and strolling right up to the tree, plucking its fruit and sinking our teeth in for a nice, juicy bite.
Why do we flaunt our achievements? Why do we boast of our children’s talents? Why do we joy when our brother fails? Why do we glory in our shame? Why do we revel in our sin? Pride. Always pride.
Thanks be to God our Lord came down that day on the plain of Shinar, confused our languages, and dispersed us. He needed to break our pride. He sent us off, scattering us in order that He may once again gather us as He sees fit. Not under the arrogance and pride of a towering structure built by men, but under the divine tent of His Church.
For the Lord did come down, but He didn’t descend the tower of Babel. He was born of a Virgin. He lived among prideful men. Arrogant men. Sinful men. And He came to gather us together once more, not to Babel, a tower of brick and mortar, but to His Church, a fortress built upon the doctrine of the blessed Apostles, with Christ Himself as the Cornerstone.
For the Cross is the glorious tower erected on earth with its top in the heavens. Upon it is the most glorious work ever accomplished. And it is not the work of men, but of God. For it was the will of our Lord that the Christ should suffer and die. For when He is lifted up He shall gather all men to Himself.
On account of Him you are one people again. God’s people. You have one language again, the confession of His holy Word. He has gathered you together in Himself. Return to the East from which you came, but look not to Babel. Rather fix your eyes on that magnificent structure: our Lord’s Cross. Boast in it, for it shall fail you, but guide you unto life everlasting.
In the Name of the Father and + of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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