January 3 "The Language of Pride" Genesis 8-11

“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.

Here are the descendants of a holy man, Noah. Yet, his sons and daughters and grandchildren go back to the sinful lusts of their hearts to build something for themselves that reaches to the heavens.  The phrase is an hyperbole making a statement that the tower would be towering. The leaders locked arms against Noah's advice, against God's will, to build a tower of great height to prevent their nation from separating. Name it for what it is, idolatry. Are there events in our lives when we do the same---make a name for ourselves? Albert Barnes wrote:  "This is the language of pride in man, who wishes to know nothing above himself, and to rise beyond the reach of an over-ruling Providence."

Photo:  Washington State.  Eatonville.  Looking to build a tower of great height.  May we name what we are doing any time we seek our own renown.