Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Ruth Hagander.
The study of languages (linguistics) is fascinating. To be fluent in more than one language is enriching and opens doors of opportunities. Once upon a time, in the Book of Genesis, before the flood, there was only one language. The birth of many languages happened in the Genesis story, chapter 11 about the Tower of Babel.
After the flood, Noah and his large clan migrated west to an area called Shinar. That seemed like a perfect place to build a city, That was the last time everyone agreed on a group project There must have been capable masons in that family because using stones and mortar, the city became a reality. But, that wasn’t enough. They decided to build a tower that would reach to the heavens – a human attempt to reach the divine so they would make a name for themselves. It was an example of human pride, proof of power. Does that sound familiar?
At that point, God intervened. He saw that people were becoming prideful ,desiring to glorify themselves. God’s divine punishment was to confuse their language so they were unable to understand each other.It is said that the city is called Babel because God made a babble of the languages of the world The result led to scattering of people and languages and cultures across the earth.
I recently spent some days in Norway. Almost everyone speaks English fluently, even Seniors. However, in native Norwegian, there are many dialects , each almost like a separate language. Waiting in the airport in Oslo, we were surrounded by passengers from many countries conversing in their native languages. It was like a spoken symphony. It reminded me of the Tower of Babel story and the birth of diverse languages and cultures.
Living in the Twin Cities we are a rich multi cultural society. Citizens come from all corners of the earth sharing traditions, cuisines, music, art, inventions, labor skills, etc. There is an ongoing opportunity to develop awareness, empathy, and enjoyment of diversity. Hopefully, we are not guilty of targeting certain groups with hurtful comments or negative actions. Let us not be prideful, building towers of power like the people of Shinar. We are all part of God’s creation. We all laugh in the same language.
Prayer:
In Christ there is no east or west
In him no north or south
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
Amen