Reading 6 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Friday, September 19, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 11:1–9

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and fire them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, “Look, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth, and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. (NRSVUE)

Reflection

The Tower of Babel is a familiar story. But it seemed far off and not relevant. A story to take into consideration when I am letting pride or ego cloud my judgment. But as I read it again, I found myself empathizing with those in the story. It’s easy to see “evil” people in this tale. But what if they are just like me?

I’ve been there, thinking I can go my own way. Creating something that on the outside looks amazing. It may even be something that helps others. But if I’m not following God’s instructions, if I am not listening to the Spirit — seeking God in prayer, silence, and meditation — my plans will crumble. I’ve rushed into things that seem like a very good idea on paper while ignoring the quiet nudge that says no. As a result, I’ve had my world “scattered.” I have had to start over and to move on, often into the place I didn’t want to go. It was hard. And I learned the hard way to seek God and listen. Instead of blazing my own path, I learned how to wait and to pray to be ready when it was time to act.

I remind myself that the bookend to the Tower of Babel is Pentecost. That our common language is Love. That helps me in the chaos, the hard moments, and the fear. It gives me a path to follow and trust. Clarity in the midst of confusion.

Prayer

Lord, draw me to you. Show me the connections of Love that exist in this world so I may build your community. Amen. 

Written by Nance Bartell, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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