Redeeming Language

Diversity in language is an important part of God’s creation. In fact, language is one of the many ways God shows He is redeeming all of creation. The creation of different languages happened at Babel. The people at Babel were guilty of being prideful and wanting to make a lasting name for themselves because of their own work. Their sin was deserving of judgment, so God scattered them, suddenly causing them to speak different languages from one another. This separation interrupted their wickedness and allowed them to explore and live in different parts of God’s creation instead of simply remaining in one place. Fast-forward to Pentecost. The Holy Spirit was poured out, and each listener was able to hear the apostle Peter preach in their own language. Because of this miraculous event, many people heard the gospel and put their trust in Jesus. So, at Pentecost, God used the power of language to unite His people. Instead of the judgment, confusion, and division of Babel, God used the diversity of language to bring unity around salvation in Jesus. In other words, our salvation in Jesus Christ and our belief in Him is what unites us. In God’s kingdom, people from all different lands, cultures, and languages will unite in praise to Him. The stories of Babel and Pentecost demonstrate how God takes all things and works them for good and for His renewed kingdom (Romans 8:28-30). Naomi Zylstra Have you ever experienced a communication barrier due to language? How does language relate to God’s kingdom? After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb! Revelation 7:9-10 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2