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, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

Genesis 11:4

The Tower of Babel stands forever in our memory as a tragic monument to pride and fear.

People band together to build a vast tower reaching into the heavens so that they can make a name for themselves. Their pride is seen in their independence from God, their self-reliance, their desire for fame. Their fear is seen in their building a tower lest they be scattered over the earth. Rather than trust a loving God to protect them, they give way to fear, and trust their own efforts for security.

God’s response is decisive. He confuses their speech and scatters them over the earth. If they stay together, their potential for rebellion and wickedness is simply too great. The tone of God’s response is not that of a rival’s jealousy, but that of a father’s concern. For their sake, God takes radical measures. He does the same for you too.

At Babel people set out to make a name for themselves. But those who exalt themselves, God is well able to humble. Our calling is never to make a name, but to exalt a name. The name of Jesus.

That is your mission: Exalt Jesus. Lie low and exalt Jesus.