Introductory Thoughts
People unite over various causes. Some of those causes are righteous, while others are not. Unity based upon a righteous cause pleases the Lord and leads to righteous acts. Unity based upon ungodly or carnal causes grieves the Lord and leads to the wickedness we find so prevalent in the world today. After the flood, the Lord commanded Noah and his family to “replenish the earth” (Genesis 9:1). They could not replenish the earth if they remained together so the Lord wanted Noah’s family to spread out across the earth. Yet, the people immediately began settling together and “Noah began to be an husbandman” (Genesis 9:20). This may seem insignificant, but it was only the precursor to the unified desire in Genesis 11:4 to build “a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven.” Noah’s disobedience led to further and greater disobedience and unity in a common wicked cause.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): Mark 2:1-12 tells of four men who worked together for the purpose of bringing their sick friend to the Lord. The Lord forgave the sick mans sins and healed him. He is pleased when we work with other believers to do what is good and right.
-
(For everyone): How did the Lord feel about the tower of Babel (see Genesis 11:1-9)? Why was the Lord displeased with the unity of the people? What came of their unity?
-
When did the language barrier between cultures begin? Why did the Lord confound the languages? What does this suggest about the Lords desire, or lack thereof, for world unity so desired by those willing to accept anyone and everyone?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you find unity only in righteous causes.
- Ask God to guide you to others with whom you may be unified.
Song
Yield Not to Temptation
