After the Flood, humankind traveled west and settled in the land of Shinar and began to build Babel, a city and tower to reach the heavens, to settle and make a name for themselves. Genesis records God came down for a personal inspection of the people’s handiwork. Seeing their efforts, He said, “the people are one…now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” There, God confused their language, causing the people to be scattered across the earth.
Unity, the condition in which people are joined together under a common cause. It’s such a powerful force, God acknowledged when banded together, even for selfish purposes, a united people can accomplish anything.
Yet, God didn’t allow that state of confusion to last forever. On Pentecost, the disciples were unified, in one place and on one accord when the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak so people of every language could hear about the wonderful works of God (Acts 2:1-11). The confusion of Babel was replaced with unity of language and purpose. This time to glorify God.
John 17 records Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, in which He prayed for the apostles and future generations of believers—us today. Of all the things Jesus could have prayed for us, He focused on a specific theme, “that they all may be one…that they also may be one in Us (Jesus and God)” (John 17:21). Jesus prayed we be one with Him and the Father.
God declared, united, the people of Babel could accomplish anything. Imagine what can be achieved if the people of God are united to do what glorifies God? It’s what Jesus prayed for—that we be one. In unity with Him, there’s strength and power, and nothing we propose to do will be withheld from us!
