The issue God has with preachers, part thirteen

The issue God has with preachers, part thirteen: Nimrod reappeared indirectly, building a tower similar to the one at Babel.

What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). However, the evils that have happened have occurred to serve as warnings, so we do not desire such evils as they did, and they are written to instruct us, those upon whom the end of the ages has come (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11).

The Tower of Babel (Nimrod)

They said, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” And they used bricks instead of stone, and tar for mortar. They said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:3-4).

The Tower of Babel was built around 1390-1400 BC, before the birth of Jesus. Building the Tower of Babel was not God’s plan because their goal was different from what God intended when He created mankind. God intended for humans to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, subduing and ruling over everything in it (Genesis 1:26-28). However, those who built the Tower of Babel had a different goal; they wanted to stay together (while God wanted them to spread out and fill the earth) and build a tall brick tower to make their name known—this was about “personal emancipation and pride.”

Although the tower/building they built might have had some purpose, it was not God’s will. It is important to remember that not everything that has a purpose aligns with God’s will. Even Saul, who took many things from the Amalekites thinking it would be useful for God’s house, was rejected by God because it was not His will (1 Samuel 15:20-22).

The Division of Languages is Not a Punishment but God’s Plan

Some view the division of languages as a punishment from God, but while there may not be many reasons to reject this view, let’s look at the key point. God divided the languages to fulfill His plan of scattering people so that they would fill the earth. Therefore, the division of languages among those who built Nimrod’s tower was to ensure that God’s plan of populating the earth was fulfilled rather than being a mere punishment; it might even have been a way to accomplish His plan through what seemed like a punishment.

Nimrod is Still Building

Nimrod’s main goal was to build a name for himself rather than elevating or establishing God’s kingdom. Leaders of religions and churches (let’s remember this: Religion is a system created by people to connect with God, while the Church is God’s system to connect with people. Religion becomes the Church when the system created by people aligns with God’s system) are also seeking to make their names known rather than letting God’s kingdom be known.

Conclusion and Lesson

This issue is not limited to leaders alone; often, those being led point out shortcomings in our leaders, but we should use our time to pray for them as the Scriptures instruct us (Ephesians 6:18). If everything is done to make people’s names known, if tithes are given for recognition, if singers perform to gain fame, if teachers teach to be known, they are undoubtedly building the Tower of Babel. And undoubtedly, God will scatter languages for His purpose.

In conclusion, how can you claim to believe and strive for human praise instead of seeking praise from God Himself? (John 5:44). While I do not seek glory for myself, there are those who do, and He judges (John 8:54). The one who seeks his own glory is seeking it for himself, but the one who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truly righteous; unrighteousness is not found in him (John 7:18).