World Language Day // John 1:1
It’s World Language Day, a time to contemplate the 7,000-some-odd languages spoken in the world. One might wonder how we ended up with so many different languages and the Bible tells us in the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11:1-9. The big idea from that story has less to do with language and more about how a single, unified language enabled unchecked human ambition in a way that led to a prideful rebellion against God. God, therefore, confused their languages and scattered the people across all the earth. So, is there a problem with our words? No, not really, but as in all things, it’s how we use them.
John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This Word specifically refers to Jesus. This verse has a direct connection with the Creation narratives in Genesis where God brought existence into being simply with the words, “Let there be….” What we see is God made us for Himself, and ever since, humans have been trying to go our way. This was true for Adam and Eve in Eden, just like at the Tower of Babel. It was true for Moses at Mount Sinai as the people rebelled even after the 10 Commandments were given, and it was true for Peter after he saw Jesus Transfigured on Mount Tabor before he succumbed to his own fear and denied Jesus. All of this goes to show that we all have a common, unified problem that far surpasses language.
Jesus came as the Word of God to reveal our sin problem to us, but also God’s desire to save us. The Word of God led, taught, and performed miracles. The Word of God invited people to follow Him as He began his public ministry and cried out “It is Finished” once the debt for our sins was paid. The Word of God invited us to join Him in God’s rescue mission for all humanity then deployed His disciples back out all across the world to bring home all those who were scattered. It is the Word of God that resolved our rebellion and reconciled us back to the Lord.
I hope you will find a way to use your words to share the hope and healing available in Christ on this World Language Day. God scattered and confused us for our own benefit, then saved and collected us in Jesus. May we turn to Christ and remember that the time will come when all the world will bow at the name of Jesus…the only name under heaven by which we can be saved (Philippians 2:10 and Acts 4:12).