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)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Everyone wants to make a name for themselves. To be the rock star. People want to be famous. To be liked and popular.
The descendants of Noah knew what the Lord had commanded. “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth."(Genesis 9)
But in Shinar they gather into one place. In their attempt to break into heaven. To build a tower that would be bigger, taller, and better than all the rest. "Look at me. Look at what I have done."
God was not pleased. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. (Genesis 11) Its name was called Babel. The Lord confused their language.
God brings this sinful building project to a screeching halt. God hates sin. Our sinful pride, our lust for power, and following after idols. The Lord comes to break the chains of sin. Thy will be done.
When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow the name of God nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will. (Explanation, 3rd Petition)
God’s will is to keep us in His Word. The Word is at work on you the sinner. The hammer and the nail Christ bore for you. Jesus shed His royal blood to buy you back from sin.
The Word of God is preached into your ears and heart for you to believe. God is at work on His Building project the church. God builds up Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the Bride of Christ.
When the day of Pentecost arrived the Holy Spirit came from heaven down to earth. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached a powerful sermon all about JESUS. People from all nations gathered to hear the Word of the Lord.
Jesus exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing...Therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. (Acts 2)
About 3,000 were baptized that day. God's Name is put on you in Holy Baptism. To God alone be the glory. Every Sunday is a little Pentecost. Christ’s all atoning death and glorious resurrection is preached. The Holy Spirit is a mighty preacher. He carries Christ’s Word from mouths to ears, from preacher to hearer and from Dad to his children. Pentecost continues today. Rejoice, Zion, in the Holy Spirit at work in, on, and through you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Collect for Pentecost Eve
Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.