Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves. (Genesis 11)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The people of Shinar are a very ambitious bunch. Hard workers. They wanted to build a tower that reached into the heavens. They wanted to make a name for themselves. “Look at me.” “Look at what I have done.”
The Lord is NOT pleased. God brings the wrecking ball against all our sinful pride that tries to break into heaven. The Lord’s Holy Law is brought against our sin. To expose the sinful condition as a lost and condemned creature. The Law is preached against arrogance, idolatry and hate. REPENT – Repent of your sin. The Tower of Babel is abandoned. The LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. (Genesis 11)
The Lord has His building project that is good, right and salutary. God builds Zion, the heavenly city, His Bride the Church. I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16)
Jesus’ building project for His Church – Christ gives His life. Jesus comes for sinners. Jesus’ building project has a hammer, nails and the wood of the Cross putting to death your sins. This is the Father’s will – sending His Son to die for you. We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.
Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2)
No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3)
In Zion the gifts flow. The Word of the Lord ringing in your ears. Building you up in the faith. Repentance and forgiveness. Gifts flow from Jesus in His Living Waters. In Holy Baptism the gift of the Holy Spirit comes down washing you through Water and Word.
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2)
The Day of Pentecost comes in the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter is preaching Jesus Crucified and Risen for you. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. (Acts 2)
Scattered no more. You are God’s chosen people. You are His Baptized Children on whom the Lord lavishes His rich gifts of mercy and grace. By the Spirit’s power you hear and believe the Good News of Jesus Christ bringing life and salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. (1 Peter 2)