Life would be easier, if everyone would say what they meant. If someone could perfectly describe their thoughts, then they could effectively communicate with anyone on earth. People would know exactly what someone is thinking, without having to inspect their words. Groups could do amazing work, if they had no miscommunication. Yet, no matter how hard people try to listen to others, it seems inevitable that even the closest of friends will (at some point) misunderstand each other. Why is it apparently impossible for people to speak clearly?
The Bible reveals the origin of miscommunication. It is recorded in Genesis chapter 11. At the world's beginning everyone "had one language and a common speech," (1). With everyone on earth able to perfectly understand one another, they all gathered to build "a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that they may make a name for themselves," (4). As they built, God looked down upon their tower and the city around it. He said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them," (6). The Lord then said, "Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other," (7). Having done this, the Lord scattered all the people and caused them to stop building (8). So it was that God "confused the language of the whole world," creating different forms of speech, dialects and other aspects which lead to miscommunication (9).
God made humans unable to perfectly understand each other, so humanity would not be able to "make a name for themselves," (Genesis 11:4). What this means is the Lord did not allow people (or any person) to make themselves into a lasting name, or rather a legacy. It might appear unjust for God to be "a jealous God," making sure only His name lasts forever (Exodus 34:14). The truth, though, is it would not be right for anyone to have a name that can challenge God's. The Lord is the good creator and sustainer of all things, so anyone who chases after another name (even their own) would be a fool. No name or legacy can compare to the Lord's. He is "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come," (Ephesians 1:21). Everyone should "praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens," (Psalm 148:13). If only God's name is to be exalted (praised above all), then it is good that no other name comes close.
Concerning humanity's name, the Lord gave people misunderstanding, but concerning His own, He did something different. It was after Jesus (who is God) resurrected and ascended into heaven. 12 of His apostles gathered in a city in an upper room (Acts 1:12-14). What happened next is recorded in Acts chapter 2. As the apostles were praying, a great wind from heaven filled the upper room (2). Then all 12 apostles "began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them," (4). Many in the city heard the apostles and said, "How is it that each of us hears them in our native language?" (7-8). They even exclaimed, "We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (11). The apostle Peter then stood before them and began to preach (14-17). He did not preach his own name, but the name of "Jesus of Nazareth" (22). After the people in the city heard of Jesus' legacy, many of them committed their lives for His namesake (38,41). So it was that "all the believers were together and had everything in common," understanding each other and what was preached about God (44).
Communication is a powerful tool, however people primarily use it to explain themselves and get others to do what they want. This main way that humanity uses communication is self-serving. God, however, did not create people so they could simply serve one another (Colossians 3:23). He created people so they could glorify the Lord (Isaiah 43:7). This is one reason why God brought confusion down upon the self-obsessed who tried to build up their own legacy, but He brought understanding to those who praised Jesus' name. God's purpose for communication is for all people to speak of His wonders and glory. With this in mind, anytime humans misunderstand each other they should see it as a sign; the only human whose name should be lifted high is the name of Jesus.
One name is higher
One name is stronger
Than any grave, than any throne
Christ exalted over all
The only Saviour, Jesus Messiah
To You alone our praise belongs
Christ exalted over all
- Vertical Worship
Sources
- The Bible (New International Version)
- Open Bible Info: Name Above All Names
- John Piper: Created for Glory
- Vertical Worship: Exalted Over All
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