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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 15, 2007 |
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Frontline Devotion for Thursday, February 15, 2007 by Dave Sonnenberg
Genesis 11: 1- 13:4 & Psalm 5:1-12
One of the most exciting things in life is watching a child’s development. For example, I was so excited when my kids started learning to say their name. The words may not have been crystal clear, but I remember whenever my kids attempted their name, they got an enthusiastic greeting from all of us. The attention brought a smile to their faces and they’d say it again.
It’s important to learn your name as a kid. It’s an important part in life’s process of discovering your identity. Throughout life, people will always be asking that important question, “who am I or what do I do with this “name”(life) that God has given me?” Some will struggle with that. Some will suffer from overwhelming egos. Some will think that life is all about recognition and applause.
I look at the text today and am drawn to two parts of the story. First, in Genesis 11, the people of Babel decided that they would rally the people under the premise- “let’s make a name for ourselves.” They decided that they would do something grand, like build a tower, so that they would become like God. There is a major difference between being made “in the image of God” and to become God. The former is being formed and shaped by God, whereas the latter is replacing God.
There are countless examples in this world, whereby people try and become God. We could spell some of those out, but for now let us recall what happens whenever humanity tries to “build a tower to take over”. God will not let that kind of nonsense prevail. In Genesis 11: 7, he brings confusion to those who try and elevate themselves over God.
I think true living begins to occur when we recognize that our most important name in life is “child of God.” Under that name, we are called to see that our life and all our uniqueness comes from God. We are called to use our God given gifts to glorify God. We are called to see that God will use us as instruments to bless the world. The name Abraham carries a lot of weight in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. As a Christian, I see him as a great man who did great things. But, ultimately when you look at his life, what makes him great is that he was drawn into God’s vision for his life. He lives under the reality that he was intimately connected to God.
In daily life, you will always have the opportunity to try and “make a name for yourself.” Remember, God calls you to honor him and use the gifts he has given you. Make God’s name great by the way you live your life. Focus on serving him and “child of God” will be a name that others yearn to have.
Lord God, in life we are always trying to distinguish ourselves from others. Help us to remember that our most important identity is child of God. Help us to glorify you by using our gifts. Help us to stop trying to take over for you. Raise our awareness of our mission to bless the world. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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