Fill the earth with His Glory - A devotion by Jonathan Ryan

Passages: Genesis 11:1–9; Acts 2:1–11

 

In Genesis 11, we encounter humanity united by one language and one shared ambition. The descendants of Noah gathered in the land of Babylonia with remarkable cooperation and clarity of purpose. Their goal, however, was not the glory of God but the elevation of self: “Let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

 

On the surface, their unity appears commendable. Yet Scripture reveals a deeper problem, their unity was rooted in disobedience. God had already commanded humanity to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1). God’s mission was outward, expansive, and global. Babel represented resistance to that mission—a determination to settle, secure, and centralize rather than obey and go.

 

Babel was not merely about a tower; it was about control, self-preservation, and self-glory. It was an attempt to build identity and security apart from God. Instead of trusting God’s promise and direction, the people chose to anchor themselves in human achievement. Their unity, though powerful, was misdirected.

 

God, who understands the strength of a united people, intervened. By confusing their language, He disrupted their self-centred project and scattered them across the earth. What seemed like judgment was also redemptive correction, the earth was filled, and God’s purposes continued. Human ambition could not derail divine mission.

 

Centuries later, Scripture presents a striking reversal of Babel in Acts 2. Once again, people from many nations gathered—this time in Jerusalem. Once again, languages were involved, but instead of confusion, there was clarity. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers in the upper room, they began to speak in other tongues, declaring “the mighty works of God” in the languages of all who were present.

 

At Babel, humanity sought to make a name for themselves; at Pentecost, only the name of Jesus was exalted.

 

At Babel, language divided and scattered people in confusion; at Pentecost, language became the means of gathering people into God’s redemptive story.

 

At Babel, God scattered humanity; at Pentecost, God sent His Church.

 

This contrast reveals something profound about God’s heart. God is not opposed to unity, He is opposed to unity without obedience and unity without surrender. The unity birthed by the Holy Spirit is not centred on self, but on Christ. It is not designed to keep us contained, but to send us out.

 

Jesus made this clear when He said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). God’s people are not called to build towers of comfort or personal legacy, but to carry His presence, proclaim His name, and participate in His mission.

 

The question for us today is not whether we are united, but what our unity is for. Are we building for our own recognition, security, and success, or are we surrendering ourselves to God’s global purposes? True obedience aligns us with God’s outward-moving mission, even when it costs us familiarity, comfort, or control.

 

Reflection

 

1. Has our focus shifted toward building what we want rather than what God desires?
2. Pray Psalm 139:23–24 and invite God to search your heart and reveal any hidden motives.
3. Have I resisted God’s call to go outward—into new places, new people, or new assignments?
4. Where might obedience require trust and surrender?

 

Prayer

 

Father God,

Forgive us for the times we have sought to build our own names instead of proclaiming Yours. Forgive us for erecting towers of comfort, control, and personal security while resisting Your call to go.

 

Realign our hearts with Your mission. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that our unity may be rooted in obedience and our purpose centered on Christ. Wherever You send us, may Your name be exalted, Your presence carried, and Your kingdom advanced.

 

All for Your glory alone.

Amen.