Communication – June 15, 2019

Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.
Genesis 11:7

Communication

“What did you say?” This is one of my daughter’s favorite questions. I might be standing just five feet from her and she will still respond, “What did you say?” Sometimes she knows exactly what I said but doesn’t want to hear what I said. Other times she’s been daydreaming.

Clear communication is vital to human relationships. Couples struggle due to a lack of healthy communication. Neighborly problems persist when time isn’t spent talking through issues. Presidential candidates spend countless hours polishing skills needed to accurately and persuasively push their political and personal agendas.

The people spoken of in Genesis chapter eleven had communicated rather clearly to God that they were going to follow their own agenda. They put their will over God’s will. They thought they could accomplish anything they put their minds to and did not pay attention to the word that God spoke to them.

In response God clearly communicated both his justice and his love for these people. They needed him. Living in opposition to God results in dire consequences. On the other hand, those who hear God’s Word and follow it are truly blessed. Jesus said, “Blessed . . . are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

Through his Son Jesus, God clearly communicated his love for all people, including you and me, despite our own, personal agendas. Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death re-established our relationship with him. His resurrection provides the clear message that he still loves us.

As a result, our heavenly Father always listens and never grows tired of us asking, “What did you say?” Instead, he answers our doubts, fears, and apprehensions with patience and mercy.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, strengthen the line of communication between you and me through the power of your Word. Amen.