Johannesburg is called the “Golden City.” When passing through its outskirts, we see golden sentries standing erect on every side, glistening in the South African sun. These man-made monuments were shaped from the gold mine tailings brought out of the labyrinth of tunnels that honeycomb the rocks below the city of Johannesburg. For nearly 40 miles, a wide vein of gold stretches its fingers under the length of the city.
There is great allure in gold and that allure brought men from various countries to take a share of the treasure. But conditions in the womb of the earth are frightful. The fearful darkness, constant dust and heavy equipment brought suffering both to the miner and to his family. The great drills soon became known as the widow’s web. Changes had to be made, but a serious barrier stood in the way of progress. The bond that brought men of many languages together meant that Babel had been reformed all over again.
Because of an inability to communicate, accidents continued, production was hindered and tempers were razor sharp. A solution had to be found and it came in the form of a universal language. Once learned, it brought harmony and a strong comradeship: the men were now of one tongue and one purpose.
We dwell in the shadow of a colossal tower of Babel. Transportation and communication advances shrink the world and bring men in contact with those of other nations, tempers flare and inefficiency dominates as people do not understand the tongue of those alongside them.
Zephaniah reminds us the needed transformation will take place when God’s kingdom is upon the earth. “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent” (Zeph. 3:9).
While we labor together in the Lord’s service, let us resolve our shortcomings by being of one mind and so increase our output. “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:6). In such sweet harmony, the work of the Lord will not be a hazard to our spiritual health but make us stronger. With one consent, we will offer upon the altar pure gold that has been purged in the furnace. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (I Peter 4:11).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One