On January 22, 1930, excavation began for construction of the Empire State Building in New York City, a competition to win the title of the tallest building in the world.  By the time of its completion in 1931, it surpassed the Chrysler Building, which claimed the title in 1929.  Its original height was 1,250 feet, which increased to 1,472 feet in 1950 by the addition of a 222-foot antenna, and which reduced to 1,454 feet when the antenna was replaced in 1985.  In 1972, the One World Trade Center became the tallest building in the world.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell of the efforts of a man named Nimrod to ensure the security of his community by building a landmark to make a name for them.  He suggested that a city be built in which a tower would also be built to reach to the heavens, all with the purpose of avoiding being scattered over the face of the earth.  An ancient historian named Josephus suggested that Nimrod wanted to build a tower so high that if God flooded the earth again, the waters would not be able to reach the top.

        The people began to work toward Nimrod’s goal, but in their attempt to maintain unity and create a name for themselves, they were rebelling against the sovereign authority of God and His command to “multiply and fill the earth”.  Their arrogant goal was based on their belief that they did not need God to rule over them because they could rule over themselves.  They believed they could reach the heavens on their own terms, with their own hands, and by their own means.  God could not allow them to continue, so He scattered them from there over all the earth by suddenly confusing their language, and they stopped building the tower.

        The design of the tower is also significant in that it included a stairway  to reach to the heavens, a direct violation of what God intended for people.

Jesus addressed this idea in John 10 when He talked about people entering sheepfolds by some other way than through the gate, calling them thieves and robbers.  He pointed out that the shepherd enters through the gate as the gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and this is the same way the sheep enter the sheepfold.  In John 14, Jesus goes on to point out that, in reality, He Himself is the way into heaven, and that no one can enter there except through Him.  This involves asking His forgiveness for sins and inviting Him into our lives, which is what He means by going through Him.  There is no other way.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.