CHAPTER 31
MIND YOUR LANGUAGE
Genesis 11:1–9
“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.” — Genesis 11:1
After the worldwide flood — and yes, it did actually happen — you would have thought mankind had learned its lesson. Yet humanity continued in rebellion against God, so He taught them another lesson by confusing the languages of the world.
Language is a fascinating thing. The language spoken in my adopted country of China is still largely a complete mystery to me, just as English is to millions of Chinese people.
When Helen and I first started dating online, we quickly ran into this language barrier. Helen speaks English very well, as does my daughter Sherry, and my son Peter is learning quickly too.
Let me share a few of the funny things Helen once said to me:
- “Go and change your skirt” (shirt)
- “You need to shave off your mosquito” (moustache)
- “I don’t understand his accident” (accent)
These still make us laugh today.
My pastor kindly bought me a translator, and now I also have a translation app on my phone, so Helen and I can communicate back and forth at the dinner table.
I can manage basic conversations in shops and supermarkets, but detailed discussions are still difficult without these technological tools.
Perhaps Helen’s funniest slip of the tongue came during my first visit to Nanjing. She said, “Look at all the locusts on Xuanwu Lake!” She meant the beautiful lotus plants growing on the water!
My attempts at speaking Chinese still create great amusement whenever I open my mouth — as do the attempts of certain Chinese people speaking English, who shall remain nameless.
Devotional Thought
AI and translation apps have made it possible for people from different countries and languages to communicate in ways never before imagined.
The ability to speak another language is a special gift. I am reminded of one of my spiritual heroes, William Tyndale, the first man to translate the Bible into English directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. He spoke seven languages. What an inspiration he is to me.
In Acts chapter 2, the people in Jerusalem heard the Gospel being spoken in their own languages:
“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” — Acts 2:6
Today, through modern technology, the Gospel is still going forth across the world.
The Gospel is being preached, and millions are hearing the good news of salvation. More people than ever before now have access to the message of Christ.
Then in Revelation 7, we are given this glorious picture:
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” — Revelation 7:9–10
Every nation, people group, language, and dialect will be represented there before the throne of God.
Let Me Finish With Two Questions
To My Fellow Believers
What are you doing to reach people with the Gospel?
To Those Who Have Not Yet Trusted Christ
Will you be among those spoken of in Revelation 7:9–10?
The time to trust Christ is now.
Not tomorrow.
Not next week.
You do not even know if you will have those days.
Do not waste another second.