Summary: Mere observation may not be suitable to reveal the identity of a person/group but the use of language sounds appropriate.’.., say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth for he could not frame to pronounce it right...’ The language was used to reveal identities among the ancient Israelites.

I. An encyclopedia is not necessary to define what an identity simply means. It is just what people use to trace who a person is. It could be the name, skin color, place of origin, culture or language (Genesis 10:31). Due to globalization and trade among nations, these characteristics are becoming irrelevant (Acts 2:10-11). Notwithstanding, language still remains a powerful tool to reveal identities even in almost homogeneous society (Judges 12:6).

II. But from the beginning it was not so. The whole earth had one language of communication (Genesis 11:1). God regretted the creation of man because of his corrupt heart (Genesis 6:5-6). And the oneness they found in common language did not help matter as it strengthened their ability to mastermind activities which did not glorify God (Psalms 14:3, Genesis 11:3-4).

III. When God saw what men had done, he knew they would go out of control if certain precaution was not applied (Genesis 11:5-6). And the only solution was to disunite them by confounding their language (Genesis 11:7) and He scattered them abroad (Genesis 11:8).

IV. Owing to this great diversity in human existence, racism among men became the order of the day (Genesis 43:32) and it forms the bedrock of this present generation. Give me a person/group from a nation and I will tell you it has racially abuse other nationals with less power and influence within its domain consciously or unconsciously. There is always a new record of racial discrimination to set among nations of the world.

V. In order to address the issue at a larger scale, unity in diversity is taken as a centerpiece in the global reorientation and continued advocacy. Despite these concerted efforts, lasting solution could not be proffered as men’s hearts are still corrupt. Can man solve man’s problem? Absolutely no, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Man must reconcile with God (2 Corinthians 5:20-21) to enjoy the experience of Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:12-13). When you identify with Jesus Christ you become empowered with heavenly language which gives you passport to the heavenly gifts (Acts 10:44-45, Ephesians 1:3-4, John 10:27-29) and you are free from iniquity by His grace (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 6:11). When you possess the identity in Christ it will be greatly evidenced (Acts 14:11, Acts 8:10, Acts 28:6) as signs and wonders will abound around you (Acts 16:25-26, Philippians 2:10-11).

Conclusion:

Earthly language can never be in tandem with the heavenly language. Men of the world must have identity in Christ to be able to speak in heavenly language (Mark 16:17). And that is the only passport for them to have communion with God. How do you have an identity in Christ?

Step 1: Acknowledge that you are a sinner (Luke 18:13)

Step 2: Pray for the forgiveness of sin (1 John 1:9, Micah 7:18-19, Ephesians 1:7)

Step 3: Accept Jesus into your life (Psalms 91:14-16, Ephesians 3:17, John 12:36).

Step 4: You are henceforth to live a life devoid of sin by His grace (Romans 8:2).

Step 5: Walk in His ways always (Psalms 89:15, Micah 6:8, 1 John 2:6) for it is pleasing to hear that you are among His children that walk in truth (3 John 4) and you will have heavenly inheritance (Colossians 3:24).

Step 6: Show love everywhere (1 John 4:7-8)

When these steps are completed you are now a new creature in Christ, our Lord.

Prayer points:

1. Oh Lord, sin is the greatest problem of man. Give me grace to overcome sin at all times, in Jesus’ name. Amen

2. Oh Lord, I pray to thee that Jesus permanently dwell in my heart. Amen

3. Oh Lord let me be in tune with the heavenly rhymes that you may be in my presence always, in Jesus’ name. Amen

4. Oh Lord, I pray that you give me the passport to have access to your heavenly inheritance, in Jesus’ name. Amen

Scripture References:

Judges 12:5-6, Genesis 10:31, Acts 2:10-11, Genesis 11:1, Genesis 6:5-6, Psalms 14:3, Genesis 11:3-4, Genesis 11:5-6, Genesis 11:7, Genesis 11:8, Genesis 43:32, Matthew 19:26, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Genesis 28:12-13, Acts 10:44-45, Ephesians 1:3-4, John 10:27-29, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 6:11, Acts 14:11, Acts 8:10, Acts 28:6, Acts 16:25-26, Philippians 2:10-11, Mark 16:17, Luke 18:13, 1 John 1:9, Micah 7:18-19, Psalms 91:14-16, Ephesians 3:17, John 12:36, Romans 8:2, Psalms 89:15, Micah 6:8, 1 John 2:6, 3 John 4, Colossians 3:24, 1 John 4:7-8

Richard P. Chukwugozi

richard78ng@gmail.com