January 3, 2012

Acts 2:1-21 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 3, Genesis 5-6

Journal Entry

Scripture

And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” Acts 2:7-13

Observation

The Pentecost, or Fiftieth Day if you speak ancient Greek was the occasion that brought these immigrant Jews together from abroad. They came to commemorate the event that practically defined Judaism, God giving Moses and his people the Law. That was the old. Now, Someone much greater than Moses had come and not only fulfilled the Law completely but also made it possible for ALL to enjoy a relationship with God through grace. What is the New Pentecost? I suppose that it is the giving of the Holy Spirit who indwells people, fulfilling a promise that Jesus had made. The Law pales in comparison. No, it cannot be compared to the Holy Spirit who enables people to think, act and live in marvelously new ways. The New eclipses the Old. This New Pentecost, to be enjoyed and remembered by the then fledgling church and the billions now who follow the Master all over the world, started with a huge bang, theologically known as a bona fide signs and wonders event. Maybe some day, we will have an app that can translate speech "on the fly" and not make silly mistakes in the process. But that would only be a tiny and poor imitation of the innovation that these people experienced. Some said, "What does this mean?" while others said "They are filled with new wine." The former acknowledged the completely foreign and miraculous aspects of their experience and reached out for an explanation while the latter formed their early opinion to outwardly mock but to inwardly comfort themselves. An act of God or acts of alcoholics? The Apostle Peter who had made a career of putting his foot in his mouth now stands up and uses this question to drive home the very difficult message that the people needed to hear.

Application

How would I have responded if I were there to see and hear the events of the day? My knee jerk response would have sounded a lot like what the mockers said. I need to work to have the more noble response, that of curiosity and engagement. God did not close the book on His acts of wonder with the book of acts. An open mind with an open heart should be my policy.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this look back at the history of your people. It was really good to review how you did things back then and connect them to how you are still active and working in our world. Help me to live with an open mind and an open heart, to all that you do around me.

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