…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 2.11b-13
Can you recall a time when you were in a crowd and realized you were hearing your native language? In a place where that was highly unlikely? I would think that would be a welcome realization … ahhh, kindred spirits!
But when you heard what was being said … you leaned closer, slowed down your activity just to listen more carefully, not in a creepy, eavesdropping way, but with wonderment … What is he saying? Am I hearing that right? Maybe I need another cup of coffee because I must be dreaming!
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spriit gave them utterance.
Now there were devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 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 … 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 2.1-8,11b-13
As we read chapter 2 of the Book of Acts this week, we are witnessing an extraordinary moment in the life of devout Jews in Jerusalem, many not native to Jerusalem but travelers to the Temple at the time of Pentecost celebrating the harvest. Same Jewish heritage and traditions. Different languages. Two reactions to what is being heard.
And what were they hearing in their own tongues (languages)? The mighty works of God!
The reactions? There were two types.
Scripture tells us they were amazed and perplexed and wondered “What does this mean?” with an open mind to hearing these truths.
Scripture also tells us that some reacted by jeering, sneering, ridiculing, mocking … “They’re drunk!”
Always this is a point of conviction for me. My gut-instinct reaction to something unexpected can often be hesitant, cautious, guarded. My heart wants to respond in wonder and amazement, but my discerning mind says … Wait a minute here, can I trust what I’m hearing, seeing?
And so … much prayer for reliance on what I have come to know about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit – near, faithful, unchanging, cares deeply about my well-being, about my life now as a witness of His amazing work in me and through me, and about my eternity life. I’m making the choice today to live expecting the unexpected with amazement and hopeful joy. I pray that for you also, my friend.
Praying for the miracle of hearing of the mighty works of God, Colleen
P.S. Ladies – our women’s retreat is this Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27! You’ll find all the info here: