Our scripture this week is Acts 2:1-21.
“Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Acts 2:8-13
The crowd that heard the disciples speak were confused by hearing testimony in their own languages. The list contained here covered most of the civilized world, indicating the huge and diverse territory in which Jesus called them to minister. There were supporters and detractors in the crowd, as there had been when Jesus taught.
The Holy Spirit provided them this gift to attract attention initially so that those gathered might hear their testimony and carry it back to their own countries to begin the work. They likely started their story with “I heard a bunch of Galileans speaking different languages while I was in Jerusalem.” “Really, what did they say?” “They were declaring the wonders of God!” and that would lead to discussion of the story of Jesus they had heard.
It still works that way today. The Holy Spirit inspires us to share our experience of Jesus with others. You don’t have to have a pulpit, a radio show or an internet page, although the Word can be shared in these ways. All Jesus asks is that we share the Good News of salvation in the ways available to us. It may be a simple “God loves you!” offered in passing or how we show His love in stressful situations. Witness can take many forms, and we must be aware of our opportunities to share.
Gracious God, we thank you for the chance to tell the story of our relationship with You to others. Help us to be good stewards of Your love and teach others as Jesus taught us. Amen.