Love Language of Pentecost…
05.19.24
The story of scripture includes the Genesis story of the Tower of Babel. Humanity’s quest for power and glory led them to unite, not under God, but in their attempt to make a name for themselves and find heaven. They built this tower higher and higher to get to God. Long story short, we are told because of this event, God disperses the people, and on the other side of this disaster humanity goes from one people of one tongue to many nations and many tongues.
Fast forward to Pentecost. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The power of the Holy Spirit that is promised by Jesus to his disciples now descends on them. It is said that now these many nations of many tongues can now again understand each other. The message of Jesus is now heard and understood, experienced through the power of God within humanity.
Because this power is of God, it is not for confusion or show, it is not a personal path to power or glory, but is for reconciliation. Regardless of language, class, or nationality, the Holy Spirit of God was making unity possible.
But now that this power was given by God for holy purposes, God’s will, the Holy Spirit did not drive the people to unify to again build their idolatrous pathway to heaven. Instead, their eyes and ears were opened to their beloved brothers and sisters in their midst, and they unified under the lordship of Jesus Christ, and started restoring the Kingdom of God here on Earth. “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)
Serve the Region on Pentecost Sunday is beautiful. People within a faith community that has our own differences and diversities going out to serve a diverse list of organizations, causes, and people groups. With no desires to build our own ways to heaven or glorify ourselves, but to surrender to the work of the HOLY Spirt that can communicate through a pulled weed, donated snack, hand-written thank you, a game of cards, that the Kingdom of God is here. Communicated in a language that everyone, including all the poor and powerless can hear.
When we live this way we don’t build our own Babel, but we become bridges. Then people see God in our words and deeds and say “now you’re speaking my language!”