Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, 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 Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:7-12
God had chosen the perfect time – as He always does – for the disciples to witness to a large and diverse group of people. The festival of Pentecost called faithful Jews from all over world to bring the offerings of their first fruits to the temple in Jerusalem. As the scripture records, there were people of all different nations and regions, and each heard the Word of God in their own native language. They were amazed by this, and many thought the disciples were drunk…or worse!
Are we like those who discounted the wonder that was occurring? Perhaps we would have sneered “oh, it’s just Google Translate!” Often our worldview and supposed sophistication lead us to dismiss everyday miracles all around us. We need to be more aware of God reaching out to us, wanting to grab our attention and have us focus on the connection with Him that is essential to our lives.
Today, open yourself to God’s gentle nudges. It could be very simple, but it could also be life-changing. Listen for His greeting and be ready to hear the call He places on each of our lives to share His love with everyone.
Gracious God, thank You for calling us into Your holy work here on earth. Help us to hear the invitation and respond enthusiastically, ready to go where You send us with the Good News. Amen.