The Interpretation of Tongues
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all gathered in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability.
Now there were devote Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem, And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 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?” All were amazed and perplexed, saying one to another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them…,”
Devotion
She was given two tickets to attend the Symphony Performance at the Century Concert Hall and she invited her friend to accompany her. He had never before attended a symphony concert. He determined that he would not enjoy it but said, “Because it means so much to you, I will go.” As they entered the hall, he was met with what he called “noise” and chaos. The concert had not yet begun and the members of the orchestra each was tuning his/her/their individual instrument, and to the unaccustomed and inexperienced concert goer, this was total chaos. He had before heard the trumpet, and the trombone, and the piano, and the drums play, but not in this way. Seeing the look of disappointment on his face, she encouraged him to be patient. There were music students in the audience also and each was focused, listening to the individual instrument he/she hoped to master. Soon the maestro, amid cheers from the crowed room, came into the hall, mounted the director’s podium and raised his baton. Those two hours that followed “are one of the best gifts of music I had ever been given,” he told her afterwards.
Thinking Out Loud
A promise was given. The disciples and other followers of Jesus waited with anticipation on the Holy Spirit that was promised by Jesus, and they prayed. The waiting payed off. The gift of the holy Spirit came to them and to those who attended to hear Peter explain the seeming chaos and confusion they heard. Then they too received the Holy Spirit and, as is told us in the book of Acts, many, many, many were baptised that day and became Christians. And all responded and participated with “jubilance, energy and excitement”. So, what about Pentecost today? What does it mean for you and me? For my part, the Holy spirit rests within me, and goes along with me daily. It is my Comforter, my Guide, my Encourager to take or not take certain actions, and my Intercessor. Sometimes I see or have felt the workings of these gifts in hindsight. At other times they come to me before I take action. For some, these works of the Spirit are called God Moments, the Sensing of God’s Presence...and some may even call them Coincidences.
In Acts 2:17-18 I read, “...God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” This extract from Acts further reminds me that the Triune God shows no partiality. The Holy Spirit rests upon and within each of us regardless of gender, race, disabled or able, ethnicity, culture or nationality.. It does not rest within certain faiths or religion and not on others. Nor are the gifts of the holy Spirit to be hoarded. A plaque on my office wall reminds me daily, “My Gift is Valuable, It Must be Risked”. This gift of the Holy Spirit is a gauge to determine whether it contributes to the common good of building up the “Body of Christ,” and constantly reminds me to love my neighbors as myself.
“As we admire the awesome power and beauty of our natural surroundings, we might also consider how we view the people around us. Do we see them as unique and as beautifully crafted as the other wonders of nature? Are we able to appreciate every talent, ability, and gift even when they appear miles different from our own? With the Pentecost theme echoing in our minds, the Holy Spirit invites us to take a fresh look around and celebrate the special distinctiveness of God’s good creation.”
- Lyn Crase ‘03 M.Div., “11 D.Min writing for God Pause, May 24, 2023
The Holy Spirit invites, encourages and gives us power and strength to love and to persevere.
Post Script: From that night forward Emily’s friend began to spread the good news of his symphony performance experience to his family, his friends, his colleagues at work...and even strangers. Now he is an ardent symphony concert goer.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, you have breathed on us and empowered us with the gifts of knowledge and understanding, of wisdom and love. You have endowed us with talents and abilities to use for the betterment of our households, parishes, communities, and the world. Teach us to act as Spirit-filled persons and to live with the assurance that you are beside us no matter the challenges we face. Amen
Devotion By Horace Davis
Member of First English, Wisconsin Rapids
