Pentecost is one of my favorite times of the year. The message of Pentecost brings with it that of a new beginning filled with exciting, albeit risky, adventure. The story of Pentecost as told to us in Acts shows just how this adventure will be as it's told with images of misunderstanding, confusion, conversation and finally understanding all possible because of the unifying spirit of God.
Acts 2 paints us a wonderful picture of these images. We see a room filled with devout Jews (some commentaries say about 500, some say more, some say less, I say it doesn't matter) and yet we really don't have an idea on why they're there. The chapter simply begins with them gathered and suddenly being overcome by a sound of a violent wind and having their heads touched with tongues of fire. Whoa! Imagine being there.
Then all heck breaks loose. People begin arguing, people start to accuse each other of being drunk or practicing trickery. Peter, probably having had enough of the nonsense, then get's up and says (paraphrasing), "OK...That's quite enough!" and goes into what is argued to be the first sermon of the new Christian church.
In his sermon, Peter points out that the people gathered should not be surprised about what happened, after all, it's what they were expecting and waiting for. Which brings about my thought of the day - What are we expecting?
God's presence is always and ever. God wants to be in a relationship with us, and reaches out to us all day long, everyday. God's voice is everywhere and all we need to do to hear it is listen. God shouldn't have to come to us in the sound of a tornado or touch our heads with burning coals. No, we should hear our God in the little things; birds singing, waves lapping on shore, leaves rustling in the gentle breeze, the laughter of children. That's where God is easiest to hear.
All we have to do is listen.
No comments:
Post a Comment