Each day Dave and I find a different place to eat our afternoon meal. The other day we were enjoying a quaint little Greek/Italian place, roadside, under some huge eucalyptus trees. Outside dining at it’s best!
From the surrounding tables we heard Greek, Spanish, French, German, and English spoke with multiple accents. Everyone was there for the same purpose – to indulge in the delicious food they serve.
We were all hungry!
We even remarked at the time that it was an international melting pot focused on food.
Later that day I wondered if any of us sitting there would have been able to stand and speak so that everyone could understand. I found that rather doubtful but possibly.
That was the miracle in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
“Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. 6 And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. 7 They were excited and amazed, and said:
‘Don’t all these who are speaking come from Galilee? 8 Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages? 9 Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, 11 Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.'” Acts 2:5-11 CEV
The Lord had a marvelous message to deliver. So many people from so many places all in Jerusalem at the same time. So, He had Peter deliver the message and EVERYONE heard in their own language.
Do you see that some of the people there that day were from Crete? We’re headed to Crete next week and will visit the museum of Titus. Yes, the same Titus from Paul’s travels. He was the first bishop of Crete and was responsible for teaching the citizens there the ways of Christ. One of the things Titus was instructed to teach was that the followers of Christ should be kind to everyone.
“These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:8 CEV
Probably very few who are reading this have a command of multiple languages or even a need for it but the language we can all speak is the language of God’s love.
The Apostle Paul, who wrote those words, said it was the goodness of God that brings people to a place of repenting, seeking forgiveness and finding His love.
“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2 Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.” Philippians 2:1-2 CEV
Next time you are in a situation where it’s hard to understand the words or the actions of another person try using the language of God’s love. It just may be the best way to communicate.
AMEN!!!!