David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 2:1-8

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested^[a] on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

⁵ Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. ⁷ And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?

I love to ask questions, and have sought to hone that skill. Good questions can engage us; they set the frame of the discussion, and can serve to challenge our preconceived notions, presumptuous ideas, and untested beliefs. I believe those are good things to challenge. Good questions can also bring needed information, help in our understanding, and give us insight into deeper truths.

In the case of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the questions of the multitude show that they realize something important was happening, and that they wanted to know more. Two questions work in tandem. The thought is: these are Galileans. They don’t know all these languages we are hearing. What is going on here? How is this seeming contradiction to be explained.

As the events unfold, we learn that God has poured out the Holy Spirit as he had promised through the prophet Joel. God was continuing his work begun in Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and buried, but now raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. A time of great importance was unfolding before their eyes. God was at work; that was the simple answer to these peoples’ questions.

An important question for us, however, was not asked and begs for us to engage it: Why is this happening? Not only what is God up to, but why is it unfolding this way?

God wants to get our attention. He wants to speak into our hearts. He is calling us to repentance and faith. He delights in restoring people to a right relationship to himself. He desires to reign in our hearts by faith. He will do remarkable things to make that happen.

Is God seeking to get your attention today? Is your heart open to his word? Will you repent and believe the Good News of Jesus? Will you embrace those questions embrace today?