David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 2:9-12

Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,¹¹ both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” ¹² And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

No one I know well likes to be ridiculed. Denials about the power of words to hurt us (“sticks and stones…”) testify to the need to insulate ourselves from others’ unkindness and hurtful verbiage. So when I read Edwin Friedman’s assertion to the effect that leaders must hear criticism as applause, I struggled to embrace that idea fully. That I could understand that others’ ill will and desire for my failure to be a sign of success is a difficult idea to embrace emotionally.

Jesus had prepared his disciples for such derision. He warned them, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). He also promised blessing to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10-12), So on this occasion, when the disciples are accused of being “filled with new wine,” Peter will not let that dismissal stand. He will dismiss this distraction and provide the true explanation for what is happening as all these people were hearing the Good News in their own languages. Never mind that the accusation makes no sense at all. He realizes that God is up to something good, and desires that the people embrace it.

Not all ridicule is reason for rejoicing. Sometimes it is cause for deep personal self-assessment: Am I wrong here? Have I misstated what I wanted to convey? Do I need to repent? After all, Jesus’ first message was a call to repent and believe the Good News (Mark 1:15). A hallmark of Christian character is that of humility.

Ridicule in the face of righteousness, however, is evidence of the fact that righteousness is making an impact in someone’s life. That someone may not want to conform to a life of righteousness, godliness, humility and faith. He or she may not understand fully what is at stake or even the basic concept of truth and grace that is the foundation of righteousness.

There is no need to stir every hornets nest in order to experience ridicule or persecution; that is nothing but contentiousness. Neither ought we, however, to cower and be distressed when even our best ideas are met with skepticism or contempt. It may not feel like applause, but the devil’s hatred is sure evidence of God’s work in and through us. And that’s cause for great joy. That’s what Jesus said: ““Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12).