Our Scripture meditation is based on Genesis 11:6-8, from the Old Testament reading for Pentecost next weekend.
[6] And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” [8] So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.
We’re blessed this week to prepare for Pentecost, an ancient festival celebration for Christians.
Originally Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival. In Jesus’ day great throngs of people traveled to Jerusalem for Pentecost. Right after Jesus ascended into heaven, God did great miracles on Pentecost. By the power of the Holy Spirit the apostles spoke in the languages of various people who had gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost.
The Old Testament account of the Tower of Babel helps us understand the meaning of this Pentecost experience. People had gathered to build a tower in the city of Babel. The Lord observed that people could accomplish anything. Since the people were born under the curse of original sin, this “anything” would include that which was sinful. God protected the people from themselves by confusing their languages.
The Pentecost celebration in Acts occurs after Jesus has died and rose for the forgiveness of the sins of the world. It is time to reunify all people. Thus, the Apostles speak in the languages of those gathered. This miracle gives credence to Peter’s sermon, where he proclaims the crucified and risen Christ. (Acts 2:14-41)
This makes Pentecost a mission festival, a celebration of God starting the process a spreading the Gospel around the world to bring the world to Christ.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 