Acts 2:1-4 - When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
This devotion pairs with this weekend's Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at LHM.org.
Pentecost seems particularly poignant to me this year. As I look out into a world that seems only more divisive than the world of even a year ago, my heart longs not just for peace but for something that can bring harmony in the midst of the jarring, chaotic noise of this time. Whether it be armed conflict in places like the Ukraine and Israel, civil unrest in universities, political division between neighbors, violence in schools, or something trivial like whether Taylor Swift is ruining the NFL, everywhere I turn, dissonance and discord seem to fill my ears.
Into this space comes the rushing wind of Pentecost and the sweet melody of voices in multiple languages, proclaiming hope in Jesus the Christ. The Holy Spirit when He comes, brings—and indeed creates—unity. The unity is not in countries of origin, or shared history; it is not in familial bonds or shared hobbies; it is not in political ideologies or economic class; it is in Jesus. And so, on this Pentecost nearly 2,000 years ago, the first thing the disciples do is express that unity by proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus, inviting others to join in that unity. And as we read in the book of Acts, they do.
Imagine for a moment the scene: diverse peoples gather in Jerusalem, each hearing the disciples speak in his or her own language. It is a miracle that transcends human barriers, demonstrating the message of Jesus' love and salvation is truly for all. The Holy Spirit, in this divine act, does not erase differences but harmonizes them, creating a symphony of believers united in their faith in Christ. And this did not stop on that Pentecost 2,000 years ago. This is what the Holy Spirit has been doing through the church ever since. It is why we are here today sharing this devotion. In this broken, dissonant world, there is only one Name that can bring harmony: it is the Name of Jesus.
WE PRAY: Almighty Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit on Pentecost. May the Holy Spirit unite us in Jesus. We pray by the power of Your Spirit we would be used to invite others to share in the unity that comes from the death and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Dr. Jason Broge.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you find the world to be more, or less, unsettled than it was a year ago? Why?
2. Why did God have people speak in other languages on that first Pentecost?
3. How does the Holy Spirit work in the life of the church today to unify it?
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 19-20 John 5:25-47
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