We are often mistaken, I think, when we imagine what unity looks and sounds like.  Our mind too frequently goes to envisioning uniformity and monotony.

At the Pentecost we encounter the very opposite.  Yes, the disciples – women and men – are all gathered in the same place, for the same reason, and on one accord, but this crowd is anything but uniform, and they are certainly not monotonous! Have you read the Gospels? 

It must not be forgotten that the crowd outside the upper room was perhaps even more diverse! From all over the known world, Jews from the diaspora were gathered. But because of the deliberate unity of the disciples and the ensuing outpouring of the Holy Spirit, each of these pilgrims was addressed in their native language. Wow!

When God’s people deliberately gather, and devote themselves to prayer, the Holy Spirit demonstrates an amazing power that draws those outside closer… Get that?

When God’s people deliberately gather, and devote themselves to prayer – this unity becomes the pretext to a powerful witness that allows those present to hear God speak in ways they can understand!  

What amazing grace, and awesome power, what compassion the Father shows us through Christ and the Spirit – that God would draw near to us and speak to us in ways we can understand!

Oh, that we may become Christ’s witnesses!

And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.  

Acts 2:6 

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam