The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-47

This the 71st day out of 100 readings we read about the Day of Pentecost. The happenings were described for us so that we knew what happened, but there was already a reason for them to be together. This day had a name before the scene unfolded as described. So I looked it up (On Judaism 101) It says that this day of Pentecost was a day of gathering and no labor was to be done. It is a celebration of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and in thanksgiving of the gifts of God (First fruits). These celebrations should be familiar to us from when we read about these occurrences in the Old Testament. And it explains why all these people from all over, these  'devout men from all over the world' were there.

I wonder why, when they were telling them all the wonders of God - in their own language some thought they were drunk? If they were talking gibberish, then they couldn't have known they were telling all the wonders of God, and yet there was certainly something remarkable going on, and my guess is they were HAPPY! After we have read about them first being scared, and then being timid and confused...now all of a sudden they were happy and BOLD. That was the difference that people really wondered at.

OK, we remember when the people were dispersed in Babel all the way back on day 6 of our reading, and this is an anti-babel; on this day everyone hears and understands. But even more than that, there are tongues as of fire appearing on their heads, and a big wind from heaven that filled the whole house. Something in the heavens was moving.

I love that Peter here yells out to everyone, 'Nope we are not drunk-it's a little early for that don't you know.' this is the fulfillment of the promises from the prophets. And he goes ahead and makes a case for them logically and clearly (not drunkenly, or timidly, or fearfully) He just says here it is-pay attention! And guess what? They did. Just like when John the baptizer said "You brood of vipers," and people asked what must we do? This too brings the same response. And again the message is not new: Repent and be baptized.

"For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." We are these people that are far off. We can have this gift of the Holy Spirit.

The last of this passage we are reading today says that they gathered together daily and gave to each other as any had need and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to breaking bread together and praying together. And everyone who saw them, saw signs and wonders, and they gained favor among the people-and people were drawn to them and this way of living that made such a difference in the lives of the people.

This belonging and gathering of people all devoted to the apostles' teaching and sharing their lives with one another is something that would stand out today, too. We are disconnected from each other by our work, and our computers and our locked doors. No longer do we share this kind of life with people who strive for the same thing and know and care about us as individuals. This fellowship is certainly something that would-or could bring us closer to God. I don't think an hour a week is enough even to know God, how can it be all there is of our lives that we share with other believers? Just wondering.

See you tomorrow.
-maggie