Speaking in Tongues

One of the most well-known stories in the book of Acts is from the second chapter on Pentecost. Usually, in the church we celebrate Pentecost fifty days after Easter and we say that it is the 'birthday of the church.' We read from the book of Acts 2 about how the Holy Spirit stirred and swirled around the disciples in a room, they all spoke in tongues, but could understand each other.

This is usually the ONLY time we talk about the Holy Spirit.

We might make references to how Acts 2 is like Genesis 1, where God's spirit surfed over creation or Genesis 11 how Pentecost is a reversal of the Tower of Babel.

But, we really don't know what to do with this narrative. In the mainline church, we don't do much talking in tongues. It is appropriate to say that while some Pentecostal church see this as talking in a language unintelligible to most; what actually happens in Acts 2 is that the disciples and others are talking in known languages.

Moreover, Pentecost isn't our original Christian church idea. We borrowed it (permanently) from our Jewish brothers and sisters. They celebrate Pentecost 50 days after Passover (sound familiar??) as the day their ancestors went to Jerusalem to offer the first fruits of the harvest.

Given that context, the disciples (who remember are staying in Jerusalem) were surrounded on the first Christian Pentecost by lots of people from out of town...lots of people who spoke different languages...lots of people who were traveling away from home.

I have heard people talk about when traveling out of our country, to a place where communication is difficult because of the language barrier, and the relief when they find someone who speaks English.

The point I take away from Acts 2 is a challenge to talk the language that people outside the church can understand without watering down the good news of Gospel. The point I take away from Acts 2 is how can I tell the story of Jesus' endless love in a way that people can hear? I don't think that is about gimmicks or a flashy power point presentation. How can I be authentic in sharing what is in my heart and then listening to see where my heart is connecting with another.

That's sacred.
That's the Holy Spirit at work.
That's Acts 2

God's blessings and peace!