On that first Pentecost, after Jesus was resurrected, we read that a “sound like a violent rushing wind,” came to the place where the disciples and others were staying. The town heard it, and went to investigate. That’s when they heard in their own language, ( many different people were in Jerusalem at the time, who spoke different languages) the gospel being spoken by Peter. That must have been a very interesting sight. Probably a lot of fear, and anxiety because of such a phenomenon. Some thought they were all drunk, because they couldn’t understand them. So why the difference? Why could most hear in their own language, and some, not be able to understand at all? I suppose it all comes down to, What did they expect to hear? God made it possible, just like He does today, for people to hear the message. Today we hear it in a language that we understand, yet some still think it’s folly. Peter spoke to the crowd that day, and many would come to believe. But he ended his speech with this: “God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear.” Acts 2:32-33 So the question remains today: ‘Are you a witness of the resurrection of Jesus? It’s still a valid question for today, and we can’t use the excuse that it happened long before our time. You see, you have heard, you have listened with a heart that wanted to know the truth. You believed, and when you believed, you were given the Holy Spirit to teach you all truth, and to guide you into all the things that Jesus not only did while He walked the earth, but is still doing today, seated at the right hand of the Father. So your heart knows Jesus is alive! You know from history that He was crucified! You also know that there are still many in the crowd who will argue the case. They will do so because they do not believe. But you believe! And what you have experienced, you should be able to share with others who are still out there waiting to hear the truth. Their time of listening was not present for a while, but God may be pulling at their heart right now preparing it for the message of the witness, the testimony that will come from your lips and your heart. Stay the course, the job is not finished. When you see people still hurting, that is a person who needs to hear once again how much Jesus loves them. You don’t have to have all the answers, just the willingness to share what Jesus has done in your life – your testimony. Thanksgiving is a time when we will meet with family and friends over the dinner table. Some of those might not know Jesus, or might not believe, and just what if, this year, Jesus has brought them to the table for such a time as this, to hear the wonderful message of truth and salvation from one who has witnessed Jesus in their life. You don’t have to teach them, just show them, and have a very blessed day of Thanksgiving. Pastor Andy
Barnabas Man 